Newsbyte: SAP Releases Second Quarter Sustainability Update, Introduces New Corporate Social Responsibility Programs

WALLDORF, Germany, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today released its quarterly sustainability update with a preliminary, unaudited CO₂ emissions report for the second quarter ending June 30, 2012. The company shows strong yearly momentum for key metrics including emissions and women in management. As part of its commitment to help the world run better, SAP also introduced new corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs focused on supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in emerging economies.

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SAP decreased its carbon footprint from the previous quarter by 11 percent, though results are five percent higher than the second quarter of 2011. During the second quarter of 2012, which saw record growth for SAP, emissions from business flights remained high at 55 kilotons, but decreased from 66 kilotons during the first quarter of this year. The company continues to encourage alternatives to business travel to meet its year-end carbon target of 480 kilotons.

SAP expanded its practice of purchasing energy from renewable sources in the U.S. and Canada. As a result of this program — and continued energy efficiency programs at facilities and data centers — the company reduced its emissions by 19 percent globally.

During the second quarter, SAP also announced new social investment initiatives designed to help both entrepreneurs and small to midsize businesses successfully drive regional economic growth, innovation and job creation. Endeavor, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that supports high-growth entrepreneurs in emerging markets, will use SAP analytic technology to demonstrate its impact on local economies and inspire future business people. In addition, SAP has teamed with Ashoka Changemakers to initiate a global competition, "The Power of Small: Entrepreneurs Strengthening Local Economies," which will award US$10,000 to four winners based on the key criteria of innovation, social impact and sustainability. Ashoka Changemakers is a global community that fosters social entrepreneurs' innovative solutions to help address pressing social problems.

Other key results:

• Since 2008 SAP has been an exemplar in making sustainable business practices material to its own operations. The company's sustainability efforts have helped avoid more than EUR 200 million in costs calculated in comparison to a "business as usual" model.
• As part of SAP's belief that diversity is critical to maintaining a sustainable workforce, the company committed to increase the percentage of women in management to 25 percent by the year 2017. The ratio of women in management positions rose to 19 percent at the end of the second quarter of 2012, up from 18.2 in reported at the end of the second quarter of 2011.
• SAP received one of the SAM Sustainability Gold-Sector Leader Awards. SAM, a sustainable investment firm, recognized SAP for its outstanding sustainability performance by giving it the highest "Gold-Class" ranking within the software sector.

For the complete quarterly update, including emissions data, visit www.sapsustainabilityreport.com. For more information, visit the SAP Newsroom. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews and @sustainableSAP.

Media Contacts:
Robin Meyerhoff, +1 (650) 440-2572, [email protected], PDT
Alexandra Seele, +49 (6227) 7-66835, [email protected], CET

SOURCE SAP AG