Driving Sustainability in Construction: A Conversation with Peter Rupp, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Hilti Group

It’s more than obvious that increasing sustainability is a leading cause for change in many sectors. And this applies to the construction sector as well. Hilti is at the forefront of driving lasting change. We spoke with Peter Rupp, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Hilti Group, about how the company is embedding sustainability into its business practices, from product innovation to stakeholder engagement.

Why is sustainability so crucial for Hilti and the industry?

The construction industry touches every aspect of modern life, but it’s also carbon-intensive and ripe for transformation. At Hilti, sustainability is part of our DNA. It’s not a silo; it’s embedded in our corporate strategy and reflects our purpose: making construction better through productivity, safety, and sustainability.

Which sustainability initiatives have had the biggest impact?

Becoming carbon neutral in our own operations by 2023 was the first milestone on our journey towards net-zero by 2050. We’ve strategically expanded our photovoltaic installations on our own buildings worldwide, transitioned to 100% green electricity and are converting our global vehicle fleet. We’re also scaling our circular business model, reusing tools and parts through services like Fleet Management. The key lesson? When sustainability aligns with customer value, impact follows.

How do you keep sustainability from becoming a short-term trend?

By building it into our business rhythm through KPIs, investment decisions, product roadmaps. We listen to our employees and customers, and we hold ourselves accountable through external frameworks like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the EcoVadis rating or our Sustainability Report.

How is sustainability shaping your product development?

It starts at the design table. We ask: How repairable, reusable, or recyclable is this tool? We’re also partnering with low-emission suppliers and using more recycled materials. Sustainability and innovation now go hand in hand.

Any standout innovations for 2025?

Absolutely. Our tool park optimisation and on-demand leasing services are scaling fast. They help customers reduce overbuying and emissions. And we’re excited about expanding CO₂ reporting tools, helping customers meet their own targets.

How are you responding to regulations like CSRD?

We see regulations, like CSRD, as a chance to allow for standardisation and comparability, and also to raise the bar. We’ve aligned our reporting with the double materiality principle and are integrating sustainability into financial and strategic planning across the group.

What’s driving you beyond compliance?

Purpose. Making construction better. And there is a pull from all sides: regulators, customers, and our own people. The toughest challenge? Tackling Scope 3 emissions across our supply chain. That’s where real impact lies, and we’re tackling it.

What’s your advice to other construction companies?

Embed sustainability into how you operate, not just how you communicate. Start now, even if the data isn’t perfect. And collaborate—real change in this industry only happens when we move together.