Sustainability management

Our corporate responsibility for sustainable development is an integral part of our corporate strategy. Therefore OSRAM, as one of the first lamp manufacturers, has set up a dedicated corporate function: “Sustainability”.

“Developing more efficient lighting products has always been part of the DNA of OSRAM. Setting our focus on the research and development of energy-efficient light sources while taking a proactive role in phasing out inefficient incandescent lamps is a logical extension of this spirit. Taking this responsibility seriously benefits society and the environment while ensuring profitable growth for OSRAM and its customers – a true triple win situation.”

Wolfgang Gregor, OSRAM Chief Sustainability Officer

The corporate function “Sustainability”

OSRAM implements its sustainability strategy through the corporate function “Sustainability”. This function is led by the Chief Sustainability Officer and has global responsibility. The Chief Sustainability Officer reports directly to the Chairman of the Managing Board and is above that in constant interaction with all other organizational units. This way OSRAM ensures the implementation of sustainability aspects into all company levels and its underlying activities. The main functions of “Sustainability” are:

Sustainability lifecycle:
The sustainability lifecycle attends to all processes within OSRAM and assures that sustainability is considered in all relevant topics. The research and development departments are of special importance because it is here that the basis for our energy-saving products is created. Hence, a constant interaction and communication between “Sustainability” and the individual departments is maintained.
Sustainable projects:
OSRAM has started important projects which concentrate on sustainable development addressing the triple bottom line through environmentally compatible and affordable light. Outstanding examples are the Off-Grid Lighting project in Kenya and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in India.
Stakeholder engagement:
A very essential part of sustainable development is the dialogue with different stakeholders. We put great emphasis on a comprehensible and transparent communication. An important example is non-financial reporting, which complies with the G3 principles of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the principles of the UN Global Compact.
Recycling and WEEE administration:
OSRAM has long recognized the importance of recycling and has initiated numerous international projects. Together with other lamp manufacturers, we have set up Collection and Recycling Service Organizations (CRSOs) in many countries in Europe in fulfillment of the European directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The sustainability function administers these organizations and promotes the development of a worldwide recycling system.
Government affairs:
Due to increased public attention to the environmental impact of lighting, the market is changing rapidly. As a leader in innovative lighting solutions, OSRAM actively supports governments and international institutions to foster global alignment and address regional needs.

The Sustainability Council

The Sustainability Council consists of the managers of all relevant OSRAM functions. Its aim is the regular exchange of information, the development of initiatives and the discussion of strategies to further implement our sustainability goals. By this means, OSRAM realizes a corporate-wide integration of sustainability and a constant monitoring of its achievements.