Rittal has once again been successfully assessed by EcoVadis and has been awarded the Gold Medal for sustainability, placing the company among the top 5 per cent worldwide.
Taking responsibility for the environment and society, as well as for fair supply chains, sustainable business practices and transparency, is firmly embedded at Rittal – and not just in its corporate principles. It is a key concern for the globally operating, family-run business. Having recently been awarded the title “Factory of the Year 2025” for one of the world’s most modern manufacturing facilities with efficient, end-to-end digitalised production, Rittal now also ranks among the top 5 per cent worldwide for sustainability performance.
Consistently sustainable
This achievement has now been confirmed by the EcoVadis Gold Medal. The assessment is based on international sustainability standards, including the ten principles of the UN Global Compact, the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and ISO 26000. It serves as proof of internationally consistent sustainability management and transparent supply chains.
EcoVadis evaluates companies in four key areas: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Rittal reported significant gains across all categories, with an overall improvement of 18 percentage points.
Decisive improvements
Several factors contributed to the high ranking. Rittal has optimised its international emissions management, including the calculation of CO2 data. Numerous projects have been implemented to increase energy efficiency, such as a significant reduction in paint shop temperatures. In 2024 alone, these measures resulted in savings of several million kilowatt-hours of energy.
In addition, Rittal has introduced Product Carbon Footprints (PCF) for many of its products. Customers can now view emissions data directly online. The products themselves have also become more energy-efficient: Blue e+ cooling units reduce energy consumption by up to 75 per cent and save around one tonne of CO2 per device annually – roughly the amount a beech tree absorbs over 80 years.
Responsibility goes without saying
High standards also apply beyond energy efficiency. ISO 27001 certification underlines Rittal’s commitment to information security. Sustainability does not stop at the factory gates: the company also ensures that its supply chain partners comply with its stringent requirements.
“As a family-run business and global player, we aim to act responsibly in the interests of people and to safeguard livelihoods for future generations – in everything we do,” emphasises Philipp Guth, Rittal’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO). “We operate in global markets and supply chains with this mindset, ensuring that we are a 100 per cent reliable supplier for our customers.”
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