SIEMENS AG
The name DEGREE is not taken lightly and it references several motivating factors , as Jenny explains : “ We called the framework DEGREE , because when we speak about sustainability , it ' s absolutely crucial that we take a 360-degree perspective and really consider the impact that all our stakeholders can have . It also homes in on that vital 1.5 ° C degree target , which should always be at the forefront of everything we do . So , at the end of the day , every degree counts .”
The individual letters of DEGREE stand for each of the six focus areas that define
Siemens ’ sustainability agenda on a global scale : ‘ D ’ for decarbonisation , ‘ E ’ for ethics – fostering a culture of trust and secure handling of data . ‘ G ’ for governance – ensuring the correct governance is in place . ‘ R ’ for resource efficiency – striving for more circular business models to save resources and ‘ E ’ for equity – fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity . Last but not least , the second ‘ E ’ stands for employability , which is Siemens ’ way of truly acknowledging the fast and changing world in which we live , while also ensuring that its people stay resilient and relevant .
In terms of the overarching culture at Siemens , Jenny regards those final letters as pivotal . “ We call it a culture of belonging ,” she says . “ Everyone at Siemens can come to work exactly the way he or she is – just how people want to be .”
The company is determined that DEGREE creates an environment which is both ambitious and measurable . Clear and measurable targets have been set for all of these focus areas and the company will be determined to hit new heights over the next five years and beyond .
“ DEGREE refers to the level of ambition we need to succeed in the area of sustainability and that we must always be aiming for a higher ‘ degree ’ of action ,” Jenny adds .
From a personal perspective , Jenny knows the scale of the task ahead but sees the pressure as a great privilege . She recalls : “ The other day , I had dinner with a colleague and he said , ‘ You know what ? I really believe you have the most exciting job at Siemens .’ I thought about it and I guess he might just be right ! Driving sustainability solutions at such a huge company is extremely rewarding and that is what gets me out of bed every morning .”
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