Introduction Stakeholder Panel
As part of the sustainability reporting on the financial year 2022, Geberit consulted a panel of external stakeholders for the sixth time in September 2022. The results of the external stakeholder panel’s analysis are documented in the Panel Statement. The external review and the recommendations contained therein are dealt with in detail in the Response from Geberit to the Panel Statement.
Panel’s objective and role
The objective of the external stakeholder panel was to provide feedback on the sustainability performance, materiality analysis, new CO2 strategy, strategic approaches on the topics of diversity and inclusion, and ESG governance. This input is used for the strategic review and continued development of the company. The panel’s review does not include an examination of the accuracy of the data and information presented by Geberit.
Composition and independence
The stakeholder panel comprises six independent members with different areas of expertise with respect to Geberit’s core business. To ensure the panel’s independence in this process, the discussions were overseen and moderated by an external party.
The Panel Statement contains the review of all members. The panel is a consensus group. In cases where a consensus could not be reached, the diverging opinions were documented in the statement. As a basic principle, the views expressed by the panel members are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their respective organisation or employer.
Process and results
The process comprised several steps and was conducted and documented in a systematic manner:
- In September 2022, the panel met with CEO Christian Buhl and members of the Corporate Communications and Corporate Sustainability teams for a half-day externally moderated workshop.
- In February 2023, the panel was consulted once again, the revised sustainability strategy presented and the Panel Statement finalised.
- Following this, the Response from Geberit to the Panel Statement was finalised on the basis of current reporting on the financial year 2022.
- The next stakeholder panel is planned for 2024.