At DEKRA, our commitment to sustainability extends both within our organization and to our clients. Through our 'Green Collars' we are passionately involved in developing and promoting sustainable solutions to meet environmental and climate objectives. Our experts – Dr. Zoe Rost, Jari Salo, and Moritz Harich – provided insights into how we achieve these goals.
Advancing Sustainability: Lifecycle Assessment and Climate Solutions
Three questions for Dr. Zoe Rost:
Dr. Zoe Rost
Team Leader Corporate Sustainability Services
DEKRA Assurance Services GmbH
Dr. Zoe Rost has been with DEKRA since 2009, focusing on sustainability since 2013. She studied economics in Konstanz and ecological agriculture in Stuttgart, and completed her PhD in corporate sustainability in St. Gallen.
1
What DEKRA sustainability service do you offer our customers?
We evaluate a company's entire sustainability lifecycle, starting with a status-quo analysis and strategy development. We then implement projects to enhance sustainability ratings and create compliant reports. Additionally, we provide climate protection services, including greenhouse gas calculations and decarbonization strategies.
2
Is there an example of a project where the change was particularly visible?
One notable project involved companies that, driven by new regulatory requirements, started writing sustainability reports for the first time. This often marked their initial deep engagement with sustainability, transforming it into a strategic priority and integrating it into their corporate philosophy and processes.
3
If you had to explain to an external person what you do, what would you say?
When companies want to care about more than just making money and start focusing on environmental and social issues, they realize there are many things to manage. For example: Are employees well-trained? Is everyone treated equally? How can we use fewer resources like water and energy? We help companies figure out which issues are most important for them and guide them on how to improve.
Fostering Sustainable, Safe, and Efficient Practices: DEKRA's Approach to Driving Change
Three questions for Jari Salo:
Jari Salo
VP, Head of Safety & Sustainability Services Nordic
DEKRA Assurance Services GmbH
Jari Salo has been with DEKRA in Sweden and North-West Europe for eight years, with prior senior roles in the energy sector. He practices sustainability personally through renewable energy, local food, and an electric car.
1
What DEKRA sustainability service do you offer our customers?
We help clients develop sustainable, safe, and efficient workplaces, processes, products, and organizations. Leveraging DEKRA’s global expertise, we support the transition to more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. Together, we drive meaningful change.
2
Is there an example of a project where the change was particularly visible?
One notable project involved extending the life of tramway rolling stock in Gothenburg. We significantly enhanced the lifespan of critical mechanical components, reducing costs for maintenance and energy while providing a sustainability benefit for the city and its residents.
3
How can DEKRA make an even greater contribution to sustainability?
By continuing to set ambitious sustainability targets internally and supporting more and more customers in improving their sustainability capacities and performance.
Bridging the Gap: Aligning Sustainability Services With Policy and Legislation
Three questions for Moritz Harich:
Moritz Harich
Senior Policy Officer, DEKRA Group Representative Office Berlin
DEKRA SE
Moritz Harich has been with DEKRA's Berlin office since 2021 and previously gained political experience during the 2020 Stuttgart mayoral campaign. He studied Political Science and Public Administration in Konstanz, Madrid, Princeton, and New Jersey. He joined DEKRA through an internship and values a sustainable lifestyle, commuting by bike or train in Berlin.
1
What DEKRA sustainability service do you offer our customers?
As a Senior Consultant at DEKRA's Berlin office, I bridge the gap between DEKRA and policymakers. I ensure that regulatory frameworks align with our sustainability services before delivery, collaborating closely with our Brussels team to influence European and national legislation. Internal networking with DEKRA experts is also crucial for effectively representing our organization and expertise in political forums.
2
Is there an example of a project where the change was particularly visible?
We successfully positioned DEKRA in the Strategy Forum for Standardization, which advises the German government on AI and sustainability standards. Since February 2023, DEKRA experts have been shaping discussions on hydrogen and circular economy, ensuring DEKRA's interests are represented from the start.
3
Which sustainability services should DEKRA definitely include in the portfolio?
We should definitely consider adding services that support a circular economy and directly benefit consumers. For instance, certification services for digital product passports, which will be mandatory across the EU from 2026, offer significant potential. DEKRA is already involved as a partner in the German Battery Passport Consortium, aiding the implementation of these passports in Germany and Europe.
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