"Our aim is to make a valuable contribution to Hamburg's climate targets," said Merle Schmidt-Brunn, Head of Finance and Sustainability at Hamburger Hochbahn, which is being honoured for its pioneering work in sustainable mobility. The company's latest flagship project is the new, fully automated U5 underground line, which will slash CO2 emissions by 70 per cent thanks to innovative construction methods. Hamburger Hochbahn is also expanding and upgrading its network and using more zero-emission e-buses powered by green energy.
Hamburger Hochbahn, the copper recycler, Aurubis, and seven other Hamburg-based firms have won the German Sustainability Award 2025 for setting new standards in climate protection, press releases said Monday (November 4, 2024). The winners were among 2,000 candidates in 100 sectors who had applied for the European prize for the transition to a sustainable future. The award will be presented on November 28, 2024, in Düsseldorf by the German Sustainability Award Foundation, the German government, leading municipal associations and business associations among other sponsors.
Hochbahn pioneering sustainable mobility
Responsible metal production at Aurubis
Aurubis scooped the award in the “Metal Industry” category for pioneering CO2-neutral and circular production by recycling and using climate-friendly technology. Its hydrogen-compatible anode furnaces in Hamburg reduce fossil fuels and CO2 emissions. Aurubis also uses process heat, which supplies up to 28,000 households with climate-friendly heat and saves up to 120,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum across the city. Aurubis has invested more than EUR 830 million in environmental protection since 2020 to cut the carbon footprint of its metal production.
Several award winners from Hamburg
Other Hamburg-based companies including Fritz-Kola (beverage industry), NovoCarbo (chemical industry), Edding, the office supplies and advertising sector, insurer Signal Iduna, Jan Spille Schmuck in the watch and jewellery sector, Beiersdorf (cosmetics) and the Wolfsjunge Restaurant have won sustainability awards in various categories.
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