The DEKRA Difference: Biodiversity in Action
Biodiversity is the very foundation of our planet’s health and human well-being. At DEKRA, we understand that the rich variety of life – from the smallest microorganisms to the largest mammals – sustains the ecosystems we all depend on. These natural systems provide clean air, fresh water, fertile soils, and the pollination that feeds our world. Yet today, biodiversity faces unprecedented threats from habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species, and climate change.
As a global leader in safety, security, and sustainability, DEKRA is committed to promote and protect biodiversity as part of our sustainability strategy. We recognize that healthy ecosystems are not just an ecological necessity, but a business imperative that underpins long-term economic stability and human prosperity. Our approach goes beyond simple conservation – we actively work to regenerate and enhance biodiversity on our corporate sites worldwide.
At our facilities, we’ve implemented an innovative habitat restoration program at our headquarters in Stuttgart. We’ve replaced crushed stone landscaping with native wildflower meadows that buzz with pollinator activity. Deadwood installations and dry-stacked stone walls provide shelter for insects, reptiles, and small mammals. We carefully remove invasive species like cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), replacing them with native plants that support local ecosystems. Even in winter, we leave perennial plants standing to provide crucial habitats during colder months. Our biodiversity promoting initiative demonstrate how businesses can operate in harmony with nature through implementing simple but meaningful measures. Our naturalistic landscaping requires less water and maintenance while supporting more wildlife. Healthy, natural gardens help manage rainwater and enhance soil humidity, while creating microhabitats. We’ve partnered up with biodiversity experts, ecological planners, landscape architects, and experienced gardeners to create a truly meaningful biodiversity concept that contributes to improving the microclimates in highly industrialized urban areas and which is aligned with our corporate identity. By doing this, we aim not only to benefit nature, but also enhance the quality of stay for our employees and people in the surrounding communities.
Before the bloom comes the effort — colleagues busy tree planting with purpose last fall.
Our journey toward biodiversity is not just an environmental obligation—it’s a strategic investment in our future. Every step we take to protect and restore ecosystems strengthens our resilience, reputation, and long-term value. Together, we’re proving that business and nature can thrive in harmony.
Wolfgang Linsenmaier, Member of the Management Board DEKRA e.V. and DEKRA SE, CFO
The business case for biodiversity is clear. By protecting natural systems, we mitigate risks at our sites, and to our operations and supply chains. Our biodiversity initiatives align with growing ESG expectations from investors and customers. Moreover, nature-based solutions are driving innovation across our testing and certification services.
DEKRA is expanding biodiversity initiatives to other sites around the globe. To extend our efforts beyond our own facilities, our biodiversity initiatives are being paired with awareness-raising efforts to enhance employee engagement, aiming for a greater multiplier effect. Our goal is not just to reduce our environmental footprint, but to leave ecosystems healthier than we found them.
We invite all stakeholders to join us in this crucial mission. Whether through habitat restoration measures, sustainable procurement, or simply raising awareness, everyone has a role to play in protecting biodiversity. At DEKRA, we believe that by safeguarding the web of life, we’re not just fulfilling our environmental responsibilities – we’re helping build a more resilient, sustainable future for all.
Because when biodiversity thrives, businesses thrive, communities thrive, and our planet thrives. That’s the DEKRA difference – where safety, security, and sustainability go hand in hand to protect what matters most.