Your contact:
Thomas Keßeler
E-mail
t.kesseler@klueh.de
Our sustainability approach
Sustainability is part of our company’s DNA and one aspect of our long-term corporate focus. Klüh is a labour-intensive service provider with a long tradition that is committed to acting in the interest of people and to sustainably preserving the value of their environment. To us as a multiservice provider, sustainability in our business operations means creating value for our clients, maintaining a culture of innovation, being an attractive employer and preserving resources – both within our company and in the services we provide to our clients (see Klüh materiality matrix).
Initiated in 2022, our sustainability strategy provides us with the direction to achieve this. Our focus is always on ensuring our clients’ satisfaction because, without them, Klüh would not have enjoyed the success it has for more than 100 years. We see ourselves as the ‘#zukunftsleister’ – the service innovator – demonstrating our deep awareness for the future with services we are already introducing today. The following extracts from our sustainability targets highlight specific achievements.
Thanks to innovation by our divisions, with key contributions from our Center of Digital Excellence, we are pressing ahead when it comes to the future issues of sustainability and digital transformation. On the basis of data, we can achieve a great deal such as reducing the use of cleaning agents, avoiding food waste and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
One key step in our strategic development was the company-wide introduction of a sustainability management software. This facilitates precise and systematic data collection, supporting preparation for the new CSRD reporting requirements.
Through certification to the ‘ZNU Standard – driving sustainable change’ we achieved a key milestone on our sustainability pathway.
Certification to the “ZNU Standard - driving sustainable change”
In 2024, we were successfully certified by TÜV Rheinland to the standard developed by the Centre for Sustainable Corporate Management at Witten/Herdecke University (ZNU).
This certification verifies the outstanding and sustainable conduct of all our divisions and confirms our position as a #zukunftsleister – a visionary multiservice provider.
In an era of growing digitalisation, innovation in this area especially will ensure our company’s future viability. That is why we are strengthening our focus on digital transformation – both for our clients and within our own company. Established in 2018, the Center of Digital Excellence is our in-house digital hub that works closely with our divisions to develop digital solutions. We identify innovative opportunities and pilot the use of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, robotics and assistance systems. In this way, we create new digital services and solutions which contribute to preserving resources and drive the industry’s sustainable development.
Taking building-related services to the next level
At Klüh, digitalisation and sustainability go hand in hand. The Eco System for Smart Services is our 360-degree concept for optimally tailoring our services to meet our clients’ individual needs.
This has already enabled Klüh’s Cleaning and Clinic Service divisions to increase cleaning quality and efficiency and implement resource-saving processes. Using EcoServ, Klüh is making its clients’ buildings smart and adapting the cleaning process to meet individual demand.
Learn more on our EcoServ-Landingpage!
We utilise resources as sparingly and ecologically as possible. The highest priority in all our divisions is reducing CO2 emissions. To this end, we are developing a fleet strategy aimed at transitioning to electric vehicles and use green electricity.
The Cleaning division deploys sustainable carbon-free building cleaning processes. We are reducing the use of cleaning agents, choose chemical-free alternatives wherever possible and deploy biodegradable cleaning processes and recycled materials.
In our Catering division, our innovative AI Waste Management process is an innovative approach to reducing food waste. We also avoid packaging waste and use non-animal products to a growing extent.
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Sustainable cleaning processes using ozone
It was long considered impossible to achieve deep cleaning results without using chemicals. Our sustainable cleaning processes use ozone, a genuine alternative to chemicals that kills bacteria, fungi and viruses rather than just masking them. Moreover, ozone evaporates from water and forms no residues, leaving behind just water and oxygen.
Washable rubbish bags
Disposing of waste without generating further waste – Klüh Cleaning has achieved this using washable rubbish bags as an alternative to conventional single-use plastic bags. They are made from 100 % polyester with a water-repellent acrylic coating. Introduced in summer 2024, almost 2,000 were already in use at the end of the year. The resulting CO2 reduction over the product life cycle: 71 tonnes.
