Responsibility in Action: The wienerberger Code of Conduct

Does my behavior reflect our values? Would I feel comfortable if I had to explain my actions to others? These are questions that employees and business partners should always ask themselves before they act. To help, wienerberger has drawn up a binding Code of Conduct that provides a moral compass for our day-to-day activities – at every location and across all areas of work. The Code is based on our corporate values of trust, respect, passion and creativity.

The Code of Conduct applies to wienerberger and all subsidiaries in which the company holds an interest of at least 50 percent. In addition, business partners are expected to comply with the Code, which aims to create a common understanding. With the Code of Conduct wienerberger promotes integrity, ethical business practices and adherence to all applicable national and international legal standards across all areas of work.

wienerberger encourages employees, customers, business partners and suppliers to report any potential violations. Disciplinary or legal action may be taken in the event of misconduct. But to stop things ever getting this far, wienerberger has put a raft of preventive measures in place, ranging from special training to communication tools.

wienerberger takes its societal responsibility very seriously, is transparent in its communication and totally committed to strict principles of good corporate citizenship. The international supplier of innovative ecological solutions for the entire building envelope in new construction and renovation projects as well as infrastructure solutions for water and energy management, rejects all forms of corruption, bribery, unfair business practices and extortion. Regular training sessions are therefore held to raise awareness of these issues. Employees are required and empowered to behave in a way that enables us to achieve our strict goal of “zero incidents of corruption.”

The Capital Market Compliance Guidelines provide a framework to ensure free and fair competition. For example, as part of its lobbying activities, wienerberger advocates for issues such as the provision of affordable social housing in Europe. The Code of Conduct for Lobbying Activities lays down clear rules for such activities. 

wienerberger protects human rights in all its business activities. Fair working conditions, fair remuneration and open dialogue are key concerns. Quality, ecological and social standards are upheld along the entire supply chain and compliance is regularly evaluated on the basis of the Supplier Code of Conduct.

The company is committed to implementing the ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. Discrimination or harassment on the grounds of age, gender, religion, origin or other characteristics are not tolerated. In addition, the company also supports social projects. One example is the long-standing cooperation with Habitat for Humanity International.

From decarbonization and the circular economy to biodiversity, water and waste management: In its Sustainability Program 2023-2026 wienerberger has set itself clearly defined and ambitious ESG goals. These too go beyond the requirements of existing regulations. To minimize the environmental impacts or risks of its business operations and promote opportunities by our products and services, wienerberger continuously monitors and improves its own processes, products and services with a quality and sustainability management system.

In a nutshell: The Code of Conduct defines rules for behavior that support wienerberger’s mission – to create a better future for humankind and nature.