BASF recognized as a UN Global Compact LEAD company and SDG Pioneer

September 25, 2018

BASF was recognized for its continuing involvement and commitment to the United Nations (UN) Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a UN Global Compact LEAD company and as an SDG Pioneer during the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit.

Saori Dubourg, Member of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE, participated in the CEO Roundtable at the UNGC Leaders Summit where stakeholders from business, government and civil society discussed how they can further collaborate to drive attitudes and actions towards the achievement of the SDGs. “For BASF, responsible business conduct is a prerequisite for achieving the SDGs,” Dubourg said. “Business success means not only generating profit but also creating value for society and the environment.”

The UN Global Compact SDG Pioneer recognition for innovative solutions driving sustainable water and climate action was accepted on behalf of BASF by Teressa Szelest, President, Market and Business Development, North America. “BASF works with its partners to strategically solve today's challenging problems and ensure a better tomorrow,” Szelest said. “As an increasingly scarce resource, the responsible use and worldwide conservation of water remains a top priority for us.” BASF cooperates with a number of relevant stakeholders to drive sustainable water action. For example, in 2017 BASF Corporation donated $1 million to the Louisiana State University (LSU) College of Engineering to create the BASF Sustainable Living Lab to promote problem-based teaching and research focused on sustainable solutions to global challenges.

The Lab’s research team developed a portable water disinfection system using visible light from the sun. This technology has the potential to provide safe drinking water to nearly one billion people in developing countries where conventional energy-intensive disinfection methods are not feasible.

BASF’s water stewardship strategy includes efficient use of water and the development of sustainable solutions for local water problems. For example, BASF cooperates with other water users, such as municipalities and companies operating in the same river basin district. BASF has been reporting on water management to CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project, now Disclosure Insight Action) since the start of the program in 2010. In 2017, BASF was included in the CDP Water A list for the second time.

As a founding member of the UN Global Compact in 2000, BASF contributed to the development of the SDGs proclaimed by the UN in 2015. BASF supports the United Nations in the implementation of the SDGs, which create the framework for sustainable business practices.