The German Sustainability Award was presented in Düsseldorf for the 15th time. Companies were honored for their exemplary management. Chancellor Scholz gave the opening speech. An honorary award went to a head of state.
Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) - On Friday evening in Düsseldorf, several companies were honored with the German Sustainability Award for exemplary concepts against climate change and waste of resources. The annually awarded, non-endowed award was presented for the 15th time.
In his opening speech, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocated a new understanding of the term "sustainability". "We have to tell sustainability differently. Equating sustainability with doing without has never convinced me," said the SPD politician. "Growth and progress are inherent in us - but not as less, but above all as smarter and better," said the Chancellor. Sustainability is the key to growth and progress, "the key to long-term success and to the transformation of our economy and society."
The sustainability prize was awarded in several categories. In the field of society, for example, it went to the company Dialoghaus Hamburg, which lets visitors experience in exhibitions how people with disabilities perceive their surroundings. Lokay, a printing company with a focus on sustainability, and Klöckner, a materials dealer, were recognized for their commitment to climate protection
Prince Albert II of Monaco, the French singer Zaz and the musician Michael Patrick Kelly received honorary awards for their social and ecological commitment.
In addition to Scholz, the President of the Bundestag and this year's patron Bärbel Bas, the President of the Bundesrat Peter Tschentscher and the Federal Minister for Development Svenja Schulze (all SPD) also attended the gala. "The fact that the leaders of the state honored the actors of the transformation in our country shows that sustainability is higher on the political agenda," said the initiator of the award, Stefan Schulze-Hausmann.
Since 2008, the German Sustainability Award has been given to companies that align their business model to sustainability. The award is presented by the German Sustainability Award Foundation in cooperation with the federal government, municipal umbrella organizations and business associations.
