MTU Aero Engines says the purpose of its understanding of sustainable business practices is to assume product responsibility along the entire value chain. In its sustainability efforts, the German engine manufacturer is pursuing an integrative approach that takes ecological as well as social aspects into account when looking at business performance. The third Sustainability Report issued by the company for the years 2013 and 2014 is the first to combine the reports to the UN Global Compact Communication on Progress and Global Reporting Initiative (G3.1) standards and covers the activities of MTU’s company locations in Europe.
“MTU Aero Engines is a major player in the global aircraft engine industry and a technology leader that keeps developing promising technical innovations. Corporate Responsibility is an integral part of our corporate culture,” explains Reiner Winkler, MTU Aero Engines AG’s CEO. “Eco-efficient and safe products are key to our long-term economic viability. This is why product responsibility is a top priority in our efforts aimed at responsible entrepreneurship.”
The company says top on their agenda is the development of aircraft engines that burn less fuel, produce fewer emissions, such as CO2, and are less noisy. MTU says new geared turbofan engine is an example of the company’s strong commitment to product stewardship. With Clean Air Engine, MTU is responding to pressing global challenges, such as climate change, mobility needs and scarcity of resources. Plans are to reduce noise levels by 65 percent and to cut CO2 emissions by 40 percent by the year 2050. To communicate the efforts it is making to address climate change even more effectively to all stakeholders, MTU last year developed and published a separate climate strategy based on Clean Air Engine.
MTU says that next on the list of top priorities is the commitment to responsible business practices. The company has undertaken to observe the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact relating to human rights, fair labor standards, environmental protection and the fight against corruption. MTU’s strong performance in international rankings – the company was awarded Prime status by oekom research AG and won the 2014 German Investors’ Award for responsible business practices.
The engine manufacturer is placing a special emphasis on the sustainability of upstream manufacturing processes. In 2014, MTU laid down binding labor, social and environmental standards in a Supplier Code of Conduct that governs cooperation with its worldwide supplier base, according to the company. These standards are based on the principles of the UN Global Compact.
The MTU Aero Engines 2013/2014 Sustainability Report is available online on the company’s website at:
http://www.mtu.de/company/corporate-responsibility/reports/