GRI 3-1 Process of determining material topics

Since 2006, Geberit has been reporting in accordance with the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). In the present report, Geberit implements the current GRI Standards from 2021. The starting point is a Materiality analysis that has been developed further over the years, which is based on the procedure described in the GRI Standards.

An initial internal materiality analysis was thus developed in 2014 as part of workshops with individual members of the Group Executive Board and later approved by the Group Executive Board. The results were then reviewed and amended slightly by an external stakeholder panel. As part of the integration of the ceramics business, a comprehensive review was carried out in 2015. There were no major changes in the material topics. A further review and update of the material topics was carried out in 2018 as part of the switchover to the GRI Standards. In agreement with the Group Executive Board, the update of the materiality analysis in the reporting year focused on aligning it closely with the corporate strategy and sustainability strategy. The previously required listing of many individual GRI aspects was dispensed with. This resulted in fewer topics overall. The names of these topics are based on the corporate strategy and sustainability strategy, resulting in a consolidated name in some cases. The updated materiality analysis was reviewed and amended slightly by an external stakeholder panel in the reporting year. It became clear that a high degree of consensus existed between the internal standpoint of the company and the assessment of the stakeholder panel, see Panel Statement. The finalised materiality analysis was checked and approved by the Group Executive Board and the Board of Directors.

Material sustainability topics and related measures are presented in compact form within the Sustainability strategy. Also of a material nature are the principles of the UN Global Compact that Geberit has committed itself to uphold and that are presented in the Communication on Progress UN Global Compact.

For further information on sustainability topics that were of particular relevance in the reporting year see Business and financial review with the following chapters: Employees, Customers, Innovation, Production, Procurement and logistics, Sustainability, Social responsibility and Compliance.