GREEN
WHAT „GREEN“ MEANS TO US
Our history
Admittedly, we were not always green. We first had to experience climate change problems to understand them as a serious challenge of our time.
However, the programmatic core of our company has remained the same throughout the years.
We are on a path of continous improvement.
The feeling "This should work better" led to the foundation of Chrestos in 2006.
Many things have changed since then, but not our desire for innovation, or our commitment to constantly improve and develop services, processes, and working and living conditions.
Continuous improvement is our path. We advance with confidence, curiosity and anticipation, knowing this path is green.
Learn more about Chrestos.
Our mission statement
We want people to live climate-neutrally and keep our planet habitable.
A lofty goal? That's right.
Too high a goal? We don't think so.
Can we contribute significantly to this goal? Absolutely.
Gain insight into our strategy and how we make an impact here.
Green mobility
It's simple. As a means of transportation, runinng and cycling are healthy and climate-neutral activities. Taking the train is better than driving a car. Flying has the worst carbon footprint.
We have been promoting cycling for over ten years. RC Musketier
Our office in Essen has been very well-connected to the Radschnellweg Ruhr (RS 1) since 2021. Through cooperation with our landlord, we have extended parking facilities for bikes and thus created the opportunity to replace car with bike kilometers.
"Good advice is expensive," says a proverb - unfortunately, so is a good bike. To prevent this from becoming an obstacle, we offer all employees a company bicycle free of charge. We lease these bikes through Jobrad GmbH from Freiburg, a beacon company of the green economy. This opportunity is well-received by employees, with E-Bikes being in especially high demand.
To leave cars at home when possible, or even do away with them altogether, we offer tickets for public transport in addition to a company bike.
Green education
The Corona pandemic forced us all to take important first steps toward climate-neutral education. We see this as an opportunity to move forward. Training providers have switched from on-site training to online training. Since then, there has been an increase in both the quality of training and appreciation for these formats.
We thrive on sharing knowledge. We, too, have had to adapt since the pandemic began and have developed a working model that enables virtual communication.
Education and knowledge transfer are essential to our work. Education is the prerequisite for people to lead self-determined lives and understand and change the causes of climate change.
With the help of the Reiner Meutsch Foundation FLY & HELP and the project partner Kaokoland e.V., we built an elementary school in Otjisoko (Namibia) in 2021. The school started operations in January 2022 and now offers 120 Himba children a place that provides safety and education.
The Chrestos Primary School was so well received that by the end of 2022 there was already a great need for further expansion. We have expanded the current atrium building by adding a building with two additional classrooms, additional sanitary facilities, and accommodation for teachers. The new rooms have been ready for use since the start of 2023 and offer the children and teachers a new home for learning.
Green office
Saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions are important at all levels. We have started to reduce electricity consumption in our office by switching to a green electricity provider and replacing light bulbs with LED.
We also provide fruits and vegetables for healthy and delicious snacks from a local supplier of regional and organic products.
All of us at Chrestos act sustainably. The app Sustayn, provides us with new ideas and incentives for sustainability. It provides a focus topic for several weeks. During this time, we at Chrestos increase our knowledge on this topic, implement or initiate sustainable actions, and exchange ideas – all to bring about long-term changes in behavior.
Transparency
We are going our green way and want to include as many people as possible. Therefore, we are transparent about our steps and our goals. We are open to constructive comments and criticism and invite others to embark on the path to greater sustainability. We look forward to an exchange of ideas.
Here is an overview of our completed and ongoing projects over the past three years:
| Project | Description | Start | End | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charging infrastructure for e-cars |
Installation of wall boxes in our parking lots and supply with green electricity from a provider listed at Utopia.de. |
11-2020 | 04-2021 | completed |
| Company bike |
All employees should be able to obtain a company bicycle to shift as many car kilometers as possible to the bicycle. The bicycle can also be used privately. |
11-2020 | 03-2022 | completed |
| Abolition of internal combustion engines in company cars |
The company car fleet is to be converted entirely to electric vehicles, fuel cell cars, or externally rechargeable hybrid electric vehicles as defined by the Electromobility Act. It was decided on 05/2022 that no more hybrid electric vehicles would be permitted. |
12-2020 | 09-2023 | completed |
| Fund savings |
Employees can invest up to 100€ per month in sustainable funds of GLS Bank through their salary. Chrestos will subsidize the investment in the same amount. The aim is to motivate employees to make additional financial provisions and, at the same time to create interest in sustainable financial services. |
01-2021 | 02-2021 | completed |
| More sustainable cell phones |
Instead of new Apple devices which we normally used, devices from the Dutch company Fairphone or refurbished iPhones will be purchased. This helps us to save valuable resources and reduce emissions. Only defective devices will be replaced; the complete changeover is projected to take five years. |
