Sport Conrad's sustainability goals by 2030

We launched our sustainability initiative WIR DENKEN UM (WDU) back in 2018 because we wanted to leave conventional paths and take a new route. Our conviction that we wanted to do more for our environment and our future became a task that challenged us more and more the longer we worked on it.

After all, we have set ourselves the goal of being the most sustainable outdoor retailer in the Alpine region with Alpine products. To this end, we worked with the Vaude Academy in three workshops to develop our sustainability roadmap, our ‘Sport Conrad Mountain Path’.

A central building block: our CO₂ footprint, which we have been recording annually since 2019/2020 as part of our carbon footprint with an external consultancy. On this basis, we take concrete measures to consistently reduce the CO₂ emissions caused.

Our path to the Sport Conrad sustainability goals

Sport Conrad sustainability goals: Our roadmap until 2030

We have based the specific targets on the Science Based Target Initiative.

Perhaps you have heard of direct and indirect CO₂ emissions in this context, which are defined more precisely under Scope 1, 2 and 3? These terms have their origins in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol of 1988 and were introduced to provide companies with scopes in which they can record and balance their CO₂ emissions in a standardised manner.

Scope 1 contains direct emissions from the company's own sources, e.g. from heating systems or company vehicles.

Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from purchased energy such as electricity or district heating.

Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions along the value chain - from the production and transport of purchased materials to business travel and the use and disposal of products sold. Scope 3 in particular makes up the largest part of the carbon footprint and requires close cooperation with suppliers and customers in order to reduce emissions sustainably. We have also adapted our targets to precisely these areas:

> We want to reduce our emissions in Scope 1 and 2 by 70% by 2030

> In Scope 3, we aim to reduce our emissions by 50%

Milestones on the path to our sustainability goals

Sustainability goals that we have already achieved

We are already right in the middle of our goals and are proud that we have already achieved a lot. This is one example of what we were able to achieve in 2024 .

Sustainability goals over time - our progress at a glance

2024

> Nominated again for the German Sustainability Award 2024 in the “Sporting Goods Retail” category

> Nomoi second-hand programme all year round in all shops

> Cooperation with private forest community and 2 tree planting community events with 4,000 trees planted

> Partner in the Zugspitz region climate network

> Energy efficiency measures and successive switch to LED lighting at all locations

2023

> Conversion of logistics centre: Commissioning of energy-efficient AutoStore technology, which enables a significant reduction in energy consumption through energy recovery
> Switch to 100% green gas from Polarstern
> Installation of photovoltaic systems in Iffeldorf with a capacity of 300,000 kWh
> Electrification of the vehicle fleet: gradual switch to electric vehicles in the company's own fleet
> Member of the carpooling platform MIO - Mitfahren im Oberland
> Climate-neutral shipping: introduction of climate-neutral shipping methods with DHL Go Green and UPS Carbon Neutral
> E-charging stations: Installation of e-charging stations for customers and employees at the locations in Wielenbach (4), Penzberg (12) and Iffeldorf
> First nomination for the German Sustainability Award 2023 in the “Sporting Goods Retail” category
> Job bike programme: introduction of a job bike programme for climate-friendly commuting
> Sustainable events and courses: Implementation of community events such as tree planting campaigns, ski touring programmes and avalanche and first aid courses
> Training SDG Scouts®: training 3 employees to become SDG Scouts in order to drive forward sustainability projects within the company

2022

> WDU sustainability strategy ‘House of Sport Conrad’ with 4 fields of action:
- People Strengths
- Sustainable offer
- Protect nature
- Responsible management
> First stakeholder survey with over 1,292 participants & materiality analysis
> Employee mobility: introduction of a mobility lottery to promote environmentally friendly commuting
> ClimateAlps scholarships: Sport Conrad awards five scholarships for training to become a climate educator
> Launch of the ‘Nomoi’ second-hand programme for WDU week at all Sport Conrad locations
> Exchange on CSR topics with top manufacturers in Sport Conrad's product range as part of the annual CSR talks
> Launch of the annual WDU week(s) with repair and care campaigns, sustainable product range (recycled materials, renewable raw materials) and community events
> Active member and driver of various alliances, for example member of the Outdoor Retailer Climate Commitment and working groups (EOG Sustainability Data Exchange Project).
> Introduction of WDU assessment/product criteria: we have 22 sustainability-related product criteria for customers, such as recycled materials, renewable raw materials, fair down, fair wool, fair leather, PFC/PFAS-free, organic cotton, recyclable, etc.
> Labelling with the WDU logo - in shops and in the online shop
> Transparent information in the Sport Conrad material lexicon

2021

> In December 2021, switch to 100% green electricity (first supply 01/2022)

2019

> First carbon footprint assessment in 2019/2020: Sport Conrad begins to systematically analyse its carbon footprint and reduce avoidable emissions

> Establishment of the Wir denken um (WDU) team: initiation of an interdisciplinary sustainability team

2018

> Start of the sustainability initiative Wir denken um (WDU) with the aim of labelling more sustainable products.

> Start of the first employee campaigns, e.g. Premer Filz bog reclamation

2010

> First PV system at the Wielenbach branch. The annual output is 45,000 kWh, of which we consume approx. 80% ourselves and feed the rest into the grid

FAQ

What are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2015. They are intended to promote sustainable development worldwide by 2030 in areas such as poverty reduction, education, gender equality, climate protection, sustainable consumption and much more. The SDGs are aimed at governments, companies and civil society equally and provide a common framework for addressing environmental, social and economic challenges holistically.

What is the difference between ecological, economic and social sustainability?

Sustainability is based on three equally important pillars: ecological, economic, and social. Ecological sustainability means using natural resources in a way that protects the environment and climate in the long term — for example, through CO₂ reduction, circular economy practices, or low-emission materials. Economic sustainability stands for responsible business practices that are viable in the long run, involving stable business models, innovation, and fair pricing structures. Social sustainability includes fair working conditions, equality, diversity, and the protection of human rights — both within the company and throughout the supply chain. Only the interaction of all three areas leads to a truly sustainable corporate strategy.

Which SDGs are particularly relevant for our company?

Not all of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are equally relevant for every company — in the outdoor sector, certain goals typically take priority. This includes SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), which is addressed through durable products, recycling concepts, or transparent supply chains. SDG 13 (Climate Action) is becoming increasingly important due to CO₂ reduction strategies, climate-neutral sites, or sustainable logistics. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) also plays a key role, especially when working with international production partners. Additionally, SDG 15 (Life on Land) is relevant if the company is actively involved in nature and biodiversity conservation. The selection of SDGs should be strategically justified, implemented in concrete terms, and reviewed regularly.

What is ESG in sports?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social & Governance and refers to criteria for sustainable corporate management. In the sports and outdoor sector, this means: Under the Environmental aspect, environmental impacts such as CO₂ emissions, resource consumption, or packaging waste are minimized — for example, through sustainable materials or climate-friendly events. The Social dimension includes fair working conditions, diversity, and social initiatives — whether in production or through community engagement related to sports. Governance refers to responsible corporate leadership, transparency, ethical conduct, and clear organizational structures. ESG is gaining increasing importance in the sports world — among investors, sponsors, and consumers alike. Companies that perform well in this area not only enhance their credibility but also strengthen their long-term viability.