• 45% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions year-over-year
• Renewable energy proportion of the energy mix up to 68% (versus 62% in 2022)
• Female hires in 2023 at 24% versus 22% in 2022
• Employee engagement score up for the 7^th year in a row

VAT, the leading global supplier of high-end vacuum valves, published its third annual Sustainability Report today, providing stakeholders with a broader and more robust range of environment, social and governance (ESG) metrics, the progress made versus its inaugural ESG targets and an overview over its external ESG ratings.

VAT’s improvements demonstrate the increased priority given to sustainability and ESG performance by the Board of Directors and executive management, as well as the growing awareness of many ESG topics within the company. The execution of the ESG measures and targets from the company’s mid-term strategic plan back in 2022 have gained companywide traction.

“VAT includes sustainability considerations in how we operate the business, and we have embedded ESG performance criteria in our strategic plan,” said Martin Komischke, Chairman of VAT’s Board of Directors. “We will continue to make progress in our ESG efforts, and we have started to take additional important steps towards our goal to become an ESG leader in our industry.”

The Sustainability Report 2023 has again improved data collection over the Sustainability Report 2022 in areas such as GHG emissions, energy consumption, and waste generation. The report is compliant with the Swiss directive on non-financial disclosure, applicable going forward for the first time for the business year 2023.

Stakeholder dialog

Following up on initiatives started in 2022, VAT has continued measured alignment with the Responsible Business Alliance Code of Conduct in areas such as labor practice, health and safety, environment, ethics, and management systems.

“For VAT, the integration of ESG principles into its business strategy, operational processes and company culture will remain a management priority in 2024,” said Urs Gantner, CEO. “In line with the company’s ESG targets, VAT will focus on climate protection, sustainable resource use, and increased employee diversity.”

VAT continues to engage with ESG and stewardship teams of its investor base and incorporates feedback received on best practices and recommended verification providers and rating agencies.

Download

The Sustainability Report 2023 is available in English and can be downloaded from VAT’s website.

Financial calendar 2024

ABOUT VAT
We change the world with vacuum solutions – that is our purpose as the world’s leading supplier of high-end vacuum valves. The Group reports in two segments: Valves and Global Service. The Valves segment is a global developer, manufacturer and supplier of vacuum valves for the semiconductor, displays, photovoltaics and vacuum coating industries as well as for the industrial and research sector. Global Service provides local expert support to customers and offers genuine spare parts, repairs and upgrades. VAT reported net sales of CHF 885 million in 2023 and employs some 2,700 people worldwide, with representatives in 29 countries and manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia, and Romania.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
Forward-looking statements contained herein are qualified in their entirety as there are certain factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” and similar expressions) should be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the company’s ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behavior of other market participants, the performance, security and reliability of the company’s information technology systems, political, economic, and regulatory changes in the countries in which the company operates or in economic or technological trends or conditions. As a result, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Except as otherwise required by law, VAT disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this report.