Miele has published the 2017 Sustainability Report and continues its effort towards the sustainability. Since 2000, the company has more than halved the electricity and water consumption of its appliances, and it has made consistent progress on issues such as corporate environmental protection. Besides, Miele tests its products to last up to 20 years, the spare parts are available for 15 years after the discontinuation of production, and the domestic washing machines contain up to 85% recyclable materials. “Responsible management – explains the company – starts long before products leave the factory gates. More and more, the focus is on encouraging suppliers to assume their responsibility towards individuals and the environment. This is done by demanding compliance with valid environmental and social standards. This also includes the elimination of corruption and guaranteeing humane working hours and fair pay”. A key role in implementing sustainable principles at Miele is played by the company’s current 19,400 employees: important challenges for the company include the qualification of employees as well as promoting the concept of a work/life balance. Miele is optimizing its workplaces, by including special services with a focus on the nutrition. Besides, the company embarked on the construction of a workplace nursery at the central headquarters in GĂĽtersloh. Miele is also striving towards occupying a leading position within its branch of industry in terms of environmental protection at its various production locations. This applies to all twelve plants, of which eight are in Germany and the others are located in Austria, the Czech Republic, Romania and China. In this area, the energy-related CO2 emissions have already been cut since 2000 by more than 50%. By 2025, the energy consumption at production plants is to be reduced by a further 8%, combined with a commensurate reduction in CO2 emissions. Finally, 93% of the targets Miele set itself were achieved during the 2014 to 2016 period under review. These include, for example, a reduction in specific energy consumption per product tonnage and the recertification of all plants according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, OHSAS 18001 and SA8000. Furthermore, 15 long-term overarching goals were defined as part of the sustainability strategy through to 2025.
