Hans Jürgen Kalmbach Joins Executive Board of Water Europe
Hansgrohe Group is committed to a water-safe, sustainable and water-intelligent society
Schiltach, October 2024. Hans Jürgen Kalmbach, Chairman of the Executive Board of Hansgrohe SE, is a new member of the Executive Board of the Brussels-based Water Europe organization. The CEO of the Black Forest-based manufacturer of premium designer products for bathrooms and kitchens is delighted to announce his appointment to the Executive Board as of September 2024: "It is a particular concern of mine personally and of the Hansgrohe Group to raise awareness for the sustainable use of water, the elixir of life. We want to make water a political priority, because the potential for water efficiency in buildings is far from exhausted. Appropriate political framework conditions are necessary to achieve greater water resilience. Just think of the reuse of water or its reduced consumption through water-efficient products. I am grateful that in my role as Executive Board member of Water Europe, I can do even more to promote the responsible use of water," says Hans Jürgen Kalmbach.
The multi-stakeholder platform Water Europe currently has more than 200 members from 27 European countries. They include small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations, utilities, universities and technology providers. They are all united by a passion for innovation in the water sector and the pursuit of sustainable water management. The association advocates for water-efficient policies at European level that enable the development of a water-secure, sustainable and water-intelligent society in Europe and beyond.
Focus on Water Efficiency in the Household
"The conscious and sustainable use of water in society is a key factor for greater water efficiency," says Hans Jürgen Kalmbach. "In light of the threat of climate-related water shortages in Europe, it is not enough to focus on agriculture and industry. Water consumption in residential buildings must also be discussed at a political level. After all, according to a report by the European Environmental Agency, private households account for around ten percent of freshwater consumption in Europe. We need a comprehensive water strategy in Europe so that we can also take on a global leadership role in water management."
Water Europe is calling on the European Commission to implement the Water Resilience Initiative, which is currently underway, as soon as possible. It aims to ensure access to water for people, nature and the economy, while combating catastrophic flooding and water scarcity. With the appointment of Jessika Roswall as EU Commissioner-designate for "Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy", the European Commission is now sending a clear signal with regards to the importance of the topic: for the first time, water resilience and water efficiency are to become a clear part of the portfolio of an EU Commissioner.
Goals in Harmony
"The goals of Water Europe are in line with our sustainability goals. Water is our passion and plays a key role in our stringently pursued sustainability strategy," says Hans Jürgen Kalmbach. Among other things, this includes a consistent product portfolio change: by 2030, all water-bearing products manufactured by the Hansgrohe Group will be available exclusively with water-saving technologies, thus making an important contribution to greater water efficiency in households.
About Water Europe
The story of Water Europe, initially known as the Water Supply and Sanitation Technology Platform (WssTP), begins in 2004, when it was established by the European Commission as a European Technology Platform (ETP) to confront water-related challenges across the continent. This initiative took a significant leap forward in 2007 when it evolved into a member-driven, multi-stakeholder platform. This transformation marked a pivotal shift, widening its impact and reinforcing its foundational mission of securing a sustainable water future. Continuing its evolution, the organisation changed its name from WssTP to Water Europe in 2019, marking a new period in which the name of the organisation captured the essense of its mission as the recognised voice and promoter of water-related innovation, research, and technology development in Europe. With a focus on the entire water value chain, Water Europe advocates for building a water secure, sustainable, and resilient, Water-Smart Society across Europe and beyond.
About the Hansgrohe Group – Setting the Beat of Water. Since 1901.
With its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, the Hansgrohe Group, based in Schiltach/Southern Germany, enjoys a reputation as a leader in innovation, design and quality within the bath and kitchen industry. Founded in 1901 in the Black Forest, the company gives water form and function with its faucets, showerheads and shower systems. In combination with sanitary ceramics and bathroom furniture, the company offers individual design options from a single source for holistic bathroom experiences. The 123-year history of the company is marked by innovations, such as the first hand-held shower with multiple spray types, the first pull-out kitchen faucet, and the first wall bar to hold a hand-held shower.The company holds more than 20,000 active property rights. The Hansgrohe Group stands for long-lasting quality products and for responsibility towards people and the environment. Sustainable production of resource-conserving products is central to the company’s business activities around the globe. By developing innovative technologies for faucets and showers, Hansgrohe achieves the greatest possible effect on protecting water as a resource and limiting and adapting to climate change during the usage phase of its products. As part of its consistent sustainability strategy, Hansgrohe is equipping all water-bearing products exclusively with water-saving technologies by 2030 within its "ECO 2030" initiative. With 35 subsidiaries and 21 sales offices supplying products in more than 150 countries, the globally active company in the sanitary industry is a reliable partner to its customers in all regions of the world. The Hansgrohe Group, its brands and products have won numerous awards, including more than 700 design prizes since 1974. The products of the Hansgrohe Group are found around the world: on renowned cruise ships, in luxurious 5-star and boutique hotels, in international metropolitan cities, in extraordinary spas, exclusive bathrooms of lodges and luxury villas, public facilities, as well as in countless private homes. The Hansgrohe Group’s high quality standards are ensured by eight wholly-owned production facilities: four in Germany, one each in France, in Serbia, the United States and China. In 2023, the Hansgrohe Group generated a turnover of EUR 1.406 billion. It employs around 5,400 people worldwide, about 60 percent of whom work in Germany.