Water has the power to change the world

Sustainability and a deep-rooted respect for people and planet has always been at the core of our business

At Grundfos, we believe water is the most essential resource on the planet. Yet to realise its potential and transition to a water-secure, net-zero future, the world faces several challenges.

Amongst these are the need to move more water while using less energy, increase our resilience to the impacts of climate change, and improve access to water for all. These are global challenges and we’re committed to playing our part in solving them.

Through our commitments and actions, Grundfos is taking a leading role in addressing these challenges.

Validated net-zero targets

We’re proud to be the world’s first water solutions company with net-zero targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.

Setting validated science-based targets is one of our boldest steps forward in our sustainability ambitions. Taking the lead in climate action across our footprint and deep into our value chain, we unlock our best innovation and support our customers in reaching their own sustainability goals.

Ambitious goals

Sustainability is an integral part of the Grundfos 2025 business strategy. We’re accelerating our energy-efficient water and digital solutions, as this is where we can make the most impact on some of the world’s most critical challenges.

Four ambitions guide our sustainability future. These are the areas where we want to lead, and where we can have the greatest impact:

Saving energy – through smarter and more efficient pump technology.
In 2023, we have reduced CO2 emissions by 9.5% compared to 2022.

Saving water – through reducing our water withdrawal across operational sites and the development of water efficient and water reuse solutions.
In 2023, we reduced our waterwithdrawal by 7% compared to 2022.

Circular business – embedding circular principles throughout our business.
134,098 kg pumps were returned for our recycle programme in 2023, a 109% increase from 2022.

Water access – providing water to people in need.
In 2023, we provided basic water access to 2 million people via NGO partners and 5 million people through standard sales operations.   

Achieving our ambitions together

Our four ambitions directly connect with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 13 (Climate Action) are where we can contribute the most, by protecting the world’s water, alleviating climate challenges, protecting precious resources, and improving people’s quality of life.

By taking responsibility for our actions and working together, we can solve the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges in a better way.  Customers, employees, communities, suppliers, NGOs, governments, other businesses: these stakeholders are our allies in creating change. Only together do we realise our full potential.

By 2030, we’ve committed to:

  • Reduce absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 50%, from a 2020 base year
  • Reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 25%, from a 2020 base year

By 2050, we’ve committed to:

  • Reduce absolute scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 GHG emissions by a minimum of 90%
  • Neutralise emissions beyond our value chain
     

Reducing our footprint 

Through pioneering energy-efficient water and digital solutions, we’re committed to reducing our global footprint by saving our own energy and water, while also enabling a green supply chain.
—In 2022, we reduced our own energy consumption by 4.4%.

People are at the heart of our business

Improving quality of life for people. It’s right there at the heart of our values.

We’re sparing no effort in creating a safe and inclusive workplace, while also protecting the working conditions, human rights, and the well-being of our employees.

Whether you’re thinking of working for us or working with us, you’ll encounter a diverse and inclusive workplace where people feel valued, respected and supported.

—In 2022, the number of women in leadership roles increased by 9%, and we launched our updated Human Rights Policy

A global presence, with global policies and practices

As a values-based global company, it comes naturally to us to have a common set of guiding principles on what we believe to be good business conduct, applicable to all.

We’re committed to operating ethically, transparently, fairly and legally in every market, through respecting human rights, operating through a sustainable supply chain and having zero tolerance of corruption.

Sustainability highlights 2023

Discover some highlights of the progress we’ve made in key areas of our sustainability efforts throughout 2023: our journey to net-zero, decarbonising our operations, reducing our water footprint, policy and advocacy, water access and circular business.