Sustainability involves much more than climate and environmental protection. It also encompasses social responsibility, education, and the responsible use of resources. This year’s Sustainability Week at KNAUER demonstrated just how diverse sustainable action can be. The highlight was a visit by a group of 12 participants from the “Touch the Job – refugee women and FLINTA* experience careers” project, which is carried out in collaboration with the association “LIFE Bildung Umwelt Chancengleichheit e.V.”
The participants gained insights into various career fields within the company. At several stations, they learned about tasks in purchasing, equipment assembly, and at the front desk. The goal of the project is to provide refugee women and FLINTA* individuals with guidance on entering the workforce or changing careers, to help them get to know companies, and to build connections with potential employers.
“The day was very exciting for all of us and full of new perspectives. Thanks to KNAUER, the participants were introduced to fields of work that were previously unknown to many of them. The insights into the assembly of devices, in particular, generated a great deal of interest. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire team for their open and welcoming approach to the visit and for the many valuable conversations,” said Annabelle Kuhm of LIFE Bildung Umwelt Chancengleichheit e.V. In addition to this practical exchange, KNAUER employees had other opportunities to explore environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues. The event began with an overview of KNAUER’s wide-ranging sustainability initiatives, which include active membership in the German Global Compact Network (DGCN).
Among other things, international and regional projects were presented, including the extension of the “Go Green in Ghana” reforestation and development project with partner World Vision through 2028. Christian Bühler of World Vision reported on the current status of the project, which has been underway since 2022 in the dry and hot Binduri District. He highlighted the positive developments regarding the targeted reforestation of the region. Other positive outcomes include energy-efficient stoves, the increased involvement and participation of women and savings groups, the provision of microloans, and improved educational opportunities for children. To date, the company and the Knauer family have contributed 700,000 EUR to the project.
In addition, since 2023, KNAUER has been funding a colorful, insect-rich 5,000 m2 flowering meadow at Schwielowsee near Berlin to promote regional biodiversity.
The “energy transition” at the company’s Berlin location was also highlighted. With the recent expansion of the photovoltaic system on the façade of the main building, KNAUER now has solar modules with a total capacity of more than 196 kWp, as well as a battery storage system to increase its self-consumption of renewable energy.
Additional insights were provided by presentations and discussions on the circular economy in the metal industry with Anna Kraiss from ZINQ, on strategies for reducing PFAS in laboratory products, as well as on the environmental impacts and potential of AI with Sebastian Olényi from Sustentio. The week concluded on September 25 with a webinar for executives on the topic of respectful communication and teamwork.
“For us, sustainability means taking a holistic approach to responsibility. This includes environmental and climate protection as well as social engagement, education, and a culture of mutual respect within the company. Our annual Sustainability Week, which KNAUER has been hosting since 2020, has been very well received by our colleagues. It raises our awareness and inspires us with new ideas,” says entrepreneur and CEO Alexandra Knauer.
With the Sustainability Week, KNAUER underscores its long-term commitment to sustainable business practices and dialogue among the company, its employees, and community partners.
KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH has been developing and manufacturing high-tech laboratory instruments in Berlin-Zehlendorf since 1962. Its distribution network spans more than 70 countries. Alexandra Knauer, who has owned the company since 2000, and Managing Director Carsten Losch place great emphasis on corporate responsibility—both toward the company’s approximately 200 employees and toward the environment and society. In 2027, the company will celebrate its 65th anniversary.
Main photo: Flowering meadow close to Schwielowsee (photo: KNAUER).
