SAP’s purpose is to help the world run better and improve people's lives with sustainability at the core.
Explore our sustainability solutions
Zero emissions. Zero waste. Zero inequality.
Our responsibility
We must act now to achieve the goal of zero waste, zero emissions, and zero inequality.
In line with our purpose, SAP's objective is to create positive economic, environmental, and social impact within planetary boundaries with special focus on climate action, circular economy, social responsibility, and holistic steering and reporting.
In addition to pursuing our own targets, we want to help our customers become more sustainable. We have a portfolio of sustainability solutions to help businesses embed operational, experiential, and financial data and insights to drive sustainability at scale.
Our accelerated journey to net-zero
SAP commits to achieve net-zero along our value chain in line with a 1.5°C future in 2030, 20 years earlier than originally targeted.
Our contribution to the UN SDGs
We share examples of how we contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how we help our customers advance them, too.
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Our transparent reporting
Since 2012, SAP has reported our progression from a holistic perspective, covering financial and pre-financial performance as well as social and environmental impact.
- View the SAP Integrated Report
Luka Mucic
Chief Financial Officer, SAP
We remain firmly committed to leading by example in our efforts to run our business sustainably and report our progress. Equally important is that we share our knowledge with our customers and enable them to achieve their own sustainability goals with our growing portfolio of solutions.
- Frequently asked questions about sustainability at SAP
Holistic Steering and ESG Reporting
Explore how we embed economic, social, and environmental impacts into our business decisions and practices.
Transparency builds trust
Integrating environmental, social, and financial performance measurement – positive and negative – is critical to all stakeholders inside and outside SAP.
- Learn more about our operations and practices
Energy and environmental management
Discover our environmental and energy management approach for achieving our targets.
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Social responsibility
Learn about our extended sustainability initiatives, including how we drive socially responsible value chains, promote respect for human rights, and create positive societal impacts.
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Ethics and compliance
Find out how we strive to undertake business with integrity by doing the right thing and following both the spirit and the letter of the law in all markets where we operate.
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Policies, codes, and commitments
Explore our policies and commitments to employing and safeguarding responsible business practices, based on respecting the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.
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Zero emissions
SAP is committed to reducing the world's carbon footprint.
Net-Zero by 2030
SAP is committed to achieve net-zero along our value chain in line with a 1.5°C future in 2030, 20 years earlier than originally targeted. Building on its carbon reduction journey since 2009, SAP became a member of the Science Based Targets initiative and was the first German company with a science-based carbon reduction target for 2050 back in 2017. In 2019, SAP raised its commitment and adopted a 1.5° C science-based emissions reduction target.
On our pathway towards net-zero, the next intermediate milestone is 2023, when SAP aims to be carbon neutral in its own operations – two years earlier than originally targeted.
-19% Reduced carbon emissions
Our reporting shows that in 2020, SAP was able to overachieve by 43% on its target for net carbon emissions in 2020, generating 135 kilotons instead of the anticipated 238 kilotons. This trend continued in 2021, during which SAP’s carbon emissions totaled 110 kilotons.
The low emissions level is a consequence of the ongoingCOVID-19pandemic, as well as the introduction ofPledge to Flex, which enables a more flexible mix of remote and onsite work.
Our potential for decarbonization can be amplified considerably if we enhance our efforts along the entire value chain. In 2020, carbon emissions amounted to 12.300 kt along SAP’s entire value chain (including upstream and downstream emissions) compared to 135 kt net emissions for SAP’s own operations. We have started setting up a cross-company program involving experts from different lines of business to prepare for our net-zero transformation.
On our pathway towards net-zero, the next intermediate milestone is 2023, when SAP aims to be carbon neutral in its own operations. This includes all direct (Scope 1), indirect (Scope 2), and selected categories of value chain (Scope 3) carbon emissions, such as business flights, employee commuting, and external data centers (co-locations and hyperscalers).
- Learn more about how we are integrating climate action end-to-end
- Read how we measure and manage our emissions performance
To become carbon neutral in its own operations by 2023, SAP is following a three-pillar approach:
- Avoid: Whenever possible, SAP aims to avoid the creation of greenhouse gases.
- Reduce: If greenhouse gas emissions cannot be avoided, SAP aims to drive efficiency and reduce all types of emissions; for example, building efficiency, data center operations, carpooling and car sharing, and e-mobility.
- Compensate: SAP has extended its compensation models for travel. If greenhouse gas emissions cannot be eliminated altogether, SAP aims to reduce them through innovations in the areas of building efficiency, data center operations, carpooling, and car sharing, as well as e-mobility.
Integrating Climate Action End to End
Learn how SAP is tackling climate action by embedding sustainability into its portfolio and across its purpose, strategy, and operations.
