Sustainability and responsibility in the supply chain
To us sustainability is about responsibility
The supply chain at Audi is subject to constant change and is also highly complex because of the large number of processing steps and materials involved. We interact with more than 14,000 direct suppliers from more than 60 countries. That adds up to a large responsibility, but at the same time it offers enormous potential to operate sustainably at critical positions. We take this duty seriously and work exclusively with partners who share our values. It is our conviction that our suppliers play a key role in our success when it comes to sustainability.
We interact with more than
14,000
Suppliers
60
Countries
The most important pillars of our sustainability efforts in the supply chain
Environment
We develop standards that ensure environmental measures in the supply chain are adhered to across the board.
People
We constantly work to improve working conditions for people, such as when we are dealing with critical raw materials in the supply chain.
Innovation
Through increased integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence or blockchain, we want to continuously improve traceability in our global, complex supply chains.
We strive to make a difference
The possibilities and starting points for acting sustainably in the supply chain are as multi-layered as the supplier structure. Thanks to the consistent electrification of our vehicles, it is here that the majority of CO₂ emissions arise. That is why it is essential for us as part of the Audi CO₂ program to improve the CO₂ balance sheet in the supply chain even before our vehicles embark on their first kilometers on the road. To do this, we are focusing at various points on green energy, CO₂-reduced aluminum and CO₂-reduced steel as well as recycling concepts, and the use of secondary materials. For example, using secondary aluminum enables energy savings of up to 95 percent compared with primary aluminum. Newly developed guidelines, which for example stipulate that only green energy is used by Audi partners, support our contract award processes and promote the use of renewable energy. In this way, we reduce negative impacts at the places where we cannot completely avoid them and generate positive effects everywhere that we can.
Listen and understand
Since 2019 the so-called sustainability rating (S-Rating) helps us to check the sustainability performance of our suppliers. Participation in the S-Rating is mandatory and a prerequisite for a mutual business relationship. The individual assessment tools of the S-Rating focus on sustainable action at the company’s sites. The evaluation in the S-Rating determines whether a site is eligible as a supplier or not. On a page set up specifically for this purpose, you will find further information on the S-Rating, on participation and on free training offers that will help you to go through the process and, if necessary, improve your results.
In 2022
more than
16,000
suppliers provided VW with information
252
on-site checks were carried out throughout the Group
Our vision for a sustainable future
The decisions we make today have a significant effect on our future. We work together with our partners to conserve natural resources, prevent environmental pollution, and take social responsibility. To meet these aspirations, we have defined numerous clear goals and measures that provide the framework for developing our company and our network of partners in a sustainable way and contribute to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (17 global goals for sustainable development) at the same time.
One of our key topics here is the integration of sustainability requirements into the supply of raw materials. We are primarily achieving this by implementing due diligence for critical raw materials in the supply chain with regard to upholding human rights (SDG 3, 8, 10, 12). Further, we are working on decarbonizing the supply chain together with our suppliers, for instance by rolling out the Aluminum Closed Loop or anchoring the use of green electricity in supplier agreements. Training for all employees in procurement and suppliers in order to raise awareness of sustainability standards in the supply chain also contributes to achieving this goal (SDG 8, 12, 13, 17), as does the use of innovative technologies for greater transparency (SDG 9, 12, 17).
Our purchasing volume as well as the large number of direct partnerships in our global network are essential levers for delivering a holistic sustainability strategy at our company.
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