Sustainability and responsibility in the supply chain

As a major industrial enterprise, we are very conscious of our responsibility for the environment and society. For Audi, the concept of being consistently sustainable means focusing holistically on environmentally friendly processes and social working conditions. Our globally interlinked supply chain plays a key role here.

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

We take responsibility for the footprint that we leave in and through our supply chain. It is our goal to ensure that the company avoids a negative impact and generates a positive one wherever possible.

Marco Philippi, Head of Procurement Strategy

The most important pillars of our sustainability efforts in the supply chain

Environment

Environment

We develop standards that ensure environmental measures in the supply chain are adhered to across the board.

 

People

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

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 goal is to lay the foundation for enhanced sustainability and responsibility in a spirit of partnership together with our suppliers.

Johanna Klewitz, Head of Supply Chain Sustainability

Stronger together

Stronger together

We believe in a sustainable future. Long-term relationships with our suppliers are essential for this. That is why we support our business partners not only through training on the S-Rating, but also with a variety of workshops on the topic of sustainability.

Read more
Commitment is an act

Commitment is an act

Taking a holistic view of sustainability means keeping an eye on both, the smallest of details and the big picture. This is underpinned by working together on initiatives as well as clearly worded requirements for our partners and overarching standards.

Read more
A concept for greater sustainability in the supply chain

Diversity

A concept for greater sustainability in the supply chain

Audi sees a diverse supply chain as an opportunity to effect positive transformation in society and long-term success.

Read more

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.

Close

Audi worldwide

Models, products and services – switch to your country / sales region website and discover the regional diversity of Audi.

    Close

    Close

    You are using an unsupported browser to access this website. To get the best User-Experience while visiting the website, please use the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge.

    Thank you very much for your visit.
    Your Audi Team

    The international Audi website

    Discover Audi as a brand, company and employer on our international website. Experience our vision of mobility and let yourself be inspired.

    Audi of America: models, products and services

    Explore the full lineup of SUVs, sedans, e-tron models & more. Build your own, search inventory and explore current special offers.

    Switch to audiusa.com

    Error report

    The feedback form is currently unavailable.
    Please try again later.

    You may deactivate your ad blocker to view the feedback form.