Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility: Compatibility, Integration, and Fair Work

Sustainability is a crucial competitive and locational factor for businesses. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) demonstrates how ecological responsibility, social standards, and economic performance can interact effectively. Whether it's climate protection and resource efficiency, responsible corporate governance, or fair working conditions: we bring the perspectives of the business community into political debates and highlight the reliable framework conditions that facilitate sustainable action.

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Metallröhren im Lager
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In Focus Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Sustainability Reporting: voluntary standard for SMEs

The EU has issued a recommendation for a voluntary VSME standard which aims to facilitate sustainability reporting and the response to data inquiries along the value chain for SMEs.

Holzstapel an einer Weggabelung im Wald
© Katja Ziegler
Impulse papers Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

The EU Regulation on Deforestation: What Companies Can Expect

Since the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was enacted in 2023, much has happened: By the end of 2025, implementation had already been postponed twice, and an amendment to the regulation was adopted. An overview.

Nachhaltigkeitsberichterstattung
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Surveys and figures Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

DIHK Environmental Barometer 2025: Businesses balancing environmental goals and competitive pressure

The scope of environmental policies for businesses has steadily expanded in recent years: A medium-sized company now has to comply with several hundred environmental regulations. What this means for companies is highlighted in the new DIHK Environmental Barometer.

Date of publication 09.12.2025
Rohstoffe Erzförderung
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In Focus Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Resilient Supply of Raw Materials: Strategies for the Future

Geopolitical tensions and export restrictions from supplier countries threaten Germany's raw material supply. It is now essential to strengthen international raw material partnerships, promote domestic mining, expand circular economy efforts, and establish innovative financing models.

DIHK-Veranstaltung Gebäudesektor
© DIHK / Nils Hasenau
Press release Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

DIHK Building Conference: "Diversity in the building sector requires flexible, open technology solutions"

The federal government must design the heating transition holistically and affordably.

Date of publication 28.05.2026
H2 Infrastruktur Symbolbild
© pcess609 / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Position paper Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Climate Neutrality 2045: Ten Key Points

The decarbonisation of the economy requires, among other things, adequate infrastructure and an appropriate legal framework. In its position paper "Climate Neutrality 2045", the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) plenary assembly outlined in September 2023 the conditions that need...

Date of publication 29.09.2023
SDGs
© Yuuki Mizoguchi / Getty Images / iStockphoto
Position paper Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Towards Sustainability with Business

The United Nations (UN) sustainability goals concern business, society and the environment equally. Highlighting the goals that are most relevant to businesses, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) demonstrates in a position paper from March 2022 how companies and policymakers can...

Date of publication 26.09.2022
Frau hält Tablet mit Kreislaufwirtschafts-Symbol
© Weedezign / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Impulse papers Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

What is crucial for a competitive circular economy in Europe

Reliable framework conditions, less bureaucracy, a functioning internal market for secondary raw materials, and more: In ten key principles, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) outlines how the 'Circular Economy Act' can strengthen Europe's circular economy without compromising...

Press release Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

DIHK Environmental Barometer: Companies demand less bureaucracy and reliable framework conditions

Environmental regulation weighs heavily on industry, construction, and trade

Date of publication 09.12.2025
EU-Wettbewerbskompass
© European Union 2025 / Dati Bendo
Position paper Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Shaping the Omnibus Regulation to be SME-friendly

The simplification package announced by the EU regarding due diligence and reporting obligations must bring concrete relief to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their daily operations, as called for by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mittelstand) in a...

Date of publication 13.02.2025
Entwaldung
© Brasil2 / E+ / Getty Images
In Focus Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

EU Deforestation Regulation: Postponement and Adjustments

To counteract worldwide forest destruction, the European Union has introduced a regulation aimed at preventing certain raw materials and their derivative products from entering the European market. The business sector expressly supports this goal, but considers the current design to be barely...

Press release Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Klimaschutz flexibler und internationaler ausrichten

The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry calls on policymakers in Berlin and Brussels to enable the economy to explore new ways of meeting global climate targets.

Date of publication 27.11.2025
Event Announcement Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Building Sector Awakening: Climate Neutral. Economical. Future-Oriented.

  • 28.05.2026
  • Haus der Deutschen Wirtschaft
    Breite Straße 29
    10178 Berlin
Zwei Männer und eine Frau stehen vor Boxen mit sortiertem Elektroschrott
© Maskot / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Surveys and figures Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Many businesses see opportunities in the circular economy

A transformation of German economy towards a “circular economy” is viewed by many businesses as beneficial for their own operations – but only under the right framework conditions. This is evident from a survey conducted by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).

Date of publication 19.06.2024
Kreislaufwirtschaft-Symbole auf Wiese
© Galeanu Mihai / iStock / Getty Images
In Focus Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Europe's Circular Economy Realigned — How Businesses Can Contribute

The European Commission is currently working on the "Circular Economy Act" (CEA) to realign and enhance the circular economy in Europe. A draft law has yet to be presented, giving businesses the chance to contribute their practical experiences to the design now.