'We love green' vegetarian product line
‘I’ is now ‘we’. Klüh Catering has relaunched its vegetarian product line, first introduced in 2016, changing its name from ‘I love green’ to ‘We love green’. We remain committed to culinary excellence, freshness and regional ingredients, with a focus on delivering fine cuisine coupled with healthy and sustainable nutritional concepts. All 38 ‘We love green’ dishes are guaranteed climate-friendly, indicated to diners by the green CO2 cloud in our catering app. Learn more on our We love green-Landingpage!
Promoting plant-based food
Alongside our WE LOVE GREEN menu line, our plant-based promotions introduce the diners in our clients’ canteens to the topic of sustainability in nutrition. The Whole Cooking programme in September 2024 was about using the entire vegetable. The Mushroom Festival at the end of 2024 focused on the circular economy. Mushrooms are grown on straw, wood shavings or animal dung, which are worked into the soil after the harvest.
Artificial intelligence in company canteens
Reducing food waste and making company canteens more sustainable are at the top of our agenda. Increasingly, we are deploying artificial intelligence to achieve this. For example, an image recognition technology enables us to record the food left on plates, calculate food waste and develop optimisation and reduction measures. Our goal is to make company canteens and kitchens even smarter and continue to improve system connectivity.
Avoid, reduce, recycle
In the area of catering, we have been making sustainable contributions to food handling for years. In addition to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), for example, we have introduced a deposit system using reusable containers to reduce packaging waste. The reusable containers have a significantly better carbon footprint than disposable crockery after just eight reuses.
Animal welfare
As an important food service provider in Germany, we bear responsibility for our stakeholders. The issue of animal welfare is an important part of our sustainability strategy. We support the European Broiler Initiative (EMI) to ensure animal welfare in the long term and have committed to implementing 100% of the EMI requirements together with our suppliers by 2026. In addition, we are introducing our diners to conscious meat consumption and a plant-based diet as part of campaign weeks such as "Glücksgeflügel" and "Veganuary".
One core focus at Klüh is social responsibility in all its many facets. We do everything we can to be an attractive employer and work continuously to improve our employer branding. And we are successful in this. Last year, we received recognition for our recruiting measures. In addition, our employees expressed their appreciation for the training and development opportunities provided by our in-house Klüh Academy.
Equal opportunities and diversity also play an important role for us as an international company. Employees from 122 nations contribute their origins, religions, world views and values to our daily work and collaborate in arespectful and prejudice-free working environment in line with the requirements of Germany’s General Act on Equal Treatment.
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Award-winning employer
Against the backdrop of an increasing shortage of specialists and workers, the study "Germany's most desirable employers" analyses the data from social listening and an online survey every year, taking into account various topics such as job security, salary structure, development and training opportunities as well as additional benefits. In 2024, Klüh Multiservices was recognised for the fifth time in a row in the area of infrastructural services, making it one of the most sought-after employers in the German facility management industry!
Diversity and inclusion
We have signed the "Diversity Charter" and maintain an organisational culture that is characterised by mutual respect and appreciation. Acceptance and tolerance are therefore part of our corporate culture. With their cultural, gender and age-related backgrounds and experience, Klüh employees from 122 nations play their part in enabling us to successfully offer different services for many different industries worldwide.
Occupational health and safety
We take responsibility for the health and safety of our employees. Our comprehensive health management system is audited internally and externally at regular intervals - in 2024, for example, we were recognised by the VBG for implementing "systematic health" in the company. We also provide training at the Klüh Academy with seminars on occupational health management and offer a company pension scheme and supplementary health insurance in the form of the Klüh pension and the Klüh Plus Card.
Sustainable training at Klüh Security
Our own Security School provides advanced protection and security training for all our employees, preparing them for Chamber of Industry and Commerce examinations. This is unique in Germany.
