Vaude Academy for sustainable business
Share knowledge. Move more.
VAUDE wins with sustainability

Business Transformation Award 2023: the world's most committed to sustainability were honored
VAUDE has won the internationally coveted Reuters Business Transformation Award 2023, which honors the world's best, sustainably committed companies.

German Sustainability Award 2024: A milestone for fairness and environmental protection in the supply chain
VAUDE, as a sustainable outdoor outfitter, received the German Sustainability Award 2024 in the “Textiles” sector. The outstanding commitment to a fair and environmentally friendly supply chain was recognized. A highlight in the anniversary year – 50 years of VAUDE.

What is the
VAUDE Academy?
Companies are part of society. In this role, we at VAUDE also want to assume social and corporate responsibility. Innovative and sustainable solutions are in demand, especially in the textile industry, which is a major driver of global challenges such as the climate crisis or water pollution. That is why we have long been concerned with how we can do business in an environmentally friendly and fair manner. This is our understanding of sustainability. Only if we all act responsibly and in an entrepreneurial manner can we actually bring about visible social and ecological changes. Therefore, we would like to pass on our experience and many years of expertise from the transformation process to sustainable management to others as part of the VAUDE Academy.
About us
Our Philosophy


Sustainable management makes companies fit for the future, economically successful and is a decisive approach to solving the problem of not exceeding our planetary boundaries. Therefore, it is important that as many companies as possible operate in an environmentally friendly and fair manner.
VAUDE has made environmentally friendly and fair business its core business and has been working consistently for over a decade to transform the company holistically and systematically. We pass on this knowledge and our experience:
- We accompany and advise companies and organizations in the transformation process to sustainable business.
- We pass on our experience and expertise on fair and environmentally friendly business practices to schools, universities, voluntary and non-profit associations and initiatives.
- We want to motivate people to work for sustainability in their sphere of influence.
"The mission of the VAUDE Academy is to multiply sustainable business beyond VAUDE."
Melanie Bleicher, Head of the VAUDE Academy
We are building the VAUDE Academy as a social business. This means: We use the fees that we receive for accompanying and transferring knowledge to companies to finance and further expand our educational offerings for schools, universities, voluntary and non-profit associations and initiatives.
The development of the VAUDE Academy for sustainable management is being supported by the German Federal Environmental Foundation in a two-year funding project from the end of May 2020. It is our goal that the VAUDE Academy will continue to cover its costs after the funding period has ended.
Overview
Our portfolio of the VAUDE Academy
Consulting & support
Do you want to make your company or organization future-proof and sustainable and are you in the middle of the transformation? We at the VAUDE Academy would be happy to support you in this transformation process.
Keynotes & panel discussions
You want to offer your audience refreshing impulses? Whether at conferences or in-house events, the speakers at the VAUDE Academy will be happy to enrich your event.
VAUDE campus tour
Have you always wanted to know what it looks like behind the scenes at VAUDE? When visiting our company headquarters, you will experience our culture, working environment and the production of bicycle bags up close and learn interesting facts about sustainable business at VAUDE.
Educational formats & materials
Would you like to delve deeper into the subject of sustainable management and sustainability or do you want to continue your education? At the VAUDE Academy you will learn about approaches, methods and tools.
We are happy to accompany you.
Who is the VAUDE Academy aimed at?
For companies
It doesn’t matter whether you are an SME or a large company, whether you are just starting out or already in the middle of the transformation to sustainable management: Our experts at the VAUDE Academy will accompany you on this path and pass on our experience and specialist knowledge.
For schools
Would you like to bring your class closer to the topic of sustainable and public welfare-oriented economic activity? We offer your students target group-oriented, interactive and practical educational formats as well as teaching materials as part of the VAUDE Academy.
For universities
Are you looking for a successful practical example of sustainable management and dialogue with experts from the field for your course? The VAUDE Academy offers lectures and dialogues with experts as well as teaching materials.
For associations & initiatives
Are you looking for inspiration and knowledge transfer around the topic of sustainable and common good-oriented business for your members? We provide comprehensive insights into our work and share our experience and expertise with you.
For individuals
Would you like to get to know VAUDE and find out on site how sustainable management works successfully? At the VAUDE Academy you will also find offers for individuals.
Start a conversation
We look forward to talking to you and will take the time to answer your questions about the VAUDE Academy.
About us
Opinions
Numerous companies, organizations and (university) schools have already trusted in our expertise. Read here what our customers say about their experience with the VAUDE Academy for Sustainable Business.
Johanna Kromer
Business Development Manager
- Bergfreunde
»What we particularly appreciate about working with VAUDE is the open and honest exchange at eye level. Through the individual coaching with a realistic assessment and planning of our goals, we feel very well accompanied to be able to establish a long-term sustainability strategy. "
Frauke Holländer
Management Qualification Associations Textile
— Südwesttextil eV
"Companies from the textile and clothing industry in Baden-Württemberg have embarked on a path to a more sustainable future in our qualification alliances. Both alliances are supported by the VAUDE Academy, which we commissioned to facilitate and develop knowledge. In the approximately one-year consulting process with virtual workshops, participants were supported in developing specific competencies within their companies and addressing strategic direction.
It's great to see how the companies were able to quickly arrive at their individual business solutions in the virtual workshops, with confidence and expert advice from the VAUDE Academy trainers – and all this in close collaboration and with good practice solutions from all participating stakeholders. Many thanks to Lisa Fiedler and Moritz Koller for the professional moderation of the workshops, their input, and their willingness to provide valuable insights into the VAUDE company."
Marvin Neukirch
Congress Director Federal Congress Compliance 2024
— Paintingsga Media Berlin
»Oliver Mergens presented his lecture at the Federal Congress Compliance 2024 'Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage – A Report from Practice' He was enthusiastic. His practical insights into Vaude's sustainability strategy and the economic benefits of sustainable action were communicated clearly and tangibly. The collaboration beforehand also ran smoothly – coordination was straightforward, and the organization was professional and pleasant. We can wholeheartedly recommend Oliver Mergens as a speaker and look forward to future opportunities to work with him!«
Hans Conrad
Managing Director
— Sport Conrad
»Katrin Mattes from the VAUDE Academy supports Sport Conrad in various projects and processes. From developing the sustainability strategy and the internal strategy process, including creating the vision and mission, to moderating annual retreats. In particular, working on an equal footing and always finding solutions tailored to Sport Conrad were crucial to the success of the projects. DThanks to the very personal moderation, all employees always felt like they were part of the process. We thankn says VAUDE Academy for many years of good advice. «