SAP Activity at COP26, a Turning Point in History
Get the details on SAP activity at COP26, where SAP made several announcements over the period, communicating the company’s commitment to sustainability.
SAP Accelerates Its Move to an Emission-Free Car Fleet
SAP is accelerating its move to an emission-free car fleet in 2025, doubling down on its sustainability efforts.
Enhancing Sustainability with People and Technology
As part of its commitment to climate protection, SAP has added the goal of planting 21 million trees by the end of 2025.
Manageyourcarbon footprint
Find solutions to help you understand and reduce your greenhouse gas footprint.
Zero waste
Rethinking business processes across the entire supply and value chain will protect our planet, its species, and our collective prosperity.
A Cleaner Ocean by 2030
Our waste and water strategy aims to continuously reduce SAP’s impact on the environment. By promoting company-wide initiatives, we strive to generate less waste and reduce the amount of water we use in locations worldwide. A global approach combined with local targets and initiatives allow for optimizing our environmental performance. Taking steps to recycle our waste and save water also contributes to our business performance. Through ongoing initiatives at SAP sites, we reduce our operational costs while engaging our employees in our efforts.
SAP has committed itself to address plastic pollution, both as enabler and exemplar. We made a commitment with our customers to strive for a dramatically cleaner ocean by 2030 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, alongside the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, and Global Plastic Action Partnership.
-46% tons Reduced e-waste
Our electrical and electronic waste comes from data center servers and from IT equipment including PCs, peripherals, and mobile devices. In multiple SAP locations, we cooperate with international and local e-waste disposal partners to refurbish and recycle our e-waste.
This close collaboration helps us to establish a more distinguished reporting that enables us to see more precisely what type of end-of-life treatment was applied to our disposed IT assets and devices.
- View the SAP Integrated Report
80% Reduced paper usage
We reduced our paper usage by 80% (over 66 million pages) since 2009, despite a 115.3% increase in employee headcount over the same period.
We also continued our approach of paperless contracting. By using the SAP Signature Management application by DocuSign, which enables electronic signatures, we were able to cut down the printing of paper-based contracts by more than 224,000 pages in 2020 (2019: about 205,000 pages – considering the same procurement contract types as in 2020).
36% Reduced plastics consumption
Single-use plastic is one of the greatest contributors to waste on the planet. To minimize its everyday use, SAP has dramatically changed its buying habits and practices over the last two years. A global pandemic, manufacturers’ packaging that was beyond SAP’s control, and varying recycling regulations from local governments were just some of the challenges the project faced.
- SAP rolled-out a digital reusable food packaging system for takeout, delivery, and convenience in all SAP locations with a canteen in Germany and piloted the first two single-use plastic-free cafeteria kiosks at SAP’s headquarters in Walldorf.
- At SAP locations in the United States and Canada, “Sustainability on the Go” kits with reusable utensils were distributed among the employees.
- SAP introduced the ‘Too Good to Go’ app in Germany. For a small fee, employees can pick up leftover lunches from the cafeterias to fight food waste.
- At SAP Mexico, the amount of waste segregation stations was further expanded: a QR code on each waste bin helps employees separate their waste in a correct manner.
- SAP Philippines implemented hazardous waste management practices to ensure the correct handling and disposal of hazardous materials included in batteries, broken light bulbs, electronics, etc.
- In the data centers of our headquarters, we use adiabatic cooling as well as a closed water circuit to minimize water consumption for cooling our server racks. At our headquarters and other office locations, we use rain and run-off water for irrigation and toilets.
- SAP chose a strong disposal service provider: SIMS Lifecycle Service (SLS), who is managing e-waste safely and sustainably, taking care of data medium destruction, and maximizing all efforts on reuse, resale, and recycling.
Transition to Reconnection: What Would You Change with a Sustainability Power?
Hear Emily Penn, ocean advocate and co-founder of eXXpedition, share with SAP CEO Christian Klein why plastics are accumulating in our oceans and how SAP technology helps pinpoint their origin, educate the public, and find solutions that drive lasting and sustainable change.
Create valuefrom waste
Find solutions to help you turn circular economy strategies into action.
Zero inequality
As humans responsible for social progress, we must not only embrace – but also connect and intersect –our diverse experiences to build an inclusive society where everyone thrives.
Human rights
SAP is committed to respecting and promoting human rights across our operations, extended supply chain, and product lifecycle.
- Enabling transparent reporting
- Supporting the ethical use of AI
- Running a responsible supply chain
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Health and well-being
At SAP, we know that best-run businesses start with healthy people who are supported by a caring and balanced culture.
- Prioritizing mental health and well-being
- Helping people reach their full potential
- Providing empathy and care
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Diversity and inclusion
Creating a diverse and inclusive culture makes us a better company, fueling our innovation, enhancing our work experience, and enabling our success.