Our DigiLearn platform also allows employees to learn whenever and wherever they want. The GreenUp Award we received in 2024 demonstrates that we are setting standards with our training and development programmes.
I won't work for everyone
In personnel-intensive industries like ours, it is important to be an attractive employer when there is a shortage of qualified labour.
Our employer branding campaign under the motto ‘I won’t work for everyone’ is an expression of respect and appreciation for our employees’ work that is sadly so often undervalued. For us, it is more than just a marketing concept – it reflects an attitude. Its success is proving us right.
Our company has been firmly rooted in Düsseldorf since 1911 and has a long tradition of commitment to a wide range of sports, art and cultural projects within the region and across Germany. Each year, for example, the ‘Wir für Düsseldorf’ initiative established by Josef Klüh supports selected associations and projects. The Klüh Foundation sponsors innovation in science and research on an annual basis, providing both practical and financial support. Many of our employees are involved in volunteering – either as examiners for the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, as volunteer fire fighters, as disaster relief volunteers or as trainers in sports clubs.
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Anti-discrimination activities at VfL Bochum
Working with VfL Bochum 1848, we have introduced an open assistance programme at the Vonovia Ruhr Stadium.
On German League match days, anyone who feels unsafe, threatened or harassed can go to one of our contact points at the stadium. This anti-discrimination project is proof that we do not look away but take action and provide help.
Wir für Düsseldorf 2025
This year, the “Wir für Düsseldorf” donation initiative launched by Josef Klüh is supporting selected organisations and programmes in the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia which promote the well-being of young people from difficult circumstances and the prevention of addictive disorders. The total donation of € 25,000 gives them the means to pursue their social projects and help many young people.
UN Global Compact
In January 2023, we became a participant in the UN Global Compact, a worldwide network of more than 21,000 companies and public sector, government and academic organisations. On the basis of its Ten Principles and Sustainable Development Goals, the network aims to enhance the social and environmental compatibility of globalisation, thereby ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Düsseldorf Climate Pact
As a committed company, we have joined the Düsseldorf Climate Pact with the business community in January 2024.
By signing the climate pact, we are committing to our city and will actively contribute to the goal of climate neutrality in Düsseldorf by 2035.
Klüh Foundation
Established on the occasion of the company's 75th anniversary, the foundation for the promotion of innovation in science and research provides annual funding and honours sustainable projects and personalities, such as Prof. Dr. Kathrin Thedieck for her research into the rare disease tuberous sclerosis.
German Brand Award for Klüh4all
Our online magazine ‘Klüh4all’ provides extensive insights into our company, our services and the topics and trends in our divisions. For this publication, we received the German Brand Award 2024 in the communication category.
Our information offering is completed by our ‘Discussions at the Klüh Catering kitchen table’ podcast, providing regular insights into what’s cooking at Klüh Catering.
Corporate responsibility, value-based business practices and the consistent high quality of our services are important to us. In order to sustain this approach every day, we set ourselves high standards that go beyond what is required by law. For Klüh, regular internal and external audits are essential to ensuring transparency. Below please find our operating and management principles and various reports about the sustainable quality management of our services.
| Management Principles | Download PDF |
| Klüh Code of Conduct | Download PDF |
| Quality Mission Statement | Download PDF |
| Occupational Health and Safety Policy | Download PDF |
| Environmental and Energy Policy | Download PDF |
| Purchasing terms and conditions | Download PDF |
| Supplier Code of Conduct | Download PDF |
| Certification according ZNU standard for sustainable management | Download PDF |
| Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) | Download PDF |
| Corporate data protection | Download PDF |
| Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) | Download PDF |
| International Labour Organization (ILO) | Download PDF |
| Information security | Download PDF |
| The Supply Chain Due Dilligence Act (SCDDA) | Download PDF |
| Reporting on sustainabilty | Download PDF |
| Rating agencies at a glance | Download PDF |
Sustainability targets achieved in 2024 (extracts)
Climate
The Catering division made a significant contribution to climate change mitigation in 2024. This was achieved through the consistent introduction of at least two climate-friendly dishes each week in all company canteens. These vegetarian and vegan dishes are part of the WE LOVE GREEN product line and were complemented by creative annual promotions. Compared with conventional dishes, these sustainable alternatives reduced emissions by around 243 tonnes of CO2 equivalents – underscoring the significance of environmentally friendly mass catering that does not compromise on taste.
