Our Sustainability Strategy

Our path to co₂ neutrality

Since 2022, we have been consistently pursuing the goal of reducing our CO₂ emissions and in 2025 achieved carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2. Through targeted measures, we have already reduced our emissions by 74% from 2021 to 2025 — an important milestone on our path toward a sustainable future.

• Purchase of Renewable Electricity:
  At some locations, we exclusively use certified renewable energy sources, which cover around 80% of our total electricity consumption.
   
• On-site Solar Power Generation:
  The installation of photovoltaic systems at our Wettenberg and Jena sites enables us to use self-generated solar electricity. Our new site in Schio is also equipped with a large-scale photovoltaic array, which covers a significant portion of energy needs, especially during the summer months.
   
• Heat Recovery:
  At our sites in Wettenberg, Jena and Italy, we employ innovative heat recovery systems that utilize waste heat from our production facilities.

Climate Protection Projects

Despite all efforts, not all emissions can be fully avoided. Therefore, we offset the remaining 110 tonnes of CO₂ emissions arising from our own activities through investments:

• Repair of Drinking Water Sources in Zambia: 
  As part of the project, wells are repaired in collaboration with local communities on-site to provide access to clean drinking water. A large proportion of people in the region depend on open water sources, which are often contaminated with pathogens. As a result, the water must be boiled over open fires before use, leading to both greenhouse gas emissions and the deforestation of biomass. By restoring and maintaining the often damaged and deteriorated wells, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced. The certificates are registered under the Gold Standard for the Global Goals of the Swiss Gold Standard Foundation.
   

Our Approaches to Resource Conservation

In addition to reducing emissions, we place great importance on responsible resource use. Our products and manufacturing processes are designed for resource and energy efficiency.

Our Use of Water
• Closed water circulation systems: Our production processes utilize water recycling in a closed-loop system.
• Water-saving solutions in semiconductors: Some of our equipment is fitted with integrated water tanks and filtration systems to minimize water consumption.

Optimizing Energy Efficiency
• Energy-efficient systems: Our products are developed to operate using energy efficiently.

Solutions for Material Savings
• Non-destructive material testing: Our inspection solutions enable precise, non-destructive analysis, reducing waste in manufacturing and conserving resources.

Sustainable Markets and Technologies

Digitalization
We respond to rapid technological progress and the rising demand for high-performance semiconductors. For example, we offer crystal growth equipment for making silicon carbide crystals, which are used in semiconductors for various advanced applications. With that, we have contributed for years to the development of high-tech chips for servers, IoT, and 5G.

Decarbonization
We develop innovative solutions for generating, storing, and converting green energy. Our technologies are used to manufacture heat exchanger components for waste heat recovery and the hydrogen industry, among other uses.

Mobility
We enable modern mobility solutions to make passenger and freight transport as efficient and sustainable as possible. For example, our furnace concepts facilitate the production of high-performance electronic devices needed for fast-charging electric vehicles.

Employee Satisfaction

We know that satisfied employees are more motivated, productive, and make a major contribution to the company’s success.

That’s why we do everything we can to create a positive, supportive work environment—with the aim of fostering long-term retention and low staff turnover. This creates the conditions for a productive, satisfied, and loyal workforce.

Career

ESG employee metrics

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

We stand for an open corporate culture in which diversity is actively valued and lived. Different perspectives and experiences promote exchange, creativity, and our company’s innovative strength. We actively ensure that discrimination has no place here—regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or any disability. Everyone should have fair opportunities and access to development. Our belief: Only equal opportunity and diversity foster a work environment that is successful, resilient, and fit for the future.

Number of employees by gender (headcount)

Corporate Governance

We are committed to a business environment free from corruption and bribery, and to upholding ethical standards in all areas. These principles are reflected in our company structure and daily interactions. A key part of our corporate culture is our Code of Conduct, which is binding for all PVA TePla Group employees and managers worldwide and is supported by regular training. In addition to adhering to national laws and internal policies, we observe the German Corporate Governance Code for responsible, transparent management. Detailed information and our compliance statement are available in the Investor Relations section.

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Compliance-Management

Legal compliance and ethical conduct are essential for PVA TePla to ensure long-term entrepreneurial success. Our compliance management system ensures lawful conduct in all areas and helps detect and prevent violations at an early stage. The system is based on the three-pillar model:

• Prevention: Training, policies, and clear processes prevent violations from occurring.
• Detection: Regular risk analysis and a whistleblower system for internal and external stakeholders.
• Response: If risks are identified, we adapt processes to achieve lasting improvements.

Both employees and external stakeholders can report suspected violations via various channels. Our anonymous whistleblower system enables safe, confidential reporting. Our aim is to prevent corruption, conflicts of interest, money laundering, and other compliance risks while ensuring a compliant and ethical work environment. Because of our preventative measures, we have so far successfully avoided compliance incidents—confirmed violations across the Group are zero.

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Human Rights

The PVA TePla Group is committed to responsible and human rights-compliant business practices—within our company and across our entire value chain. We categorically exclude child labor and forced labor, and we tolerate no discrimination, standing for equal opportunity. Any form of unequal treatment or denigration—on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion, worldview, disability, sexual orientation, or age—is contrary to our values and is strictly rejected. These principles are a binding part of our Code of Conduct, firmly anchored in our corporate culture globally.

Sustainability in the supply chain

Our supplier management is based on close, trusting cooperation, especially for highly specialized or technology-intensive components that are vital to our systems. Together with our suppliers, we continuously optimize and develop these components. New suppliers undergo a detailed approval process, which includes in-depth checks and on-site visits, especially for critical parts.

Every year, we hold strategic meetings with key suppliers to discuss quality, collaboration, and sustainability goals. Our procurement strategy aims to minimize transport distances and regionalize processes wherever possible. This reduces our ecological footprint and strengthens local supply networks.