Concern about environmental protection forms an integral part of Georg Fischer's corporate culture. Protection and conservation of natural resources has long been a key consideration for GF in the development of new products and manufacturing processes. Active environmental protection is a top priority, which is why overall responsibility for this area lies with the Executive Committee. Local environmental management officers control and monitor implementation at subsidiary level. Via a systematic environmental management policy, Georg Fischer aims to:

• actively and selectively improve its environmental performance;
• ensure compliance with the relevant laws and official policies;
• encourage further environmental measures that also make good economic sense;
• enhance the company's image and competitiveness in the eyes of customers and investors.

To this end:

• All the Corporation's production companies (interest of over 50 percent) have an environmental management system certified to ISO 14001. Newly founded companies or acquisitions are certified to ISO 14001 within three years.
• The Executive Committee formulates and reviews the Corporation's environmental goals.
• GF publishes a regular Sustainability Report.

Environmental goals for 2008-2009

• Environmental management: All production companies in which Georg Fischer holds an interest of over 50 percent are certified to ISO 14001 or EMAS. Newly founded companies or acquisitions are to be certified within three years.
• Energy-efficiency: Optimising the use of waste heat, the application of low-energy standards for new builds, and energy-saving measures at large GF sites.
• Suppliers: By end-2009, more than 80 percent of key suppliers will have a certified quality and environmental management system.