Employer attractiveness
With our new employer branding campaign under the motto ‘I won’t work for everyone – but for Klüh’, launched in June 2024, we focus on our employees and highlight the value of their work. The campaign aims to present an authentic image of our corporate culture and sustainably increase our attractiveness as an employer.
Our renewed recognition as a ‘Top Company’ with a Kununu score of 4.3 (March 2025) confirms our positive corporate culture and our employees’ high level of satisfaction This is achieved by only 5% of the companies rated and underscores our ambition to be a leading employer.
Successful certification for occupational health management highlights our commitment to ensuring our employees’ health and well-being. It is evidence that we have established sustainable structures for a healthy working environment that fosters performance.
With the introduction of our two-year ‘Making champions’ management development programme, we are investing specifically in our talents. In this way, we are strengthening leadership skills and creating a more forward-looking corporate culture.
By digitalising our training catalogue in November 2024, we simplified access to the Klüh Academy’s broad training portfolio, giving our employees the flexibility to learn wherever they want.
Sustainability targets set for 2025 (extracts)
The Catering division is pursuing ambitious sustainability targets for 2025 that are specifically geared towards the milk and banana product categories.
- In the case of milk, the aim is to switch at least 50% of the total purchase value to organic milk. This target relates exclusively to company restaurants. Switching to organic milk improves animal welfare, as organic dairy farms offer their animals more space and exercise as well as larger lying areas in the barn. Switching to organic milk not only supports climate and biodiversity goals, but also contributes to reducing the ecological footprint.
- Klüh Catering is also setting a clear signal for sustainability in the area of bananas: at least 90% of the purchase value of the bananas purchased should come from organic and Fairtrade-certified cultivation in future. This requirement applies to all companies. Organic banana cultivation does not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, which helps to protect the soil and promote biodiversity. Fairtrade certification also ensures better working conditions and helps to combat poverty. This conversion is an important step towards strengthening both ecological and social standards along the entire supply chain and measurably advancing sustainable development.
In 2024, Klüh Cleaning used 65.02% (9,285,095 pieces) of all the bin liners it purchased that were climate-neutral. Some of these consist of up to 99% recycled material (including post-consumer recyclate), are produced with 100% green electricity and use high-performance polymers, which saves up to 30% plastic. Remaining emissions are offset by investments in certified Deiss climate protection projects. The goal for 2025 is to increase the proportion of climate-neutral bin liners to around 75%.
The use of washable bin liners to reduce plastic consumption was further expanded and stood at 2,006 at the end of April 2025. The aim is to increase this number to 3,000 by the end of 2025 - with a potential saving of over 30,000 kg of single-use plastic and more than 18,000 kg of CO₂ in 2025.
Klüh Cleaning aims to acquire at least 20 customers in 2025 to implement the innovation of the sustainable cleaning service EcoServ to reduce 613g CO2 / working hour and 21% less CO2 consumption compared to conventional cleaning as well as saving resources in the areas of cleaning agents, water and electricity.
At the level of social sustainability, the goal for 2025 is to receive at least one award in a main or special category at a renowned employer branding or brand award (e.g. German Brand Award) by submitting the employer branding campaign.
Furthermore, at the career development level, at least 10% of open management positions are to be filled by internal talent by 2025.
An increase in the use of health-related benefits (e.g. Jobrad, FitX, health-related workshops) by at least 5% in 2025 compared to the previous year 2024 is also planned for health benefits.
