Buddy Bear Berlin

Service partner

The Buddy Bears have long been an integral part of the German capital's cityscape. The cheerful, colourful Berlin bears are a symbol of tolerance and international understanding and stand for cosmopolitanism in Berlin and Germany, with their message reaching far beyond the city limits.

Many companies and institutions in Germany and abroad, as well as private individuals, have bought and continue to buy their own Buddy Bear sculptures. The Federal Foreign Office also supports the Buddy Bears and has publicised them as ambassadors of a cosmopolitan Germany.

However, the Buddy Bears celebrate their greatest success with the international exhibition of the United Buddy Bears - "The Art of Tolerance", which has been travelling the world for over 20 years and has already attracted over 45 million visitors.

"We need to get to know each other better, ...
... then we can understand each other better,
trust each other more and live together better."

Under this motto, the UNITED BUDDY BEARS are promoting peaceful coexistence on their world tour. The approximately 150 Buddy Bears (each 2 metres tall) represent just as many members of the United Nations.

Art and culture

Each Buddy Bear has been individually designed by an artist from the respective country. The result is a unique work of art. The styles of the international artists unite and spread joie de vivre. The diverse, country-specific design of the bears allows visitors to experience a journey around the globe.

The message

The Buddy Bears stand together "hand in hand" and symbolise the vision of a peaceful world in the future. Each bear stands for the people of the countries and their culture, but not for political systems.

Charity

Buddy Bear activities and help for children in need are inseparable. To date, donations and auctions have raised more than 2.5 million euros for UNICEF and local children's aid organisations.

Commitment to sustainability

The likeable ambassadors of a cosmopolitan Berlin have become a symbol of tolerance and international understanding through a variety of different projects. But their mission goes beyond promoting global dialogue: they stand for a sustainable approach that has the future of our world in mind. Through various initiatives, the Buddy Bears help to raise awareness of sustainable behaviour and at the same time support children in need. After all, peace, respect and tolerance begin with sustainable care for our planet and all its inhabitants.

Sustainability performance

Governance - Integrating a sustainability strategy
Governance - Implementing sustainability goals
Governance - Sustainable business development management
Compliance - Observing laws and guidelines
Compliance – Integrating a code of conduct
Compliance - Active incident management for breaches of compliance
Data Privacy – Ensuring data management meets the statutory requirements
Corporate culture – Communicating the sustainability vision statement
Risk analysis - Structured risk management
Shareholders - Transparent information on shareholder structure and participations

Optional criteria

Transparency - Public sustainability reporting

Energy – Use of renewable energies
Carbon emissions – Auditing carbon footprint
Carbon footprint - Travel management system to cut carbon emissions
Carbon footprint - Mobility management strategies to reduce carbon emissions
Energy – Managing energy saving and efficiency
Waste – Systematic waste avoidance, sorting, and recycling
Environmental management – Environmental management system in place
Environmental management – Increasing energy efficiency of facilities
Environmental management – Safe treatment of hazardous materials
Environmental management – Putting green office strategies into place
Environmental management – Reducing water consumption
Environmental management – Eco-friendly furnishings for premises and locations
Environmental management – Using eco-friendly consumables
Environmental costs – Carbon offset for projects and business activities

Optional criteria

Emissions and environmental pollution control - Avoidance of noise, light, etc.

Employee satisfaction – Promoting employee loyalty and motivation
Work-life balance - Flexible working time models and CSR catalogue
Occupational health and safety measures - Safeguarding productivity
HR strategy – Supporting staff development and training
HR plan – Strategic HR management
HR strategy – Appraisal interviews and incentive system in place
Diversity - Management of diversity and equal opportunities
Diversity - Ensuring the workplace is free from discrimination
Training and further training – Promoting professional and personal development
Training and further training – Developing skills in sustainability
Suggestion scheme – Strengthening sustainable processes
Dialogue - Involving stakeholders groups
Accessibility – facilitating participation

Optional criteria

Diversity - Integrating not-for-profit organisations
Social commitment - Regulating donations and sponsoring
Social commitment - Supporting company volunteer programmes

Quality – Introducing structured quality management
Quality – Establishing a structured complaints management procedure
Quality – Regular dialogue with stakeholders to improve quality
Risks – Established risk analysis of products and projects
Innovation – Expanding the sustainable service portfolio
Innovation – Sustainable product and innovation management
Security – Establishing a user safety process
Remuneration policy – Equitable remuneration structure
Suppliers – Aligning the supply chain along sustainable lines
Suppliers – Monitoring sustainability criteria in the supply chain
Suppliers – Monitoring sustainability criteria in the supply chain
Resources – Efficient purchasing of sustainable products and services

Optional criteria

Budget discipline – Structured bid and invoicing management
Financing – Ecological and ethical financial participation
Memberships – Transparent information on association memberships