Sustainability in the sanitary industry Our contribution

Topic

Geberit has been improving people's quality of life with innovative sanitary products for 150 years. We design and manufacture durable, high-quality products with ecological, social and economic aspects in mind.

For more than 30 years, we have consistently aligned our strategy with long-term considerations - along the entire product life cycle. This commitment is an important reason for the company's success. We believe that one of the greatest contributions to the sustainable use of resources is to continually set new standards for the quality and service life of products.

Geberit products are typically used for decades. In addition, the long-term availability of spare parts and the backwards compatibility of new products make an important contribution to their service life. This makes it easier for construction partners to fulfil the often extensive catalogue of requirements for certified construction projects.

At a glance

A man installs a Geberit flush valve in a concealed cistern (© Ben Huggler)

Designed for durability

Thanks to high-quality materials and strict quality requirements, Geberit products have a service life that lasts for decades. They are also generally backwards-compatible and are easy to clean and maintain. Furthermore, Geberit ensures flushing functionality of concealed cisterns for 50 years, which means that the corresponding spare parts remain available during this period (with the exception of the specific functionalities of electronic products, such as the hygienic flush or DuoFresh).

A hand activates the flush on a black Sigma50 actuator plate (© Geberit)

Water-saving solutions

Geberit has a long tradition of manufacturing water-saving products, particularly WC cisterns and their components. According to a model calculation, water consumption for toilet flushing has been reduced by around 80% from 70 to 14 litres per person per day since 1952 thanks to several innovations such as Geberit dual-flush and stop-and-go cisterns. Geberit is constantly developing the water efficiency of its WC systems. The combination of water-efficient flushing systems with the type 212 flush valve and the latest generation of WC ceramics with TurboFlush technology enables the required flush volume to be reduced to 2.6 litres for a partial flush and 4 litres for a full flush.

Circle illustration of the Geberit Ecodesign principle, with the stages of the product life cycle (© Geberit)

Creating added value with ecodesign

Since 2007, all products have been consistently developed according to the eco-design principle: Every new product should be ecologically better than its predecessor - without compromising on quality, functionality or durability. All stages of the product life cycle are considered, from raw material extraction to disposal. Since its launch, more than 180 products have been developed or optimised according to this principle.

Hands holding black plastic pellets (© Ben Huggler)

Conscientious use of resources

In production, we aim to close internal material cycles, minimise waste and recycle it sensibly. Plastic is used as resource-efficiently and sparingly as possible to manufacture high-quality and durable products. As part of the eco-design workshops, efforts are being made to increase the proportion of purchased plastic regranulate (post-consumer waste) in the products.

New, smaller packaging (left) for shower toilets in contrast to the old cardboard box (right) (© Julia Dunlop)

Compact packaging

Geberit endeavours to keep the use of packaging material to a minimum. The company is gradually redesigning its packaging and reducing the amount of material required without compromising on product protection. Geberit's packaging strategy aims to ensure that plastic packaging contains at least 30% recycled material by 2030. In addition, 80% of the material used should be recyclable.

Dam to generate electricity from renewable hydropower (©wirestock/Freepik)

Reducing CO₂ emissions

Geberit is consistently reducing its energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Since 2015, the latter have decreased by 63% in relation to currency-adjusted net sales. The aim is to reduce CO₂ intensity (CO₂ emissions in relation to currency-adjusted net sales) by 5% per year. Geberit also relies on electricity from renewable energy sources. In 2023, 79% of electricity came from renewable energy sources.

Gold medal from EcoVadis for Geberit's sustainability management (© Geberit)

Gold Medal from EcoVadis

The Geberit Group was awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal in 2024 for its sustainability management. This puts Geberit in the top 5 per cent of the more than 125,000 companies assessed. The award makes it clear to customers and suppliers that Geberit has a comprehensive, systematic and long-term sustainability management system in place.