01-2021 | 03-2024 | completed |
| Code of Conduct for service providers |
With a code of conduct, we want to agree with our service providers and suppliers on compliance with the law, fair business conduct, and environmental protection. The code is discussed with the service providers and signed by authorized persons. All current service and future providers must confirm compliance with the code. This is a prerequisite for entering into a business relationship with Chrestos. |
02-2021 | 03-2021 | completed |
| Reduce energy consumption |
As part of the need for a new kitchenette, the two old refrigerators are also to be replaced with new refrigerators that are as energy efficient as possible. A Quooker tap should also be installed to use less water and energy. |
02-2021 | 06-2021 | completed |
| Joining the UN Global Compact (UNGC) |
By joining the UNGC, we are documenting our commitment to human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption – particularly to the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. |
05-2021 | 08-2021 | completed |
| Conversion to green electricity |
In consultation with the landlord and all other tenants in the building, the electricity tariff will be switched to green electricity. |
06-2021 | 01-2022 | completed |
| Construction of the Chrestos Primary School |
In Otjisoko (Namibia), with the help of Reiner Meutsch Stiftung FLY & HELP and our project partner Kaokoloand e.V. we are building the Chrestos Primary School as an atrium with three classrooms, a kitchenette, a covered dining area, two bedrooms with a total of 24 beds, a supervisor's room and a sanitary unit with toilets and a shower. |
07-2021 | 01-2022 | completed |
| Sustainable procurement guideline | With a Sustainable Procurement Policy, we aim to direct the capital we need for procurement into products, services, and companies that are as sustainable as possible. | 09-2021 | 11-2021 | completed |
| Solar system for Chrestos Primary School | Equipping the Chrestos Primary School with a solar system, battery storage, electric light and a refrigerator | 12-2021 | 03-2022 | completed |
| E-Signature |
The introduction of electronic signatures is an essential step to a paperless office. In this way, we reduce the consumption of paper, toner, and energy. |
01-2022 | 06-2022 | completed |
| Reduction of electricity consumption |
A large part of the office lighting had already been converted to LED; in this project, the quota is to be increased to 100%. |
04-2022 | 08-2022 | completed |
| Sustainable banking |
After Chrestos Concept GmbH & Co. KG, the general partner Chrestos Concept Verwaltungs GmbH has also been switched to a bank account with a sustainable bank (GLS Bank). Accounts with other banks that are no longer needed are to be closed by the end of the year. |
05-2022 | 07-2023 | completed |
| Phase-out of hybrid electric vehicles | Due to improved availability of purely electric vehicles, we have also excluded hybrid electric vehicles as company cars after cars with combustion engines. Transport must be freed from the consumption of fossil fuels as soon as possible. | 05-2022 | 12-2024 | ongoing |
| Climate positive mobile communication | Our previous mobile provider uses green electricity only and has announced that it will be climate neutral by 2040. For a faster improvement we’ve decided to switch to WEtell, a provider that is already climate-friendly, e.g. by building solar systems and supporting climate projects. | 07-2022 | 04-2024 | completed |
| Green Hygiene: Ecological hand soap | Until now, we have been using liquid soap in commercially available (small) packages. In order to avoid packaging waste and to be able to use soaps with an eco-certificate, we are switching to products / systems from Sonett, the winner of the German Sustainability Award 2022. | 07-2022 | 09-2022 | completed |
| Green Hygiene: Ecological paper towels | As for our paper towels, we are switching to products from the "Green Hygiene" product line. They are plastic-free, made from 100% recycled waste paper and CO2-neutral. | 07-2022 | 10-2022 | completed |
| CO2-neutral WebSite | By participating in the climate initiative "CO2 neutral websites" we are reducing the CO2 emissions induced by the WebSite itself and the visiting users. Our current certification is linked at the bottom of this page. | 09-2022 | 09-2022 | completed |
| Secure + green search engines |
Google queries consume much electricity, therefore Google has set out to be CO2-neutral by 2030. We’ve therefore decided to switch to Ecosia (climate positive CO2 footprint), Gexsi (supports the UN Sustainability Development Goals) and Qwant (uses clean power, high data protection). |
10-2022 | 11-2022 | completed |
| Expansion of Chrestos Primary School | Expansion of the Chrestos Primary School with a separate building with two more classrooms, an additional sanitary unit including additional toilets and showers, as well as accommodation for teachers | 10-2022 | 02-2023 | completed |
| Bike station | Installation of a service station with tools and repair material as well as a charging station for pedelec batteries. | 12-2022 | 02-2023 | completed |
| Reduce hardware requirements (BYOD) | IT equipment has a large impact on our corporate emissions. This is why we have set up a Bring-Your-Own-Device scheme that encourages employees to use their own mobile phones instead of company phones. Decreasing the need for new company phones means saving hundreds of kilograms of CO2 and valuable resources – each year. | 01-2023 | 03-2023 | completed |
| Organic waste garbage can | Placement of a bio garbage can for separate disposal of biological degradable waste materials. | 02-2023 | 02-2023 | completed |
