Press release
Corporate Press
August 26, 2013

Evonik Innovation Center recognized for sustainability

  • New building certified by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB)
  • Evonik has invested close to €17 million in the new construction at the Goldschmidtstraße site in Essen
  • 5,000 square meters of space for labs, offices, and special workshop area

The new innovation center of the Consumer Specialties Business Unit (CS) at the Goldschmidtstraße site has been certified by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). The German quality seal for sustainable construction certifies buildings in six different areas, ranging from ecological to sociocultural and functional quality. The recent certification in the highest category, Gold, confirms that the new structure of Evonik fully meets more than sixty criteria.

"In our Innovation Center we are researching the technologies of the future. We test promising new solutions and continuously advance existing products," explains Claus Rettig, Head of the Consumer Specialties Business Unit.

The Group invested close to €17 million to ensure that the innovation center not only meets internal requirements, but also complies with modern ecological standards. The Sustainable Building Council engages in reviewing resource efficiency in the area of energy, but also looks at aspects such as water consumption or materials used in construction.

The new Innovation Center covers a total area of 5,000 square meters over five floors. In addition to research and development laboratories, it holds office spaces and a special, separate workshop area for collaborations with customers.
Some ninety employees work in the center to advance innovations, primarily for applications in the cosmetic industry. "Sustainability is a guiding principle in development of new products, which is also reflected in the planning and design of the new laboratory building, the workplace of our researchers," notes Dr. Stefan Silber, Senior Vice President Innovation Management in the Consumer Specialties Business Unit.

About Evonik

Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders
in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2012 more than 33,000 employees generated sales of around €13.6 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.6 billion.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.