Leuphana has analysed the sustainability of the economy in Lower Saxony.
Sustainability barometer for Lower Saxony businesses: a mixed picture
2024-11-26 Lüneburg/Hannover. A team from Leuphana University Lüneburg, under the direction of Prof. Dr. Harald Heinrichs, has been commissioned by the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Environment to research the state of sustainability and climate protection in Lower Saxony's economy. The recently published sustainability barometer summarises the results. The scientists see good progress in some areas, but on the other hand, they also see a clear need for further commitment.
One of the key findings of the study is that, although companies in Lower Saxony take a holistic view of sustainability, some important sustainability issues such as biodiversity, climate adaptation, human rights and working conditions along the value chain, as well as sustainability reporting and sustainability goals, have so far received little attention.
‘The study provides the first overview of the state of sustainability transformation in the economy of Lower Saxony,’ says Lower Saxony's Environment Minister Christian Meyer. ‘It is encouraging to see that there are numerous entrepreneurs in Lower Saxony who not only see the climate and energy crisis as a crisis, but also as an ideal time for their own entrepreneurial transformation – away from fossil fuels, towards renewable energies and towards more sustainability.’ However, the study also shows where there are still deficits and thus provides important information for further policy-making.
The results of the study show, among other things, that the strategic orientation of climate protection is still underdeveloped. While about 70% of the companies monitor or at least plan to monitor their greenhouse gas emissions, reduction targets are formulated much less frequently. The implementation of various climate protection measures also has room for improvement. So far, companies have hardly responded to European emissions trading and the price developments that can be expected from it.
The foundation of the companies' commitment to sustainability is formed by government regulations and market requirements. Further-reaching options for action, such as innovative business models or the renunciation of economic activities that are harmful to sustainability, are used less frequently. According to the study, the commitment of works and staff councils to sustainability and climate protection is in need of improvement.
For the Lower Saxony Sustainability Barometer, the researchers conducted and evaluated a standardised online survey of more than 200 people from management and from works and staff councils. The data was collected in spring 2024.
The full report is available here for download.