News from Berlin - Last week saw numerous car companies and manufacturers commit to reaching minimum standards and goals in the field of sustainability and ethics. According to the ‘Nachhaltigkeitsrat’, the standards and regulations that were agreed to were set out by CSR Europe and Automotive Industry Action Group and comply with the basic guidelines set out by the International Labour Organization. The German companies Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen, also committed to achieving minimum standards in their practices, with numerous other international corporations also signing the agreement.

Overall, the agreement includes provisions that detail the need for all involved to strive towards its respective carbon footprint, whilst also making more energy efficient cars by applying cleaner and more innovative technologies. On top of that, the general issue of adhering to human rights and workers’ rights is also dealt with extensively. This entails the prohibition of child labour, fair working hours as well as discrimination in all forms.

The effort has generally been met with favourable reactions through German politicians. However, it has also been underlined that increased international cooperation, as well as a high amount of willingness of all parties to collaborate must exist to further the given process and make a difference.

News from Berlin - Berlin Global