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Date of Award: 2016
The B:Efficient Award is awarded by the Wirtschaftsjunioren Karlsruhe, a forum of young entreprenuers and managers under 40 years of age who are actively engaged in the corporate world and contribute to sustainability in the region. Under the umbrella organization of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Karlsruhe, they have been active since 1952. At the moment, they have around 150 active members, and more than 170 sponsors who continue to advise the Wirtschaftsjunioren, despite having passed the age limit.
This year, the B:Efficient Award was presented for the third time since 2012. The award recognizes companies in the technology region of Karlsruhe for their sustainable, responsible, and efficient trade. The jury of experts included scientists, economists, innovators, and members of the Wirtschaftsjunioren Karlsruhe. After intensive deliberation and discussion, the jury was impressed by the general enthusiasm for “sustainable, responsible, and efficient action” and the specific efforts made by Koch. This could only mean one thing: First place.
The festive atmosphere in the atrium of the Sparkasse Karlsruhe Ettlingen in the center of the city underlined the importance of the competition. The experienced keynote speaker Katrin Schütz, state secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, and Martin Hubschneider, Chairman of CAS Software AG, stressed the importance of initiative, courage, and creativity. The highlight of the evening was the award ceremony for the B:Efficient Award which was presented in recognition of projects regarding sustainability, as stated in the invitation to submit entries to this biannual competition.
At the Fabrikle, as the employees refer to the company, the award was a reason for great joy. “For us, this is a very important and terrific recognition of our continuous work in thinking and acting sustainably. e want to be climate-neutral by 2020,” says Michael Koch, CEO at Koch. This extends to a large number of aspects of sustainability in the ecological, economic, and social sense. Environmental management in accordance with the European regulation EMAS is what this business lives by day in, day out; far-sighted actions, and the development of environmental friendly products constitute the basis of the company’s commercial independence. The company also demonstrates corporate social responsibility, cooperating with schools, supporting youth work in associations, and offering young people opportunities to learn about the company and what jobs it offers.
