Top German companies cut emissions by 6%, equal to 1.1 million people

DPA

Mon, May 19, 2025, 6:09 AM 1 min read

Leading German companies listed on the country's top stock market index recorded lower greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, a study found on Monday.

The analysis by auditing giant EY of sustainability reports at the 40 companies on Germany's DAX found direct emissions fell by 6% to 172.6 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents.

The figure was 11.5 million fewer than the 184.1 million tons in 2023.

With the average CO2 footprint in Germany standing at 10.4 tons per capita, the reduction represents a sum equivalent to the emissions of 1.1 million German residents.

According to the analysis, the figures include emissions caused by processes in day-to-day operations - such as companies' machinery, own power plants and vehicle fleets.

However, greenhouse gas emissions from the energy used by the company are also included.

The largest emitter remained - despite a slight decline - the building materials group Heidelberg Materials.

A total of 22 DAX companies reduced their direct emissions, while 16 companies emitted more greenhouse gases and the other two had insufficient data.

The increases could also be due to a stricter and more comprehensive review of their own emissions and changes in reporting, according to Simon Fahrenholz, head of sustainability consulting at EY.

Companies have adapted to a new guideline and are now reporting on their progress in a more transparent and detailed manner, meaning that "for the first time, we now have a truly realistic picture of the situation," Fahrenholz said.