Together for Environmental and Climate Protection
Subject: Environment
Country: International
Category: Project
Penguin Random House in the U.S. has already demonstrated its “green side” this year, and other companies from various Bertelsmann divisions are now following suit, as thousands of employees around the world devote themselves to a wide range of environmental and climate protection activities by organizing a “be green Day” today and in the days ahead.
In contrast to previous years, there is no single “be green Day” this year, but – true to the motto that environmental protection should be a daily practice – multiple days of environmental and climate action during the period until November.
“Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important for Bertelsmann companies,” says Immanuel Hermreck. “Our customers want to know from us how we treat natural resources and how we are working to protect the climate at our businesses. I’m delighted by the diverse commitment of our employees – on ‘be green Day’ and beyond.”
Actions Worldwide
At Arvato in Canada and in the Philippines, green is the fashionable color these days. Arvato in Kitchener, Canada is also organizing its “be green Day” today, Jun 1. In addition to wearing green-colored clothing, many other actions are planned, including a plant sale to raise funds for an environmental organization. Arvato CRM in the Philippines has declared the whole period from 29 May to 2 June as “green Week.” Employees are getting involved there by collecting recyclables, for example, or by reducing electricity consumption with a collective switch off.
In India, all the divisions there will pay particular attention to environmental and climate protection during the period from Jun 1 to 5. From a “green lunch” and collection boxes for recyclable materials to information booths by environmental organizations – India, too, has put on a colorful “green” program. Penguin Random House India kicks things off today, the Corporate Center and Arvato continue the action period tomorrow, and Bertelsmann India Investments, Fremantle Media India and YoBoHo New Media India’s “be green Day” will take place on Jun 5.
Arvato's Phone Group in (North) Africa is also participating in Bertelsmann’s gree eco-initiative. Among other things, from May 30 to Jun 5 it is organizing a competition for art objects created from recyclable materials at the sites in Marrakesh, Casablanca, Dakar and Abidjan. The participants can upload photos of their artwork to Facebook and the photo with the most “Likes” wins.
In order to draw attention to the fact that every little contribution to protecting the environment counts, be it ever so small, today Arvato SCM in Germany is launching a very personal prize draw. Until Jul 31, all SCM employees can submit a photo by email that documents their contribution to environmental protection – this may be planting trees or car sharing on their daily commute. An iPad will be raffled among all submissions received by Jul 31.
Various activities are also taking place at the Corporate Center in Gütersloh, including a “Lunch Talk” with Jürgen Tautz and Diedrich Steen. Tautz is an internationally recognized bee expert, while Steen is Program Manager at Gütersloher Verlagshaus and has been a beekeeper for 20 years. At the event they will present their book “Die Honigfabrik - Die Wunderwelt der Bienen – eine Betriebsbesichtigung” (The Honey Factory - The wonderful world of bees - A factory tour) recently published by Gütersloher Verlagshaus. The “Lunch Talk” is supported by “be green.”
Employees who cycle to work on “be green Day” can leave their bike with the Radsport Schiffner “Dr. Bike” service team to check key functions between 7 am and 1 pm. Minor repairs will be carried out on the spot.
The relationship between food and climate is also a focus topic at the Corporate Center today. Among other things, the online shopping portal “Marktschwärmerei” presents its offering with an information stand. In collaboration with the Cultina team, “be green Day” is also being used as an occasion to display the carbon footprint of every dish in the restaurant.
In addition, the “Kein Druck macht Eindruck” installation in the entrance area of the Corporate Center provides information about the number of paper printouts on an average Thursday at Group headquarters. Together, all employees can help do their bit for climate and environmental protection by printing out fewer pages – and not just on “be green Day.”
Upcoming Actions
More “be green Day” events are scheduled over the coming weeks and months. On Jul 12, Verlagsgruppe Random House holds its “be green Day” in Munich, including a visit to a beekeeper. Employees at Arvato Services in Dresden are traveling to the Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland) on Jun 11 to collect garbage along the Elbe River Cycle Path. How IT can help protect the environment and resources is the focus of a “be green Day” activity currently being fine-tuned at Arvato Systems. Arvato Systems already supports numerous companies with software services related to energy efficiency. And in May, a joint project was launched to further develop environmental reporting at Arvato and Bertelsmann with the assistance of IT.
Contact
Markus Harbaum
Head of Communications Content Team
Phone: +49 (0) 5241 80 2466
