Our responsibility to the environment and society

The Burkhalter Group is aiming to play a significant role in implementing the Swiss Federal Government’s Energy Strategy 2050 with help from various energy-efficient solutions. Whether it is fitting heat pumps to upgrade fossil fuel heating systems or installing solar panels, we are already offering high-quality solutions. As part of our medium-term strategy, we are aiming to expand our services in the areas of energy consultation, energy efficiency and renewable energy and position ourselves as a provider of cross-trade building technology services in the area of conversion/refurbishment, focussing on energy-efficient solutions.

At the same time, it is important for us to set a good example within our own business. In order to improve our environmental footprint, we are currently developing a climate roadmap for the whole company, accelerating sustainable development in the value chain in the process.

Sustainability management and 2022 sustainability report

Our key topics form the foundation for our annual sustainability report in accordance with GRI standards as well as for our sustainability management processes.

Economic	Environment	Social
Operating profit optimisation Knowledge management: gathering and sharing technical knowledge Compliance Fair competition and combating corruption Decentralised procurement	Reducing CO2 emissions within the company Thorough implementation of environmental regulations on site Provider of energy-efficient solutions	Leading employer in the sector High occupational health and safety standards Attractive training and education opportunities Diversity and equal opportunity (including equal treatment) Social commitment Customer safety

Our 2022 sustainability report provides a comprehensive insight into our approach to these key topics as well as the ways in which we interact with stakeholders. The topics with the greatest leverage are Reducing CO2 emissions within the company and Leading employer in the sector. We have set out our ambitions and/or goals in relation to these topics.

Reducing CO₂ emissions within the company

The Burkhalter Group takes a responsible approach to CO₂ emissions that result from the company’s own activities. We record scope 1 and 2 emissions and implement measures to help reduce these. In 2022, we developed a climate roadmap:

1. Company-wide environmental impact assessment (scope 1 and 2): Whilst previously an environmental impact assessment was carried out for only part of the company, in 2023 the entire Burkhalter Group will be included in this process.

2. Goals and measures within our own company: Our own fleet of company vehicles as well as our buildings are some of the biggest contributors to our carbon footprint. This is why we are implementing energy efficiency measures in these areas and also using renewable energy sources.

3. Analysis and measures in the value chain (scope 3): The Burkhalter Group has begun analysing CO₂ emissions from procured goods. This analysis will be extended to other scope 3 categories in the future.

4. Definition and implementation of further climate protection measures

Current climate protection measures

Optimisation of lighting through the use of LEDs
Optimisation of ventilation, cooling units and heating
Installation of solar panels at multiple locations
Use of building automation (optimum building technology interplay)

Climate goals

By the end of 2023, the aim is for around 90% of all electricity consumption to be CO₂-free (including nuclear energy).
By the end of 2025, our goal is to have switched half of our project manager vehicles to alternative drives.
Alternatives to diesel or petrol cars for building site vehicles are to be considered.

Leading employer in the sector

Qualified employees are of great importance to the sustained corporate success of the Burkhalter Group; our competitiveness is rooted in their skills. We rely on an attractive package of social and financial incentives to retain our existing employees and attract new ones:

Respectful interactions with and amongst employees
Appreciative, motivating, safe working environment
At least 25 days’ holiday per year for employees subject to the collective labour agreements
Variety of training and education opportunities
Time and/or financial support for education as well as a range of internal specialised courses and workshops
Opportunities to progress
Above-average, competitive pay
Transparent communication
At the construction sites: 4.5-day weeks (not at all companies)
In the office: flexible working hours with opportunities to work from home

Ambitions

We are aiming to expand our range of stress prevention and reduction services. In 2023, we are hoping to widen our support network through additional external coaches. We will also be carrying out leadership training, with a focus on corporate culture, leadership styles and dealing with challenging situations.

Goals

In Electrical, we are aiming to reduce the staff turnover rate from 13% in 2022 to 12% by the end of 2024.
In HVACP, we hope to reduce the staff turnover rate from 16% in 2022 to 15% by the end of 2023.