The heristo Group is aware of its responsibility towards the environment and climate. A key objective is to significantly reduce the environmental impact of its business activities – particularly greenhouse gas emissions. To establish a baseline, detailed CO2 balances were prepared for all company locations for 2022, documenting the current status and serving as a benchmark for future targets.

At the end of 2022, the entire group of companies joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This international climate protection organization supports companies in developing scientifically sound targets for reducing greenhouse gases. These targets are based on the latest findings in climate research and make a significant contribution to limiting global warming. In April 2025, heristo officially confirmed.

SATURN PETCARE : SÖNDRA BRAND, ANNIKA LEHNIGHERISTO: ISABEL BORN, VICTORIA RAHEANIMONDA: JEANNINE FELLHÖLTERBUSS: MAITA BENGSCH STOCKMEYER: KAI BIESS

“The confirmation of our climate targets by the Science Based Targets initiative is a great success,” explains Isabel Born, Sustainability Manager at heristo . “We want to achieve ambitious goals in the coming years. Some measures can be implemented quickly, while others require time and a shift in thinking. Reducing greenhouse gases is a long-term process – and a task we are happy to take on.”

A significant step in this direction is the procurement of green electricity at the European locations. Furthermore, the heristo companies Buss , Stockmeyer , and Saturn Petcare in Bremen have developed transformation concepts, the first steps of which are currently being reviewed and implemented.

The confirmation of our climate targets by the Science Based Targets initiative is a great success.

These animals can weigh up to 17 kilograms and are among the heaviest flying birds in the world.

Heinrich W. Risken enclosure in Ehrenfriedersdorf near Chemnitz when, after two years without offspring, six great bustard chicks hatched. Much has happened there since the breeding program began in 2017 with just four birds. Now, 20 great bustards live at the Saxon breeding station.

The Heinrich W. RISKEN Foundation is pleased to see new talent among the great squirrels.

The Heinrich W. Risken Foundation promotes nature and species conservation, among other things, and is also committed to the endangered great bustard. Fewer than 300 individuals now live in Germany. These impressive land birds are among the heaviest flying birds in the world; a fully grown male can weigh up to 17 kilograms. The foundation's first birds came from a breeding facility in Spain, and since then, a dedicated caretaker has been responsible for raising and keeping the birds on behalf of the foundation.

Handling great bustards is demanding: each bird has its own personality, and some males are sensitive or aggressive, even to the color of clothing. Nevertheless, a close bond of trust exists. When the keeper enters the enclosure, he is greeted joyfully by the birds. After the chicks hatch, they are lovingly cared for from the very beginning. Just like their mothers in the wild, the keeper feeds them insects or dandelions. He takes them for walks to help their muscles develop. If they lose sight of him, they call out loudly. The birds are imprinted on humans from the start. They can fly from the age of five weeks. They cannot be released into the wild because this requires a specific, preparatory rearing period.

The wildlife rehabilitation center doesn't just care for great bustards. Animal rescue services regularly receive reports of injured birds. These are then distributed among various care facilities, including the foundation's own enclosure. If, for example, a mother bird dies in an accident, the caretaker looks after the chicks. Mallards, bullfinches, and mute swans also find their way to the center. With great patience and care, they are nursed back to health until they are strong enough to return to a suitable environment.