Corporate responsibility has been an integral part of nicos' corporate strategy since mid-2020. Our aim is to continuously live up to our responsibility towards the environment, people and society.

In this article, we report on measures that have already been implemented and provide an outlook on what is to come in the future.

EMPLOYEES

One key to the success of our sustainability efforts is the involvement of our employees.

We have drawn up an action plan that takes into account ideas and suggestions from the workforce to ensure that all voices are heard. In addition, we hold training and information events for all employees and new recruits to raise awareness of the important issue of sustainability. Our new offices have been sustainably furnished and are centrally located.

With the help of the Sustayn app, we have created an internal platform that combines sustainability information, gaming and co-determination. We also offer job bikes and, together with Sustayn, have launched a mobility challenge in which people deliberately chose not to travel by car. The kilometers saved were counted and there were great prizes.

The sustainability aspect is also taken into account at our events, such as summer and winter festivals, as well as in our Easter and Christmas gifts.

We also promote the health and well-being of our employees through various sports activities. Our in-house yoga room and the many seating alternatives also encourage more movement in everyday life. After a sweat-inducing workout or sprint during the lunch break, our shower can be used. 

We have improved our organization and processes to enable valuable cooperation. Transparency is very important to us, which is why we have introduced monthly town hall meetings in which managers and employees provide information and openly discuss a wide range of topics.

We also take part in sustainable local campaigns such as the City Cycle in Münster. Many other internally managed campaigns such as the "BrainFoodKino" on the topic of sugar, our "on land, on water and in the air" series, in which employees take part in thematically appropriate outdoor events, or "Gartenfreunde", in which we organize smaller exchange and discussion rounds from sowing and care to tasting, are also well attended.

In the future, we would like to implement additional helpful and sustainable measures in our building in addition to other great campaigns. This includes the prompt provision of disinfectants, fragrances and hygiene products in the toilets. 

As part of a family Halloween event, we have planned a second-hand clothes traffic circle and a talk on fair fashion for 2023.

Since 2022, we have offered an individual, sustainably invested company pension scheme for all employees at the end of their probationary period.

ENVIRONMENT

To replace plastic water bottles, nicos AG installed BRITA water systems in every kitchen, which dispense freshly filtered water at the touch of a button, either still, sparkling or, in some kitchens, even hot. The glass carafes and matching sustainably produced felt sleeve in nicos design are quick and easy to transport and can be enjoyed in our glasses made from recycled glass. Our coffee, sugar and tea naturally come from fair trade sources and are certified organic. We offer regional, seasonal and organic fruit and vegetables wherever possible and have introduced oat milk as a sustainable alternative to cow's milk in all our kitchens.

The purchase of consumables is certified as sustainable, for example through the use of paper with the "Blue Angel" label and organic cleaning agents, which we obtain from memo.de. Our advertising materials are also produced completely sustainably.

In order to make our employees' mobility as sustainable as possible, we have installed 3 wall boxes in the parking garage in addition to the job bike and offer managers the BahnCard 100 as an alternative to the company car.

Since January 1, 2021, we have been sourcing green electricity from 100% renewable energy sources and hosting our websites in a climate-neutral way. Instead of buying new, we have always relied on repairing and upcycling our technical devices.

Before our move back to Münster in May 2022, we had built and planted raised beds to promote awareness of sustainable nutrition and to use the herbs for making tea, among other things; these are currently being planned and built again in the new building. Our terrace is also being planted to create a pleasant atmosphere and make a contribution to the environment.

We are also planning to introduce an environmental management system that includes key figures on energy, CO₂ and other relevant aspects. We will define targets for reduction or compensation.

With the upcoming "Save the Planet by Deleting Unnecessary Emails" campaign, initiated by our subsidiary woyn, we want to reduce the data waste in our employees' email inboxes. In addition, we would like to offer a carpooling service in the future to promote the shared use of vehicles and reduce CO₂ emissions. We are already in contact with the City of Münster about this.

SOCIETY

By donating around 30,000 euros to organizations such as "Die Tafel" and "Der weiße Ring", as well as to schools, children's hospices, disaster areas and moors, we are also committed to society as a responsible company.

We have also prepared our first Sustainability Report 2021 based on 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In addition, nicos AG has drawn up both an internal niCodex (Code of Conduct) and an international Code of Conduct, which is intended to regulate our business relationships and supply chain sustainably and fairly, and has already communicated these to some of our suppliers. We are in the process of rolling this out to our numerous suppliers and business partners.

We have also made contact with regional politicians and other companies. By joining future e.V. 2021, we have networked with other companies that, like us, are committed to sustainable business practices. An informative presentation by the VAUDE Academy further sensitized and trained our managers. Our own online presentation on the topic of "Sustainability in the company" can be accessed here: Webinar: Sustainability as a success factor in (technical) companies

We are currently preparing our second sustainability report. We are preparing this in accordance with the criteria of the Economy for the Common Good (ECG), which go beyond the SDGs. We are also planning a blood donation campaign via the German Red Cross (DRK) across the company. As part of our "Coffee to know" event format, we are planning to focus on the next topic of "Sustainability in companies".

We know that nicos AG has made great progress in terms of sustainability since mid-2020 and has implemented numerous measures to live up to its responsibility towards the environment, people and society. From employee involvement, training and information events to sustainably designed offices and mobility options, environmentally friendly procurement practices and social commitment - nicos has already achieved a great deal. Nevertheless, we continue to strive for new innovative solutions to further advance our sustainability goals. Look forward to future projects and join us on our journey towards a sustainable future.

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