| Reduce consumption of paper towels | We have installed Dyson hand dryers in an effort to further cut down on waste and associated emissions from paper hand towels. Because they do not actively heat the air, the Dyson hand dryers use significantly less energy than conventional dryers. By switching to low-waste alternatives wherever possible, we will be reducing our environmental impact in the long-run. | 02-2023 | 11-2023 | completed |
| Switching to refurbished MacBooks | Some emissions are inevitable as of now, such as those embedded in the laptops that we use. But that does not mean that there is no way to reduce these emissions. By switching from brand-new devices to refurbished models, we significantly reduce the carbon footprint and the environmental impact of our IT hardware. | 05-2023 | 11-2023 | completed |
| GHG Report | Improving our impact on the climate and the environment begins with understanding where we stand today. To identify reduction potentials across our value chain, we have conducted our first-ever corporate carbon footprint analysis. This now serves as a blueprint for our forthcoming emissions reduction strategy. | 07-2023 | 11-2023 | completed |
| Discount for sustainability | The prices of our services will be subject to a sustainability discount scale from 2024. This rewards our customers' efforts to reduce their own carbon footprint. | 07-2023 | 12-2023 | completed |
| Discontinuation of company cars | During the first calculation of our carbon footprint, it became clear that simply switching to fully electric cars would not be good enough, so we are phasing out company cars completely. | 11-2023 | 08-2028 | ongoing |
| SBTi-approval of our corporate climate target | In order to implement our sustainability efforts and make them measurable, we have had our ambitious net zero strategy for 2035 and our short-term targets for 2030 (in compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement) reviewed and approved by the Science Based Target Initiative. | 12-2023 | 03-2024 | completed |
| Second expansion of Chrestos Primary School | Second expansion of the Chrestos Primary School to include a separate kitchen building with its own dining room/lounge room. This is intended to relieve the small atrium kitchen and use the previous dining area as an additional, airy classroom. | 12-2023 | 05-2024 | completed |
| Refurbished screens | Instead of new screens, only refurbished screens will be purchased. This saves resources and strengthens the circular economy. | 01-2024 | 06-2024 | completed |
| Vegetarian food at Chrestos events | Eating less meat is a good way to save CO2 on an individual level. | 03-2024 | 03-2024 | completed |
Sustainability report
We are on the way to a greener future. Our annual sustainability report shows where we stand today. Current and previous reports are available below for download in PDF format.
- Sustainability report 2022 (german)
- Sustainability report 2021 (german)
- Sustainability report 2020 (german)
We have supported the United Nations Global Compact since 2021. You will find our progress reports here in the future.
Audits
We pursue ambitious goals. That's why it's crucial to be independently audited and evaluated. This overview shows the audits of the past three years.
Quality audits
| Date | Type | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 10-2020 | Internal audit by external provider - QMS | No deviations, only hints |
| 02-2021 | Privacy Report for 2019/2020 | 80% of warranty targets achieved |
| 05-2021 | Customer audit - QMS and IT | Passed |
| 08-2021 | Customer audit - QMS | Passed |
| 11-2021 | Customer audit - QMS and IT | Passed |
| 11-2021 | Customer audit - IT and data protection | Passed |
| 06-2022 | Internal audit | Introduction of Integrated Management System (IMS) for quality, IT, and compliance |
| 09-2022 | External audit - IMS | Passed |
| 11-2022 | Customer audit - IMS | Passed |
| 01-2023 | Privacy Report for 2021/2022 | 74% of warranty targets achieved |
| 06-2023 | Internal audit - project management, quality management, archiving | Minor deviations and remarks |
| 06-2024 | Customer audit - IMS | Passed |
Sustainability audits
| Ecovadis 06/2024
(81/100 Points, 99th percentile platinum medal) |
| Ecovadis 03/2023
(76/100 Points, 98th percentile gold medal) |
| Ecovadis 02/2022
(73/100 Points, 98th percentile gold medal) |
| Ecovadis 01/2021
(64/100 Points, 92nd percentile, silver medal) |
| Ecovadis 12/2019
(63/100 Points, 91st percentile, gold medal) |
| Ecovadis 11/2015
(63/100 Points, 96th percentile, gold medal) |
IT audits
| Type | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Offsite Pentest & Webapplikations-Check |
Execution of an "offsite pentest" by a company specialized in cyber security, which attempted to penetrate Chrestos' IT from the outside. The security standard of the systems were documented, and recommendations for hardening systems were derived |
07-2021 |
| Phishing campaign | Repeated attempt to get staff to divulge information through phishing emails - followed by staff awareness-raising | 09-2021 |
| Quick Check Information Security |
Workshop with a company specializing in cyber security to identify the maturity level of information security, determine deficits, and derive recommendations. In addition, the performance of an onsite pentest, i.e., simulation of an attack from the inside. |
09-2021 |
| Vulnerability-Scan | Standardized vulnerability scan and external execution - with the goal to regularly perform the vulnerability scans internally in the future. | 11-2021 |
| Re-Test | External verification and acceptance of the closure of security vulnerabilities | 12-2021 |
| IT Safety Inspection | Assessment of the security level of the IT infrastructure by an external company: penetration tests from BSI, OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities for web applications, including port and vulnerability scans. | 08-2022 |
| Phishing campaign | Attempt to get staff to divulge information through phishing emails - followed by staff awareness-raising and introduction of accompanying technical measures | 09-2023 |
