The German Sustainability Award (DNP) is considered one of the most important recognitions for sustainable development in Europe, drawing public attention to environmental protection, climate action, and social responsibility across various societal sectors. Established in 2008, the DNP is awarded annually and is one of the largest awards of its kind in Europe. This year, 224 jury members from research, associations, consulting, and civil society selected the finalists. This makes the DNP different from other sustainability awards.

After reaching the finals in 2023, the medical technology company Ottobock has been awarded the prize this year for its achievements in sustainability.

“We are very proud to be the winner of the DNP in the medical technology sector. Active commitment to greater sustainability is a core part of our corporate strategy. It’s essential that we rethink processes, invest in the development of resource-saving technologies, and remain mindful of our responsibilities toward our employees, suppliers, and especially future generations. Economic viability and sustainability should go hand in hand. We are all called upon to do our part for the future,” explains Dr Arne Kreitz, Chief Financial Officer.

Since 2015, Ottobock has been a member of the UN Compact and, following its first materiality analysis in 2019, developed a sustainability strategy focused on six key ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) areas. Ottobock’s sustainability strategy emphasizes social topics in particular. “The ‘S’ in the three ESG dimensions is deeply embedded in our DNA: improving the quality of life for our users is always at the heart of what we do. At the same time, we are also a manufacturing company with global locations and feel a duty to contribute to climate protection,” says Christin Franzel, Head of Global Sustainability and Human Rights Officer at Ottobock. The company is currently preparing for the Corporate Social Reporting Directive (CSRD).

About the DNP

The DNP will be awarded for the 17th time on November 28, 2024, recognizing pioneering achievements in sustainable transformation across businesses, municipalities, science, and sports. The award is presented by the German Sustainability Award Foundation, supported by the German government, economic and municipal associations, the Council for Sustainable Development, and civil society organizations. The award aligns with the goals of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on key areas such as climate, biodiversity, resources, supply chain, and society.

Using artificial intelligence, around 50 companies in each of the 100 sectors were identified based on transparency in sustainability reports, rankings, or websites. Sustainability profiles were created and evaluated according to the criteria of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). In two rounds, the expert juries then selected the finalists and winners in each sector.