OREANDA-NEWS. November 06, 2015. Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has confirmed Bayer’s position as one of the leading international companies in its sector in regard to climate protection and water management. The two studies, which both classify Bayer as a health care company, focus on the strategic approach adopted to meet the global challenges of climate change and the limited water supply.

Bayer earned its leading position on the basis of its strategy, performance, transparent reporting and the validity of its greenhouse gas emissions and water management data. “We are delighted with the CDP’s excellent rating,” said Michael K?nig, member of the Bayer Board of Management responsible for Human Resources, Technology and Sustainability. “Efficient use of resources is the cornerstone of our sustainability strategy.” Bayer aims to improve the energy efficiency of its production by 10 percent between 2012 and 2020 and to decrease its specific greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent during the same reference period.

The usage of natural water resources, which are likely to become even more scarce in certain regions as a result of climate change, is one of the key elements of sustainable development, which is why it is being accorded increasing importance in the CDP rating of the world’s largest listed companies. Besides efficient water usage, the CDP pays particularly close attention to the way companies minimize the risks associated with water shortages and seize business opportunities that offer solutions to this problem.

Agriculture accounts for roughly 70 percent of global fresh water consumption, which is why Bayer is looking for more water-efficient solutions for the industry. Furthermore, the Group is researching how to improve the stress resistance of plants to enable them to generate adequate yields even under extreme conditions caused by heat and drought.

The CDP is a non-profit organization that conducts the world’s most comprehensive annual survey and rating of company data on greenhouse gas emissions and water for the use of institutional investors. According to the CDP, 822 institutional investors currently use this information to help reach their investment decisions. The CDP reports that these manage combined assets of USD 95 trillion, i.e. more than one third of global investments.

Bayer: Science For A Better Life

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2014, the Group employed around 119,000 people and had sales of EUR 42.2 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.5 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 3.6 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Further information and the company surveys are available at: www.cdproject.net