The Berlin-based creative agency receives the German Sustainability Award (DNP) for the “Advertising and PR” sector. A total of 100 pioneers of transformation in the German economy in 100 sectors will be honored. On November 28, 2024, these companies will be honored at the 17th German Sustainability Day in Düsseldorf. More than 1,000 guests are expected to attend the award ceremony. 224 jury members from research, associations, business and civil society have selected the winners of the German Sustainability Award for Companies from around 2,000 candidates. The winners are characterized by the fact that they make particularly effective, successful and inspiring contributions to sustainable transformation in their respective sectors.
The challenges posed by political uncertainty, a sluggish economy, excessive regulation and rising energy prices are challenging the economy. Global warming, biodiversity loss and resource consumption are becoming less relevant to society. At the same time, the competencies of the sustainable economy in Germany are growing. Stefan Schulze-Hausmann, initiator of the award and Chairman of the Board of the German Sustainability Award Foundation, explains: “With the DNP, we want to support the courageous, committed and creative pioneers of sustainability in every sector, disseminate examples of success and thus provide impetus for the urgently needed transformation of our livelihoods and economic foundations.”
The jury's statement: "THE GOODWINS is the sustainable creative agency that makes good things successful. The company works for brands that enable a better life and takes sustainability aspects into account in all relevant processes: from the development of brand strategies to the implementation of communication measures. As part of the consulting business, companies are supported in their transformation, for example through the development of sustainability strategies or business models."
When THE GOODWINS launched in 2018, there were initially mixed reactions. "Some people thought it was exactly right that we were committed to the topic of ‘brands with responsibility for people and the planet’. But others also smiled at us with pity. For us, it was an additional incentive to really dig in," says Tim Stübane, Managing Director Creation and Co-Founder. And the whole team with him!
Looking back: The team around the three founders - Franka Mai, Mirko Stolz and Tim Stübane - had to dig in and dig through. Into the topics and through the crises that followed: Corona, Ukraine, energy, inflation - spanned by climate change and the turbulence in German, European and global politics. "Of course, not everything went smoothly and we've had a bumpy road at times. But all these crises have also meant that we have always been able to and had to work incredibly close to current events, on complex, challenging topics that have never been more relevant than they are now. A glance at the latest news provides us with the brutal why of our existence," continues Stübane.
The award is a wonderful recognition of their efforts. A sign that their efforts have paid off. "And at the same time a symbol for others in our wonderful agency landscape to also dedicate themselves more to the topic of sustainability. There are some who are doing this: great! But we need more of them. Oh, we can't have enough of them at the moment so that we can support the economy, society and politics even better on this path and take them with us," is his appeal to the creative industry. "That's how we look to the future too! Unfortunately, there is no reason to rest on our laurels. On the contrary: let's keep going!"
Congratulations to the 99 winners from the other sectors and the co-nominees from the advertising and PR industry. A great achievement that must be continued.