Sustainability
Sustainability has recently become a more and more important driver in the capital markets. Investors and analysts are increasingly including environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects in their investment recommendations and decisions. Evotec's non-financial performance is already analyzed by various rating agencies (including ecovadis, ISS, MSCI and Sustainalytics).
In the field of ESG, we are currently focusing on the following topics:
- Re-Assessing our Corporate Carbon Footprint in line with the GHG Protocol in order to fulfil our commitment to set climate targets aligned with the 1.5°C goal of the Science-based Target initiative (SBTi)
- Implementation of a data-driven and web-based ESG data tool
- Strengthen our communication on progress with our stakeholders
- Implementation of sustainability aspects throughout our Company with a strong focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) in particular
Our Approach
Disruptive technologies and efficient processes help us to develop more precise, accessible and affordable therapies for uncured diseases, underserved patients and a vast number of people who have no access to modern and affordable medicine today. This is our greatest contribution to the global community. Thus, sustainability is the underlying principle guiding our business. We define sustainability as a concept that is composed of the three dimensions Environment, Social and Governance. For this reason, we use the terms ESG and sustainability synonymously.
#researchneverstops – this truth will not change until effective treatments and cures have been found for every last one of more than 3,300 diseases that are undruggable today. A large number of stakeholders are united under this purpose. Each of these stakeholders defines its focus on different material topics. As Evotec, we aim to satisfy and unite these interests. In order to guarantee target-oriented control, we orient ourselves on sustainability-related KPIs. The foundation for the success of our mission is our corporate culture and values, our people, responsible corporate governance and the use of innovative technologies.
Internal Structure
At Evotec, the responsibility for the implementation of sustainability activities and standards across the group lies with the Executive Team, led by the Chief Executive Officer. Achieving ESG related goals is part of short- and long-term incentive plans. While commitment of management is key, success will depend on anchoring sustainability in our corporate culture and establishing responsibilities within the organization.
Evotec created the department Global ESG and its supervising function Head of Global ESG in 2020, which reports directly to the CEO. Three committees were initiated to drive the sustainability strategy throughout the organization - from the management level to each individual at our sites.
