Our DNK sustainability statement – responsibility with impact

For the first time, Kaltwasser Kommunikation reports according to the standards of the German Sustainability Code (DNK) to document its progress in sustainability strategy for 2023. At the core of the DNK statement are ambitious goals and measures in the areas of strategy, process management, environment, and society. This demonstrates the agency's commitment not only to transparency but also to actively contributing to sustainable transformation.

Why the DNK is an Important Step

The decision to adopt the DNK underscores how deeply sustainability is strategically embedded within the company. Sustainability became a core topic of the corporate strategy back in 2019. The new report builds on previous activities and will be updated every two years to document progress.

Managing Director Andreas Schauerte explains:
“Our new sustainability strategy is based on a comprehensive development process. Materiality and stakeholder analyses were particularly helpful, providing us with clear goals and measures.”

Strategic Goals and Measures

Kaltwasser Kommunikation focuses on four key areas:

• Strategy: Actively shaping future topics such as circular economy, energy, mobility, and sustainable construction.
• Process Management: Engaging stakeholders more deeply through analyses and surveys.
• Environment: Conserving resources and reducing emissions both operationally and through employee awareness initiatives.
• Society: Promoting work-life balance and strengthening physical and mental health.

Focus on Five SDGs as Strategic Guiding Principles

The agency aligns itself with five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations to leverage its potential for sustainable development:

• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Promoting sustainable technologies and infrastructures.
• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Strengthening corporate culture and innovation.
• Quality Education (SDG 4): Employee qualification.
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): Reducing resource consumption.
• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Supporting forward-looking projects.

Sustainability as a Long-Term Commitment

With the DNK statement for 2023, Kaltwasser Kommunikation sets a strong example for transparency, strategic development, and social responsibility. The German Sustainability Code is a voluntary standard for sustainability reporting. Its criteria cover many requirements of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and are based on internationally recognized standards such as GRI.

Reporting Obligations Starting in 2025: What Companies Should Know

As demands increase with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), sustainability reporting becomes a strategic success factor. Kaltwasser Kommunikation demonstrates how companies can not only meet regulatory requirements with a structured and transparent approach but also actively contribute to transformation.

From 2025, the reporting obligation will apply to companies with:

• Over 250 employees
• A balance sheet total exceeding €25 million
• Or a turnover of more than €50 million for the 2024 fiscal year.

SMEs Must Prepare Too

Listed SMEs will need to report by 2027 for the 2026 fiscal year. The EU is currently developing a voluntary reporting standard for other SMEs (VSME: Voluntary Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Standard).

Start Early

Companies starting now can prepare at their own pace, raise employee awareness, and firmly embed sustainability within their organization.

Learn More: Sustainability Communication
The full report by Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitskodex