In 2022, we launched a pilot project where we identify physical climate risks for all Brenntag sites throughout the Group. More specifically, our Swiss partner Sustainaccount analyzes the future potential risk arising from fluvial and coastal flooding, water availability, hail, flash floods, heat waves, storms and fire.

The risk assessments are based on different temperature scenarios. This means that we calculate risks where global warming is 1.5°, 2.0° and 4.8° Celsius. The result has a value ranging from 0 – that is, very low risk – to 1, very high risk. Potential risks can thus be determined specifically for each site. This approach helps us to assess possible risks and take appropriate precautions.

To this end, all sites are shown on maps where they are marked in color according to their respective risk classification. The scenarios are thus easy and intuitive to understand. The physical risk assessment is an innovative and very important step for our industry.

On the basis of the data obtained, we can take preventive precautions, make structural changes or, in the most extreme case, even switch sites in a timely manner. We bear particular responsibility as we handle chemicals, which could – in the event of natural disasters due to flooding, heat waves or storms, for example – cause hazards. We also use this information in selecting new sites for our company.