The 2023 Škoda Auto Sustainability Report provides a comprehensive overview of the Czech carmaker’s updated sustainability strategy, detailing initiatives, and advancements across all Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) areas. Škoda Auto is dedicated to systematically reducing the environmental impact of its operations. At the same time, the company is committed to enhancing local ecosystems and offering international humanitarian aid, supporting individuals, communities, and regional development in Mladá Boleslav, Vrchlabí, and Kvasiny, where its sites are located. In addition to these efforts, the report includes insights into corporate governance, corporate culture policies, and the implementation of integrity tools.
“This year marks the first time we are publishing our Sustainability Report alongside our Annual Report. This approach standardises our reporting cycles and draws more attention to our sustainability targets and social commitments. Moreover, it emphasises the importance of consistent, transparent, and detailed reporting on key ESG topics to all stakeholders,” – Karsten Schnake, Škoda Auto Board Member for Procurement and Sustainability Board Representative
Škoda Auto is making progress towards achieving carbon-neutral production at its three Czech plants by 2030. In autumn 2023, the company commissioned a rooftop solar power system at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav. This system can produce over two gigawatt hours (GWh) of emission-free electricity annually, covering an area exceeding 10,000 m2.
To accurately assess the environmental footprint of its manufacturing processes, Škoda Auto has introduced a key metric known as the ‘Reducing the Environmental Impact of Production (UEP)’ indicator. This is designed to measure reductions in energy use, CO2 emissions, water usage, waste generation, and the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) per manufactured vehicle. This metric confirms that in 2023, water consumption per car in Czech plants has decreased by 37.7% compared to 2010 and energy consumption has decreased by 38.8% to 1.38 MWh over the same period. By 2025, Škoda Auto aims to lower the overall UEP by 52.5% compared to 2010.
In line with circular economy principles and through close collaboration with its suppliers, Škoda Auto is systematically increasing the use of natural, recycled, and recyclable materials in its vehicles. For example, in the new Superb, all textile materials on the seats and door trim are made from 100% recycled polyester. The ice scraper in the tank cap and the umbrella in the door, which the Superb was the first to feature, are now also made from sustainable materials. Škoda Auto plans to progressively increase the ratio of recycled materials in future models. Starting in 2025, the company aims to double the amount of recycled plastics to approximately 40 kg of net material weight per vehicle
As a member of the Volkswagen Group, Škoda Auto is engaged in the goTOzero retail initiative, which serves as a roadmap for decarbonising the sales and service network. By 2030, Škoda Auto aims to decrease the carbon footprint of its authorised sales and service networks by a minimum of 30% relative to 2020 levels. Specifically, the strategy focuses on maximising waste recovery, reducing energy consumption, and using rainwater.
In its collaboration with suppliers, Škoda Auto employs the S-rating system that defines mandatory framework conditions across critical areas, including environmental protection, human rights, labour rights, transparent business practices, fair market conduct, and the integration of sustainability criteria into organisational operations and processes. In 2023, 90% of Škoda Auto’s turnover (based on the past 12 months’ total turnover) was achieved with suppliers that attained the highest sustainability rating.
Škoda Auto actively engages in corporate social responsibility, particularly through initiatives supporting local ecosystems. For example, the Krakonoš Gardens programme, established by the Škoda Auto Endowment Fund, promotes biological diversity in the areas surrounding its facilities in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny, and Vrchlabí. Under the banner of #ŠkodaAutoHelps, the automaker has extended humanitarian aid to war refugees from Ukraine. In addition, following a devastating earthquake that impacted parts of Turkey and Syria in February 2023, the Volkswagen Group, including Škoda Auto and its sister brands, donated one million euros in immediate humanitarian aid. Later expanding this support in collaboration with Volkswagen and regional partners, they provided 75 container homes to assist families of their importers in the affected regions of Turkey.
