16. Dezember 2025

goTOzero RETAIL is the Volkswagen Group’s major sustainability initiative for dealers and service partners. The first companies have already achieved Gold certification – including the AZF Group from Flensburg (Germany). In this interview, Alexander Sczech, Head of Key Accounts and Certified Fleet Management Consultant, and Leif Nielsen, Head of Marketing and Communication, explain their strategy for success – and tell us which measures really work.

Mr Sczech, Mr Nielsen, what motivated you to take part in the goTOzero RETAIL certification programme?

Alexander Sczech: The Volkswagen Group introduced us to the programme in 2024. By then, we were already deeply committed to sustainability. We had even looked into the Economy for the Common Good (German) – for many, the Champions League of sustainability certifications. It scrutinises a company according to values such as human dignity, social justice, ecological sustainability and transparency. In short: We entered into goTOzero RETAIL on the best possible footing – and felt we had a realistic chance of winning an award.

That sounds as if the gold status was almost a foregone conclusion. Is that fair to say?

Leif Nielsen: Not at all! For example, two colleagues had to collect data, document measures and describe processes in the “numbers cellar” for around 14 days. But we also really wanted to do well – which boosted motivation tremendously. Even if we didn’t know every detail that was important for this initial certification, we passed the gold hurdle with flying colours. In the end, this award was by no means a coincidence, but the result of hard work and tireless commitment.

Is it primarily a question of manpower – or do other components also play a role?

Alexander Sczech: Basically, the topic has to be addressed on several levels, including structural changes. Anyone who is still sitting in a 1970s building and has not considered installing a photovoltaic system or making improvements in terms of energy efficiency will find it rather difficult. We have been a member of the Flensburg Climate Pact for over a decade and have already implemented many measures in this area. Our refurbishments have grown organically. Insulation, modern heating technology, photovoltaics – none of this was a green nice-to-have, but a rational investment decision. Why burn money on heat and electricity and pollute the environment in the process when you can do better? Today, we achieve almost 70 per cent self-sufficiency in electricity and operate around 50 charging points at our site. The audit confirmed this in black and white.

Can you name any other aspects that have made the difference for you in terms of sustainability?

Leif Nielsen: A good example is tyre washing. In the past, it was all done with fresh water. Today, we collect rainwater, filter it and use it for this service. This saves thousands of litres of drinking water a year – and turns a simple process into ecological leverage. In addition, we have trained apprentices to become energy scouts in collaboration with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. They look for projects and identify the associated savings potential, for example in electricity, heat or even work processes such as tyre washing etc. In this way, they learn to practise sustainability in everyday life instead of just talking about it. Our holistic approach is rounded off by concrete actions. For example, we created a flower meadow on the premises, financed 500 newly planted trees and came up with a special gift for customers, where they receive a small booklet, a jar of honey and a seed mixture on delivery. What we are saying is: Yes, we are car dealers and we sell performance models. However, we also do everything we can to visibly offset our ecological footprint and promote sustainable projects.

Despite the already favourable conditions, did the audit conducted as part of goToZero RETAIL bring about any further changes in everyday operations?

Alexander Sczech: Absolutely. Your perspective changes. A door that has been open for a few minutes suddenly catches your eye: You can literally see the heat escaping – and the money being lost in the process. Such moments heighten awareness. In a sense, certification acts like a pair of glasses that reveals hidden opportunities. It raises awareness among the workforce and shows where potential may still exist. I’m thinking, for example, of our older buildings, for which we have now launched an energy consultation as part of the audit. In other words: This independent external feedback is truly invaluable.

How do your customers, especially fleet customers, react to the Gold status?

Alexander Sczech: There’s a lot of interest – which, to be honest, doesn’t surprise me at all. After all, sustainability has almost the same importance in tenders as price, availability or service. Many fleet operators today want to know specifically how we can reduce emissions, conserve resources and analyse supply chains. Discussions are therefore no longer just about discounts, but increasingly about decarbonisation, the origin of components and clear ESG criteria. We can provide solid evidence for all of this. Our measures are documented, the processes are traceable and the certificate is on the table. This creates trust and shortens processes because no vague statements are made. This is a real competitive advantage for us. Those who merely talk the talk but don’t have the data to back it up will be left behind. We are fully committed to the subject – and our customers notice that.

In economically challenging times such as these, is it ultimately the bare figures that tip the balance for fleet customers?

Alexander Sczech: Definitely. But these “bare figures” have long favoured sustainability. Although the EU is currently postponing individual requirements or streamlining reporting obligations, banks are increasingly linking their ratings to ESG criteria. This means one thing: Anyone who wants to finance investments cannot ignore sustainability. By visibly implementing measures, we create trust – and remove obstacles to financing, tendering and auditing.

You have already had the ecological side certified. However, goTOzero RETAIL now also covers the areas of social issues and corporate governance …

Leif Nielsen: Of course, these aspects are just as much a part of sustainability. And, needless to say, we are also on board here. We train and develop our employees in a targeted manner, ensure a good work-life balance and promote a culture in which people talk to each other instead of about each other. That feels good – but as we all know, a feeling is no substitute for a test. An audit is always a test of stamina. If the bar is higher than expected, you have to sharpen your focus. However, we don’t see this as a flaw, but as part of the journey.

© Volkswagen AG

Stand: 16.12.2025