The sustainability mission statement is closely linked with the element that constitutes the Group's core business, light:

"Through light, we care. Addressing the needs of the planet and its people with superior innovations in lighting."

The sustainability strategy covers four fields of action – Market, People, Processes and a fourth, overarching field, Integrity. Guiding principles for each field of action serve as the basis for defining strategic goals and key indicators for the 2010/2011 financial year, with the aim of achieving measurable improvements year on year. Sustainability is therefore a component of the Balanced Scorecard as re-defined for the 2010/2011 financial year, making it an integral element of the Group's strategy.

In response to growing interest, in particular from customers and investors, the Zumtobel Group conducted a survey of its key stakeholders on the topic of sustainability. After this, in the spring of 2009, employees from different departments within the Group analysed and evaluated existing activities in the sustainability field. Drawing on these results the Zumtobel Group produced a draft outline for its sustainability strategy. The strategy and its component elements were subsequently agreed with the specialist divisions and approved by the specially convened sustainability committee in late November 2009.