Wilo Joins the Road to COP28 as Strategic Partner for AHK Sustainability Events

Wilo, a global leader in the pumps & systems industry, is proud to announce its partnership with the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK) as a strategic partner for the sustainability events series of the Road to COP28 taking place in Dubai from 30th November to 12th December 2023. Yasser Nagi, Group Director Middle East & North Africa & Managing Director UAE, represented Wilo as a panelist in a thought-provoking panel discussion titled "Impact of ESG - from meaningful initiatives to measurable results."

During the panel discussion, Yasser Nagi highlighted the importance of integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives into the overall business strategy rather than treating them as separate programs. He emphasized that sustainability is an essential part of Wilo's company strategy, demonstrating the company's commitment to developing products that improve water access and save energy through highly efficient technology. Nagi mentioned that sustainability initiatives are deeply embedded in Wilo's business model and daily practices. From an operational perspective, these initiatives are integrated into the groupwide target setting process.

Nagi also shared a notable ESG initiative implemented by Wilo in the past, focusing on their investment in Photovoltaics (PV). Wilo aims to generate 20% of its electricity needs through PV, leading to the construction of five new PV systems in various locations. This initiative not only aligns with Wilo's climate strategy and reduces energy costs but also decreases dependency on the public grid. Furthermore, the availability of green electricity has enabled Wilo to explore a new business model, the H2 power plant in Dortmund, Germany.

Addressing the challenges of implementing ESG initiatives, Nagi acknowledged the increasing regulations and stakeholder requirements. To overcome these challenges, Wilo has strengthened cross-functional collaboration on sustainability topics. The company established a sustainability council comprising members from various functions and regions. The council meets regularly, sharing news, planning actions, and ensuring the integration of sustainability requirements across functions and regions.

Looking to the future, Nagi emphasized the need to view ESG adoption as an opportunity rather than a risk. He urged more pioneers to recognize the potential in sustainable development and concentrate on the main ESG impact factors. For Wilo, the main impact factors lie in their sustainable solutions, which should receive greater focus compared to areas like fleet management or business travel.

With COP28 set to take place in Dubai, UAE, Wilo's partnership with the Road to COP28 series of sustainability events underscores the company's dedication to addressing global challenges and contributing to sustainable development.