We support organisations of all sizes and sectors in establishing and maintaining sustainability management systems – with or without certification.
Sustainability Management
Why Sustainability Management?
Sustainability is now a strategic priority for nearly every organisation – not just a matter of image. A structured sustainability management approach, such as the We Impact management system, helps your organisation become more resilient, responsible and competitive.
Benefits of sustainability management:
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Creating future resilience:
A sustainability management system helps identify and address environmental and social challenges at an early stage – strengthening your organisation’s competitiveness. -
Meeting stakeholder expectations:
Expectations from banks, customers, business partners and funding bodies are rising. Sustainability management enables you to respond in an efficient, structured and transparent way. -
Preparing for reporting requirements:
A systematic management approach provides reliable data, KPIs and narrative insights – ideal for organisations that are or may soon be required to report under standards like VSME or CSRD. -
Motivating and retaining employees:
Demonstrating credible sustainability practices enhances employee engagement and helps attract new talent. -
Identifying and minimising risks:
A structured view of your organisation increases awareness of risks and helps avoid or reduce them – while also uncovering new opportunities. -
Accessing funding:
Many public funding programmes today require credible sustainability strategies. A professional management system provides the necessary foundation.
We Impact
Structured, effective, certified – with KATE at your side
Sustainability has become a key issue for companies – in terms of financing, competitiveness, employee engagement and social responsibility. Organisations that wish to embed sustainability in a credible and consistent way need a system that offers orientation, is practical to implement and delivers long-term value.
We Impact was developed on behalf of the German Ministry for the Environment in collaboration with academic and practical partners, led by KATE. The system provides companies with a structured framework to integrate sustainability into their operations, continuously develop it further and undergo external verification.
We Impact is structured in two levels:
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Level 1 provides a structured, guided introduction to sustainability management – focusing on initial goals, processes and responsibilities.
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Level 2 builds on this with a strategic management approach, a comprehensive perspective on impact, and integration of the EMAS environmental management requirements.
Organisations that meet the requirements of a given level can have their system certified by independent auditors.
Successful audits entitle them to carry the We Impact seal – a credible mark of effective and responsible sustainability management.
The We Impact Cohort – Achieving Certification Together
With the We Impact Cohort, we offer companies and organisations a compact, fully guided solution for introducing We Impact Level 1 – structured, digital and compatible with day-to-day operations.
Over the course of six months, participants complete all relevant steps – from onboarding to certification – in a small group setting (max. five organisations), benefitting from shared learning and reduced costs.
Who is the Cohort for?
The cohort is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and organisations that want to implement sustainability in a meaningful way and gain visibility with a recognised seal.
It is particularly suited to executive leaders, sustainability officers and specialists from management, HR, environment, procurement or communications.
No prior knowledge is required.
Your Benefits at a Glance
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All-in-one package: Webinars, personal support, individual appointments, certification and the We Impact Level 1 seal
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Practical focus: Clearly structured implementation with ready-to-use materials and templates
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Stress-free process: We coordinate scheduling with the auditor and take care of registration and certification
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Peer exchange: Networking and mutual support within a group of max. five participating organisations
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Final event: Official closing and award ceremony in January
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Introductory offer: Instead of €5,500, the full package is available for €4,900
Note: The fee includes certification for one location. Additional sites can be added for €500 per site.
Schedule
Start: June 2025
Duration: Approx. 6–7 months
Certification and Closing Event: February 2026
Interested? Get in touch now to reserve your spot in the next cohort.