Robot arms on the assembly line in the production hall for Geberit concealed cisterns (© Geberit)

Certified production sites and logistics

In production and logistics, Geberit focuses on resource efficiency, occupational safety and innovative thinking. The company is continuously developing production processes and reducing the use of resources, energy consumption and waste. All production plants, central logistics and the management company incorporating all Group functions at headquarters in Rapperswil-Jona (CH) are certified in accordance with the ISO standards 9001 (quality), 14001 (environment) and 45001 (occupational health and safety). In addition, five German plants are certified according to ISO 50001 (energy) and nine sales companies according to ISO 9001 (quality).

Participant in the vocational training programme of the Hilti Foundation and Geberit in Kenya (© Hilti Foundation)

Social commitment

Geberit is actively involved in development projects aimed at promoting the human right to clean water and basic sanitation. These initiatives focus on knowledge sharing and vocational training, particularly in emerging countries. The company is also committed to advocating for equal opportunities and inclusive workplaces.

Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)

Environmental Product Declarations, or EPDs, are an important source of information for building owners, investors, business partners and other decision-makers. They provide information on the ecological footprint of construction products and are based on a detailed life cycle assessment.

Products with third-party EPDs account for 34% of Geberit's Group sales. We therefore offer a wide range of products for buildings constructed in accordance with certification systems such as Minergie, DGNB, BREEAM or LEED.

Environmental product declarations (EPD)

Environmental product declarations, or EPDs, are an important source of information for developers, investors, business partners and other decision-makers. They provide information on the ecological footprint of construction products and are based on a detailed life cycle assessment.

Products with third-party environmental product declarations account for 30% of Geberit's group sales. That's why we offer a wide range of products for buildings constructed according to the highest sustainability standards such as Minergie, DGNB, BREEAM or LEED.

Download EPDs

Resource-saving and durable products

Technical documents – now digital instead of printed

Every year, technical documents like assembly instructions and catalogues generate enormous quantities of paper. That’s why Geberit is transitioning to digital formats.

By scanning a QR code or accessing our digital product catalogue, you can find everything you need, available in multiple languages and accompanied by helpful video instructions. Technical documents and installation videos can be found in the product catalogue on the page of the respective product.

This initiative is helping us save over 1,000 tonnes of paper and 800 tonnes of CO₂ annually. It’s a small change with a big impact.


A binding sustainability strategy

More than 30 years ago, Geberit drew up its first environmental strategy and implemented specific measures. Over the years, this strategy has been gradually expanded into a comprehensive sustainability strategy. It is based on the UN Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Four goals are particularly important to Geberit. “Access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation” (Goal 6), which should be available to all people worldwide under fair conditions, as well as the goal “Sustainable cities and communities” (Goal 11). In addition, Geberit makes an important contribution to “ensuring inclusive, equitable and quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all” (Goal 4) through the high-quality training and further education of its own employees, the training of tradespeople launched back in the 1950s and the newly adopted strategy for social commitment in the area of vocational training in emerging countries. Geberit also contributes to the goal “Take action to combat climate change and its impacts“ (Goal 13) with the CO2 strategy, the Energy Masterplan and the Ecodesign principle as the basis for product development.


Tips and tricks for being more sustainable in everyday life

Use less water
Avoid waste
Regular maintenance
Buy sustainable products

Use less water

Tips for saving water

It is a good idea to use water sparingly. Reduce your water consumption in the bathroom noticeably with these six tips.

Save water now!

A woman turns on the tap and tests the intensity and temperature of the water jet (© Geberit)

Avoid waste

Less waste in the bathroom

The things we use every day, like shampoo bottles and hygiene products, cause a lot of plastic waste. Significantly reduce this waste with some simple tricks.

Tips for avoiding waste in the bathroom

Woman and child standing in a Geberit Renova series family bathroom (© Geberit)

Regular maintenance

Maintaining your bathroom

Have your bathroom serviced regularly to prevent subsequent damage. Here are a few tips on how to do it.

Make sure the shower, trap and cistern last

A woman removing the comb insert of the Geberit CleanLine shower channel and cleaning it (© Geberit)

Buy sustainable products

Durability helps the environment

High-quality, moisture-resistant bathroom furniture lasts longer, leading to less waste. Enjoy your products for years to come by choosing durable and timeless bathroom furniture.

What should I look out for when making a purchase?

Washbasin area from the Geberit iCon bathroom series (© Geberit)