„Respect for people and nature“ and „sustainability of our actions“ are among our key corporate values. We are convinced that only companies that operate sustainable will enjoy economic success in the medium and long term. Therefore our Sustainable Development Policy phrases our understanding and confirms our commitment. Our performance management including a clear organizational structure, key performance indicators and objectives steers the implementation within the Bayer group.

The Sustainable Development Report represents a central element to achieve transparency of our actions. The Report is supplemented by a variety of information on our website.

As in previous years this report is based on our performance data from all sites worldwide. The data compilation process has been checked and assured by a neutral auditor as well. Thus we succeeded in reducing direct emissions again, in spite of an increasing production volume. We continue the publication of our objectives with our Sustainability Program for 2006 onwards. It is based around the key areas innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and responsibility for the environment.

Through our support for the United Nations Global Compact, our goal is to set higher standards in human rights, labor rights and environmental protection. Bayer's progress in implementing the ten principles is pinpointed by the systems used within our company for each principle.