2024-11-07 15:56:00
This year’s respACT CEO talk on November 7, 2024 was dedicated to the European Supply Chain Directive in Austria. High-ranking decision-makers discussed how companies can and should overcome the associated challenges: from legal compliance to a comprehensive rethinking towards a values-oriented business.
Am 7. November lud respACT for the CEO talk on the topic of “The CSDDD in Austria”. Austrian Cooperative Association (ÖGV). Decision-makers from business and science came together and discussed what sustainable business could look like along the value chain. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) of the EU presents companies with various challenges as it requires increased due diligence along the entire value chain. In Austria, this particularly affects companies that distribute their added value across multiple levels and operate in global supply chains.
Peter GiffingerCEO at Saint-Gobain in Austria and respACT President, emphasized in advance:
“While Saint-Gobain’s initiatives relating to supply chain issues were until recently mostly based on voluntary action, the CSDDD is subject to a binding legal framework. The large, international companies will have to cope with the associated bureaucratic requirements, and in this context the question of how SMEs respond to national regulations is exciting can implement.”
In the subsequent keynote speech by Stephanie Nitsch The head of the research center for environmental law at the University of Vienna outlined the value chain as a regulatory object and emphasized: “The CSDDD aims to preserve human rights and protect the environment along global value chains. It is accompanied by other legal acts that are intended to promote equally sustainable and value-oriented business. Recording the interaction of these legal acts is a central task for business practice, civil society and science.”
Under the direction of Gabriela Maria Straka (Board member and regional coordinator for Upper Austria, respACT) discussed Stephanie Nitsch, Miriam Wilhelm (Professor of Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Vienna University of Economics and Business), Andreas Ludwig (Member of the Board, Management Trust Holding AG), Thomas Buck (Managing Director & Managing Director Operations, Kelly Ges.mbH) and Marc Guido Höhne (Managing Director within the DELTA Group; ÖGNI executive board member; AREAMA advisory board) discussed key questions with the audience about the implementation of the CSDDD in Austria.
Thomas Buck summed up the tenor of the event: “Creating value, but ecologically and socially oriented”.
“The companies that do not see CSDDD as a threat, but as an investment in the future, will be ahead of others,” predicted Miriam Wilhelm.
Marc Guido Höhne emphasized: “It is only the mindset and values of each individual (company) that decides. The CS3D and all its formalisms strive for sustainable value chains, but are far from a guarantee.”
The respACT event inspired a change of perspective in business – towards more responsibility and sustainability in global supply chains. Daniela Knieling, Managing Director of respACT, emphasizes: “Sustainable business is becoming a central challenge for companies. A comprehensive rethink is necessary to bring about real, lasting change.”
About the format
The CEO-Talk is part of the respACT #ThinkTank activities with the aim of encouraging managers to exchange ideas with experts from business, science and politics. The event on November 7th, 2024 was organized through a cooperation with the BMAW supported and by the Volksbank sponsored as a premium partner.
About respACT
respACT – Austrian business council for sustainable development is Austria’s leading corporate platform on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. The association supports its more than 450 member companies in achieving ecological and social goals economically and independently.
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**Interview with Peter Giffinger, CEO of Saint-Gobain Austria and President of respACT**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Peter. Today’s CEO talk discussed the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and its implications for Austrian companies. What do you see as the most significant challenge posed by this directive?
**Peter Giffinger:** Thank you for having me. The CSDDD presents a paradigm shift for businesses in Austria, particularly for large international firms like Saint-Gobain. The most significant challenge lies in the transition from voluntary sustainability initiatives to mandatory compliance with a binding legal framework. This change requires us to not only adapt our current practices but also to ensure that our entire supply chain adheres to these new standards. It adds a layer of complexity that many companies, especially SMEs, must navigate thoughtfully.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the impact on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). How do you think they will manage these new obligations?
**Peter Giffinger:** That’s a critical question. Many SMEs may lack the resources or expertise to implement these regulations effectively. We need to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between large corporations and smaller companies. Large companies like ours can provide support and guidance to help SMEs understand and comply with these requirements, ensuring that sustainability is integrated across the entire value chain.
**Interviewer:** In the keynote by Stephanie Nitsch, she highlighted the importance of protecting human rights and the environment along global supply chains. How does Saint-Gobain plan to align its operations with these principles?
**Peter Giffinger:** At Saint-Gobain, we are committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. We have already taken steps to embed environmental and social governance into our operations, but with the CSDDD, we’ll need to ramp up our efforts even further. This includes thorough risk assessments, transparency in our supply chains, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about truly understanding the impact we have on the communities and environments in which we operate.
**Interviewer:** Looking forward, what do you predict will be the lasting effects of the CSDDD on corporate culture in Austria?
**Peter Giffinger:** I believe the CSDDD will catalyze a fundamental shift towards a more values-oriented business culture. Companies will increasingly recognize that sustainability is not just a regulatory obligation but a core component of their identity and strategic vision. This shift can lead to more innovative practices, stronger community ties, and, ultimately, a more resilient economy. It’s an exciting challenge that can redefine corporate responsibility in Austria and beyond.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Peter. It’s clear that the CSDDD will bring about significant changes, but also opportunities for growth and innovation in the business landscape.
**Peter Giffinger:** Absolutely. Thank you for having me.
