Level of ambition: STI Leader
Pledge 1
Pledge 2
Pledge 3
Pledge 4
Pledge 5
Scope of pledges
Programme status. Each participant carries a programme status that reflects the overall progress of its commitments: Engaged (commitments taken, work starting), Shaper (concrete measures under way), Leader (ambitious commitments largely delivered), Champion (the highest level, all commitments achieved and renewed). This status evolves over time.
Pledge levels. Every pledge is classified by ambition level, from 1 to 3, shown as dots next to its thematic. Level 1: a first, foundational commitment. Level 2: a concrete, measurable action with a defined target and timeline. Level 3: the most ambitious commitment, structural and verified against recognised standards.
Progress. Each pledge shows its progress: In progress (work under way within the agreed timeline), Achieved (target reached and validated), Delayed (timeline extended). Alumni companies keep their last recorded pledges and levels.
The purpose of Argor - Heraeus SA is the processing of precious metals, in particular: analysis, refining as well as manufacturing and sale of bars, medals and coins containing precious metals, processing of finished and semi-finished products in precious metal alloys, in particular for the watch and jewellery industry, as well as the provision of services in precious metal trading, in particular the purchase and sale of precious metals.
| # | Pledge | Thematic · Level | Progress | SDGs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | By 2033, we reduce our tCO2eq emissions to net zero (Scope 1 & 2) and our tCO2eq emissions in Scope 3 by 50 %, compared with 2020 and in line with the Paris Agreement’s reduction targets.*
* By 2024, Argor-Heraeus SA has already reduced its Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by more than 88 % compared with 2019. Since our journey is not linear, we decided against introducing an additional interim target by 2030. More information here. |
ClimateLevel 2 | In progress | 13 |
| 2 | By 2028, we reduce our drinking water withdrawal needed to refine 1 kg of “Precious metal equivalent” by 30 %, compared with 2023.*
* Compared with 906 l used in 2023. “Precious metal equivalent” includes the amount of gold and silver refined and the amount and quality of incoming material that influences the water withdrawal. Precious Metals refining represented 76 % of the total water withdrawal in 2023. |
EnvironmentLevel 2 | In progress | 6 |
| 3 | By 2030, we double and yearly source at least 4 t of gold from Artisanal and Small-Scale Mines compared with 1,8 t in 2023, within responsible market circuits.*
* Responsible market circuits: Swiss Better Gold Association, Fairtrade, Fairmined. The rest of our gold complies with LBMA and RJC standards.
We ensure all gold is verified under strict international standards to prevent environmental pollution, human rights violations, occupational hazards, and illegal financing. Fair premiums are transparently reinvested in social and environmental improvements within mining communities, verified by an independent third party. This ensures artisanal gold enters the responsible market, transforming the supply chain and fostering long-term sustainability. |
Human RightsLevel 3 | In progress | 8 · 12 · 6 |
| 4 | By 2028, we achieve a minimum 85 % satisfaction and well-being rate of all employees, with active participation from at least 90 % of employees, and a publicly accessible transparency report on results and improvement actions.*
* We ensure a rigorous, transparent, and inclusive approach to employee well-being, with external verification to ensure credibility and accountability, fostering a supportive work environment at Argor-Heraeus, assessed in the annual employee satisfaction survey.
Link to the report. |
Fair Work & Internal EngagementLevel 2 | In progress | 3 · 8 |
| 5 | By 2030, we ensure that at least 5 % of our workforce is comprised of individuals from underserved communities.*
* Working closely with associations specializing in underserved communities, they are defined as follows:
- Individuals who are unemployed
- Persons on disability insurance
- Persons over the age of 50 currently distanced from the labor market
- Individuals entering their first job after completing their studies currently distanced from the labor market
- Single parents |
Community ImpactLevel 3 | In progress | 10 · 8 |
Level 1–3: ambition of each pledge (1 = foundational, 3 = most ambitious). The programme status (STI Engaged → Shaper → Leader → Champion) reflects overall progress. SDGs = UN Sustainable Development Goals. Full explanation on the online profile.
