Part 1, "Sustainability puts people into the spotlight": a conversation with Sustainability Manager Dr. Sascha Schneiderwind
Since June 2022, Dr. Sascha Schneiderwind has been responsible for sustainability at Jagenberg Group. In this following first part of our two-part interview series, he talks about his first year at Jagenberg Group, the company-wide sustainability strategy, the first sustainability report and the group’s drive to make sustainability a group-wide topic.
Dr. Schneiderwind, Jagenberg Group’s first sustainability report has been published recently. How would you judge the process of creation?
Since I got to know Jagenberg Group for the first time I realized: There are quite a few of smart, ambitious heads working together, who are convinced of the importance of sustainability – even outside of work. Without their input, we would have never been able to finish this report. Originally, publishing the sustainability report was not on my agenda for this year. However, the immense support we experienced from companies globally ultimately made Dr. Witt and me realize that we could already publish an extensive report this year. Achieving this in 12 months, to the full extent whilst complying with established global standards as well as designing something creatively appealing at the same time, is a remarkable team effort and I am very happy about it! You can tell that we as a group take sustainability very serious and from now on, it is important to take measures for us to continue our solid sustainability strategy in the upcoming year.
“Achieving this in 12 months — to the full extent whilst complying with established global standards as well as designing something creatively appealing at the same time, is a remarkable team effort and I am very happy about it!”
Dr. Sascha Schneiderwind
Which measures are that?
When speaking about sustainability, this topic is a curse and a blessing at the same time: everyone has a different perception of what the perfect measures are. You would instantly think about conservation and emissions. One person may be a passionate cyclist, others might think about energy management or about air travel, but that is just one part of it. Sustainability includes social dimensions and company leadership as well. The environment portrays only one aspect next to topics that are being aimed directly at people: occupational safety and individual promotion, human rights, especially in international supply chains. Basically, for me, humans are always a central aspect because only humans can change something.
“Basically, for me, humans are always a central aspect because only humans can change something.”
Dr. Sascha Schneiderwind
How do you define the term “sustainability”?
There is a saying that sums it up perfectly for me: 'sustainability means prosperity and well-being on a healthy planet.' That includes equal opportunities, health, the environment, and social justice, now and in the future. Our report divides this into the topics of climate protection, resource awareness, attractive employer and responsible corporate governance. This way we cover all relevant aspects.
“Sustainability means prosperity and well-being on a healthy planet.”
Dr. Sascha Schneiderwind
You have been working as Jagenberg Group’s Sustainability Manager for a year now. How did you first get involved with sustainability?
In my heart I am a natural scientist. I have always been interested in scientific correlations and facts from different disciplines, which interact in my university course, geology, as well as in the topic of sustainability. Furthermore, as a father of two children, I am inevitably confronted with the issue of sustainability. After all, they depend on sustainability and being able to grow up in a world worth living in.
When I got the opportunity to do a sustainability-inventory for my old employer, I quickly realized: I am good at this and would love to reinforce this. This is how I ultimately got to build and lead a sustainability department.
Why the change to Jagenberg Group?
Jagenberg Group is a privately owned medium-sized company whereas my old employer was a big concern with 36,000 employees. My proposals and the strategic decisions, that we make as a group, have a direct impact on our CO2 balance. Like I said: Sustainability is done by and for humans. And here at Jagenberg Group, I am closer to the people.
In the second part of the Interview with Dr. Sascha Schneiderwind, you can read how the sustainability report has been received and how he would like to get all employees excited about the topic of sustainability.
