As the largest private company in the Czech Republic, ŠKODA AUTO has a special obligation to its stakeholders to set standards in the area of sustainability as well as in the areas of good corporate governance and social commitment.
CO2-neutral energy in vehicle and component production in the Czech plants by the end of the decade The car manufacturer defines its ambitious sustainability goals as part of its "Green Future" strategy. It is based on the three pillars of "Green Factory," "Green Product," and "Green Retail," and aims to minimize the environmental footprint of the company's operations. For example, since the beginning of 2020, ŠKODA AUTO has already been recycling or thermally treating all waste that can be disposed of in landfills and is generated in the course of the production process. Furthermore, the automaker is taking the necessary steps to switch completely to CO2-neutral energy in vehicle and component production at its Czech sites over the course of the decade: The high-tech site in Vrchlabí has been leading the way since the end of 2020. As another measure, the company will switch from natural gas to CO2-neutral methane from biogas plants by the end of 2021. To efficiently reduce its environmental impact along the entire value chain, ŠKODA AUTO also uses technologies from Industry 4.0: The AI app OPTIKON determines, for example, the optimal placement of pallets in freight containers and in this way enabled savings of 505 container transports and around 180 tons of CO2 emissions in 2020 alone.
Long-term community engagement and multi-faceted initiatives for lasting change For ŠKODA AUTO, the active assumption of social responsibility is an elementary component of its sustainability strategy. For example, the automaker promotes numerous measures for long-term and sustainable regional development in the vicinity of its production sites, especially in the areas of social welfare, healthcare and environmental protection. In the area of social responsibility, the Czech automaker focuses on four areas: Road safety, technical training, barrier-free mobility and care for disadvantaged children.
Extensive support for relief services and medical personnel in the COVID 19 pandemic In the company's home country, the Czech Republic, social commitment last year was primarily focused on providing fast and unbureaucratic help against the further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the car manufacturer provided more than 200 vehicles on its car-sharing platform "HoppyGo" and 150 electric scooters for employees of aid organizations and medical personnel via the eScooter sharing service "BeRider. In addition, as the largest mobility partner of social services, ŠKODA AUTO donated. Institutions in the Czech health care system, donated 100 ŠKODA OCTAVIAs worth 85 million Czech crowns to various aid organizations. The company also supported the development. Implementation of a 3D printing process for the production of FFP3 respirators. In addition, ŠKODA AUTO provided financial assistance, for example enabling the purchase of laptops with an Internet connection for children from families in need, so that they could take part in distance learning courses.
CSR initiative "One car one tree" has supported reforestation in the Czech Republic since 2007 The long-term "One Car, One Tree" initiative underscores the versatility of the CSR projects supported by ŠKODA AUTO: It promotes reforestation in the Czech Republic. The company has been planting a tree for each of its vehicles delivered there since as early as 2007. By the end of 2020, these trees covered the equivalent of 210 hectares or almost 295 soccer pitches.
Top rankings and awards for social commitment ŠKODA AUTO recently received top ratings for its commitment to corporate social responsibility : In the CSR& Reputation Research study conducted by the market research company IPSOS, the car manufacturer achieved first place in both 2019 and 2020. In addition, in 2019, the automaker became the first company ever to receive the "Responsible Foreign Investor Award". It is awarded to companies that have external capital and make a significant contribution to the development of the Czech economy through their investments.
Sustainability report meets international standard of the Global Reporting Initiative
ŠKODA AUTO has been providing regular information on its activities in the area of good corporate governance every two years since 2005. The company has now presented its eighth sustainability report. It complies with the GRI Standard Core Option of the Global Reporting Initiative. Complies with international guidelines on transparent reporting.