Six million trade union members in Germany represent considerable consumer power. By responsible shopping the members of IG BAU can exercise solidarity with labour AND environment. When making a purchase decisions are made regarding materials, quality, origin, standards of manufacturing and production, i.e. regarding the worldwide working and living conditions at the place of production and regarding the impact of production on climate and environment. IG BAU tries to develop a sustainable shopping behaviour and implement it in our own institutions.

The certificate „Solidarisch Einkaufen - Wir machen mit!“ (Shopping solidarity - we join in) is awarded to honour progress made by IG BAU institutions so that these institutions can become role models. Already since 2008 Greenpeace Energy has been supplying clean ecologically generated electricity to offi ces of our trade union (federal board, regional and member offi ces), we buy coffee from fair trade and use paper with FSC certificate. Link to the website (in german only) www.solidarisch-einkaufen.de 2 Shortfilms were produced to spread the informations (in german):

Fair and ecologic procurment in the IG BAU

Green and social office (a best practice in the region)