Governance: responsible management
Responsible corporate leadership is a central tenet of our business activities. We are committed to internationally recognized standards, guidelines, and principles. These include, in particular, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the conventions of the United Nations, the core labor standards of the International Labour Organization, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. We conduct our business activities primarily in Germany, where the protection of human rights is established by law. When tendering international services, national and international laws and conventions apply. We document this carefully when concluding contracts.
Code of Conduct: key principles for all employees
Our business activities are guided by our Code of Conduct. It summarizes the key principles and rules for conducting business, as well as the standards we apply in our dealings with business partners and stakeholders. Since May 2022, the Code of Conduct has provided the overriding framework of orientation for the Executive Board, as well as all managers and employees. It lays out the fundamental principles and rules for responsible and ethical conduct toward persons inside and outside the Group. In it, we undertake to comply with national and international laws, government regulations and official requirements as well as in-house rules. The Code of Conduct also reflects Munich Airport’s expectation that its suppliers respect human rights, internationally recognized labor standards, and environmental obligations throughout the entire supply chain.
Supply Chain Due Diligence Act: new online tool
The Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), which came into force in 2023, aims to improve the global human rights situation. It defines the requirements for responsible supply chain management. To implement the LkSG requirements within our company, we follow a multi-tiered approach to ensure both legal certainty and the efficiency of procurement processes. All new calls for tender and contract documents include a standard Code of Conduct clause, obligating bidders and contracting parties to comply with all LkSG requirements. In addition, we work closely with the relevant department to establish additional criteria for the performance requirements in calls for tenders with an increased potential for risk with regard to human rights or environmental due diligence obligations in order to minimize such risks. If risk or suspicion cases arise during the performance phase, we investigate each case individually. The Procurement and Compliance departments, together with Strategic Sustainability Management, agree on risk mitigation measures and submit them to the LkSG Risk Board, which convenes quarterly.
To continue documenting our due diligence obligations under the LkSG in a legally compliant, complete, and efficient manner, we implemented a software-based tool in 2024 following the recommendation of the LkSG Risk Board. This system ensures legally secure documentation of both internal and external risk analyses and of the reporting obligations to the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control. In addition, media screening is used to monitor potentially critical news about our suppliers in order to identify risks at an early stage. Procedural rules for submitting LkSG-related complaints are published on our website. There is also the option to report violations of the LkSG to an internal reporting office.
The external risk analysis does not indicate any high-risk potential. Via the Integrity Next platform, potential risks among direct suppliers were systematically assessed based on both country-specific and industry-specific risk factors. Country-specific risks are considered low, as 94 percent of direct suppliers are based in Germany and 97 percent in the EU. We purchase product groups that involve a potentially increased industry risk in countries with a low risk potential. The result of the abstract and concrete risk analysis shows that the proportion of suppliers with elevated risk potential is below one percent. We derive risk mitigation measures, such as obtaining self-disclosures and relevant certificates, based on the risk classification and procurement volume.
Human rights: fairness in international relations
The laws and statutes of the Federal Republic of Germany and the EU shall apply directly and without exception also in international relations. This includes the prohibition of anti-competitive behavior, the formation of cartels and monopolies, undeclared work, child labor, forced labor, and violence. Compliance with human rights and human rights procedures is ensured particularly in accordance with the principles of the United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In our Policy Statement on Respect for Human Rights, we commit to the highest sustainability standards, which encompass environmental and social responsibility as well as sound corporate governance.
Responsible supply chain – Munich Airport
Compliance Management System