- Empowering people to run at their best
- Driving innovation through diversity
- Leading by example
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Corporate social responsibility
SAP is powering opportunity for all people through digital inclusion with the help of our talent, technology, and strategic partnerships.
- Accelerating social business
- Building future skills
- Collaborating for sustainability
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SAP and University of the People: Educate the Leaders of Tomorrow
SAP is partnering with University of the People to provide 100 scholarships to refugees and displaced youth, around the world.
Getting Human Rights Right in Business
For Human Rights Day, learn how SAP plays its part to promote human rights across operations, the supply chain, and product life cycles.
Extendyour sustainability initiatives
Build ethical & environmentally responsible practices intoend-to-end processes.
Awards and Recognition
Top Scores in DJSI and Carbon Disclosure Project
SAP received a spot on the prestigious CDP A list, which announces the over 300 companies leading the way to a more sustainable future. This rating comes only weeks after SAP was named the software industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for the 15th consecutive year.
Acknowledging SAP’s Steps to Tackle Climate and Social Challenges
In this article, learn why SAP’s efforts to tackle climate and social challenges have been recognized by many of the most trusted business sustainability organizations.
Awarded Terra Carta Seal for Commitment to Sustainability
SAP is one of an inaugural group of 44 companies awarded the Terra Carta Seal. The seal is given to industry-leading companies that have credible transition road maps to achieve net zero by 2050 or earlier underpinned by globally recognized scientific metrics.
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Sustainable Development Goals
SAP is committed to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Find out which goals we focus on and how we're making an impact.
- Learn more
Sustainability News
Get the latest SAP news and information related to sustainability. More than just press releases, you'll find in-depth feature articles on business and technology trends, blogs from SAP experts and thought leaders, and more.
SAP for Sustainability Community
Join the conversation about creating a more equitable and sustainable world.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of SAP? ›
What is SAP Used For? As one of the world's leading software systems dedicated toward the management of business processes, SAP facilitates effective data processing and information flow across organizations.
What is the importance of SAP system in business? ›SAP ERP software reduces the administration and operation expenses by using accurate and real-time information. In addition, the software enables manufacturers to control operations and avoid delays in production and break up information, which eventually allows the management to make decisions effectively.
What are SAP uses and benefits to companies? ›- Improved Cost-Efficiency. You're always on the lookout for a way to cut costs and increase profits. ...
- Better Collaboration Throughout Business. ...
- Enhanced Data Management. ...
- Improved Data Security. ...
- Scalability. ...
- Faster Forecasting and Analysis. ...
- Customizable. ...
- Customer Service.
SAP Company Information
As the market leader in enterprise application software, we're helping companies of all sizes and in all industries run better by redefining ERP and creating networks of intelligent enterprises that provide transparency, resiliency, and sustainability across supply chains.
But what is SAP? SAP means "Systems Applications and Products in data processing". The SAP Software system was developed in 1971 by five IBM engineers, Hopp, Wellenreuther, Hector, Tschira and Plattner, who worked together on an internal project. In June 1972, they left IBM and founded the SAP company.
What is SAP basic knowledge? ›SAP Basis is the technical foundation that enables SAP applications to function. It consists of middleware programs and tools that support the interoperability and portability of SAP applications across systems and databases.
What is the advantage of using SAP? ›SAP's advantages
SAP allows all data to be well integrated with various databases. For this reason, this system is able to streamline business processes so that companies can collect data more easily and efficiently. The SAP system can increase employee productivity because the program is well integrated.
SAP Business One in the cloud offers businesses the economy of scale plus the technology skills required to meet market demand and improve business results. There will be no need to have dedicated personnel to manage the system and servers – so you can save on human and time resources.
What is SAP work process? ›A work process consists of a screen processor, the ABAP interpreter, the database interface and the task handler that calls these programs. Integration. The dispatcher is the central process of the application server. After it has been started, it generates the work process.
What type of company is SAP? ›SAP SE (/ˌɛs. eɪˈpiː/; German pronunciation: [ɛsʔaːˈpeː] ( listen)) is a German multinational software company based in Walldorf, Baden-Württemberg. It develops enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations.
What is SAP full form? ›
What type of platform is SAP? ›SAP Cloud Platform (SCP) is a Platform As A Service (PaaS) platform for developing new applications or extending existing applications in a secure SAP cloud environment based on SAP HANA in-memory technologies.
What problems does SAP solve? ›- Planning and consolidating financial strategy in one solution. ...
- Discovering useful insights. ...
- Aligning plans across your business. ...
- Improving planning cycles with predictive analysis. ...
- Enhancing strategic business decisions. ...
- Data modeling. ...
- End-to-end industry dashboards.
