First Franco-German Climate Action Day: Together for Climate and Circularity 

Klimaschutz-Unternehmen visit Hager Group

Pioneers of corporate climate action from Germany and France came together for the first Franco-German Climate Action Day. Around 200 participants gathered at the Hager Forum in Obernai, Alsace, to exchange ideas on the opportunities and challenges of the transformation and to discuss viable solutions.

The companies’ commitment contributes to the goals of the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. As the EU’s two largest economies, Germany and France play a key role in shaping a resource-efficient, competitive, and modern economy. Hosted by the Klimaschutz-Unternehmen e.V. (Climate Action Association) and its member Hager Group, the event was held under the motto: “circular solutions for climate and environment”.

In his video message, Carsten Schneider, German Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, emphasized: "Enhanced cooperation at the European level is essential to address challenges such as environmental protection, which know no borders. The continued growth of the Klimaschutz-Unternehmen network is encouraging. Ten years ago, the community of states set the 1.5°C threshold with the Paris Agreement. Despite this, climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution of our environment continue to worsen. In this context, it is important to remember that economic development and environmentally and resource-friendly production are not incompatible."

At the start of Climate Action Day, State Secretary Sebastian Thul from the Saarland Ministry for the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection stated: “It is essential that we continuously generate new momentum for climate action and share innovative ideas – across borders. My sincere thanks go to the association Klimaschutz Unternehmen and Hager Group for initiating this first Franco-German Climate Action Day. Only together can we develop effective solutions and drive the transformation forward. The projects showcased here today clearly demonstrate what is already possible in corporate climate protection.”

“Climate action thrives on collaboration”

In their opening statements, Annika Roth, Board Member of Klimaschutz-Unternehmen, and Sabine Busse, CEO of Hager Group, also emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation for effective climate action.

Annika Roth: “Learning together, sharing success, and driving innovation – this is the core of Klimaschutz-Unternehmen and the key to lasting impact. The first Franco-German Climate Action Day shows: A climate-friendly future depends on European cooperation. Climate action thrives on collaboration. Our network leads by example and invites others to join the movement.”

Sabine Busse: “The transition to a more climate-friendly economy can only succeed if we work together – across borders and industries. Today’s Climate Action Day in Obernai sends a strong signal: Germany and France can be drivers of a sustainable, competitive European economy. At Hager Group, we are proud to host this event and contribute concrete impulses for the transformation.”

Closing material cycles – a key challenge

In her keynote, Dr. Susanne Kadner, Co-Founder of CIRCULAR REPUBLIC and Director at UnternehmerTUM, highlighted the link between climate protection and resource security. She stressed that the decarbonisation of the energy and mobility sectors cannot succeed without closing material cycles – especially considering dependence on critical raw materials. Dr. Kadner: “Circular economy is not a 'nice-to-have' – it’s the lever to meet our climate targets and reduce raw material dependencies. Companies that invest in circularity today are making a smart economic decision for the future.”

Best-practice transfer at its best

The extensive range of expert forums and workshops offered at Climate Protection Day showed how diverse the levers for successful corporate climate protection and sustainability are. The focus was on topics such as the circular economy in buildings, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transformation, and strategies for sustainable products and processes. The energy efficiency of smart buildings as a model for the future, the promotion of a culture of sustainability in business, and the implementation of successful climate management were also discussed. The main panel of Climate Action Day dealt with the further development of the Green Deal and how political and economic interests can best be reconciled.

Obernai: A symbol of Franco-German cooperation

The Hager Forum in Obernai was chosen as a location that symbolises the close German French partnership. The Hager Group, an international family business with deep roots in both countries, opened its doors together with the Klimaschutz-Unternehmen Association. It provided a platform for the transfer of knowledge and best practices to give further impetus to the success of the transformation.

As part of an accompanying trade fair, companies and organisations presented their activities and offerings in the field of corporate climate protection to event participants.