The system's flexibility and complete integration with those operations result in both efficiency and cost savings at every stage of the product's lifecycle. The beauty of SAP software is that companies can implement only the modules a specific business needs in a secure and customizable manner.
What is the purpose of SAP in a tree? ›Tree sap contains nutrients and minerals. This sticky liquid runs through the tree and down to the branches to help generate energy while new buds are forming during springtime. Due to photosynthesis, sugars are created which are fed back into the tree and acts as food for the tree during its growth period.
How do you explain SAP to someone? ›SAP stands for Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing. SAP, by definition, is also the name of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software as well as the name of the company. SAP Software is a European multinational, founded in 1972 by Wellenreuther, Hopp, Hector, Plattner, and Tschira.
What is SAP and its types? ›SAP offers five main ERP products: SAP ERP, its flagship on-premises system; SAP S/4HANA; SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP Business One; and SAP Business ByDesign. One final note, SAP's product branding can be confusing when evaluating its ERP offerings.
What are SAP tools? ›SAP is the most-used ERP software in the market and contains hundreds of fully integrated modules covering nearly every aspect of business management. Using SAP creates a centralised system for businesses that enables every department to access and share data to create a better work environment for every employee.
Where is SAP used? ›SAP is one of the world's leading producers of software for the management of business processes, developing solutions that facilitate effective data processing and information flow across organizations.
What is SAP and its features? ›SAP modules are designed to integrate diverse external and internal data of an enterprise in a single unified system. There are different departments such as finance, HR, sales, manufacturing etc., and each department beholds good amount of data at the department levels.
What is an example of SAP software? ›
A few common examples of SAP modules include: SAP Controlling (CO) SAP Financial Accounting (FI) SAP Human Capital Management (HCM)
What is the purpose of SAP in a tree? ›Tree sap contains nutrients and minerals. This sticky liquid runs through the tree and down to the branches to help generate energy while new buds are forming during springtime. Due to photosynthesis, sugars are created which are fed back into the tree and acts as food for the tree during its growth period.
How does the SAP program work? ›The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Why is SAP so popular? ›SAP provides a complete solution with a direct implementation process. Also, transitions are easy with the growth and development of the company. SAP also provides numerous cloud solutions, and it assimilates with complimentary services, like Google and PayPal. This is not common in the world of ERP systems.
What is sap full form? › What is sap made of? ›Phloem sap (pronounced /ˈfloʊɛm/) consists primarily of sugars, hormones, and mineral elements dissolved in water. It flows from where carbohydrates are produced or stored (sugar source) to where they are used (sugar sinks).
What is sap application? ›The software collects and processes data on one platform, from raw material purchasing to production and customer satisfaction. SAP solutions can be installed “on premise” at a user's location(s) or used from the cloud, helping companies analyze and efficiently design the entire value chain.
How long is SAP process? ›There is the initial SAP examination fee, the education program, the DOT return-to-duty drug test, and the 6+ follow-up testing program. Unfortunately, the length of the follow-up testing program can be 12 months to 5 years, depending on the SAPs recommendation.
Who is your SAP? ›Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) are licensed or certified professionals that have knowledge not only of the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol and controlled substances related disorders, but also of DOT drug and alcohol testing and return-to-duty processes as required by §40.281.
How long is the SAP course? ›You can complete the courses to earn certification within three to six months. If you're familiar with SAP technology, you may be able to learn quickly and take the certification exam early. There are many options for taking the courses, such as online options, in-person classes and blended learning.
How do I add SAP to my resume skills? ›
- Choose a format and header. ...
- Write a professional summary. ...
- List your experience. ...
- Focus on your unique accomplishments. ...
- Describe your skill set. ...
- Include professional organizations and activities.
- SAP financial accounting (FI)
- SAP financial supply chain management (FSCM)
- SAP controlling (CO)
- SAP materials management (MM)
- SAP sales and distribution (SD)
- SAP logistics execution (LE)
- SAP production planning (PP)
- SAP quality management (QM)
An SAP specialist is a technical consultant that is an expert on various aspects of the Systems Applications and Products (SAP) software suite. They are considered experts on one or more components of SAP such as business function, sales, and development.
Why do companies choose SAP? ›It provides information across all departments in real time. SAP ERP system provides control on different business processes. The centralized system enhances productivity, provides better inventory management, endorses quality, decreases raw material cost, effective HR management, reduce expenses and enhances profits.
What is an example of SAP software? ›A few common examples of SAP modules include: SAP Controlling (CO) SAP Financial Accounting (FI) SAP Human Capital Management (HCM)
What does SAP experience mean? ›SAP experience is an experience or knowledge gained by a person while working on any SAP ERP software developed by the German company SAP SE. For example, if you are working in the HR department of any company where SAP is used, then the SAP experience demands you to have knowledge of SAP HR (Human Resource), SAP R/3.