In the following interview Felix Forster, Head of Sustainability at Fabasoft, explains why digitalization and sustainability are not contradictory, but enhance each other. With its European values, family-friendly culture, ambitious climate goals, and projects such as FAIR-AI, the IT innovation and market leader in electronic files in the DACH region is also positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainability.
Digital transformation is advancing rapidly. However, effective climate protection and sustainability measures are needed just as quickly. How can this work? What business model is Fabasoft pursuing in this context?
We firmly believe that digitalization must not only be efficient but also responsible, future-proof, and human – and that it can be. Fabasoft is driving digital transformation forward with a focus on sustainability and clear values. This strengthens our customers' resilience, ensures long-term growth, and reduces dependence on non-European products and providers.
We see ourselves as a partner to our customers: ambitious cooperation on an equal footing and the highest product and service quality are a matter of course for us. Additionally we rely on business practices that combine fairness, transparency, data protection, information security, and ecological responsibility. The combination of technological excellence with European values is part of our DNA – and can be summed up in one sentence: Where Tech Meets Trust.
Trust is the common denominator on which digitalization and sustainability are based. How does Fabasoft deal with this responsibility?
We act sustainably and transparently towards our customers, our employees, and society – according to ESG criteria. For us, sustainability is not an add-on, but is anchored in our corporate strategy and culture. We consider and take into account our own organizational units on the one hand and the entire value chain on the other – and see this as an important part of our economic success. The aim is to identify the effects of our actions at an early stage, minimize risks, and actively pursue opportunities. This creates trust among all stakeholders.
Could you please explain this in more detail using a specific example?
Of course. Let's start with the social aspect: we take responsibility for our employees and fellow human beings. Work-life balance has always been a priority for us. Fabasoft has been certified as “family-friendly employer” for its commitment in this area since 2021. In addition to flexible working time models, our corporate childcare center “FABIs Kindernest” at our Linz headquarters makes it easier to return to work after parental leave. Our “FABIs Summer Camp” is also very popular and provides significant support to our workforce.
Sustainability also affects the environment. How does Fabasoft contribute to climate protection?
We see it as our responsibility to continuously reduce our energy and raw material consumption. AI applications in particular require enormous computing power. That is why we are consistently focusing on renewable energies and science-based climate targets, and striving to achieve net-zero emissions. This benefits the environment and society, but also our customers, to whom we can offer increasingly sustainable products.
Back in fall 2022, we defined reduction targets in line with the Paris Climate Agreement as part of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi): specifically, we committed to reduce our direct and indirect emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by at least 42 % by 2030 compared to the base year 2021. The good news is that in 2024/2025, we not only achieved this goal five years ahead of schedule with a reduction of 60.3 %, but also exceeded it. We have managed to do this by, among other things, now operating five out of six data centers entirely with electricity from renewable energy sources and avoiding investments related to fossil fuels. We have converted our entire vehicle fleet to e-mobility and promote sustainable mobility for our employees through generous support for the "KlimaTicket" and the Fabasoft eShuttle for trips between Linz Central Station and the headquarters.
Regarding AI: How does Fabasoft succeed in establishing trust in ethics and responsibility in this area?
Fabasoft has been collaborating on EU research projects for many years to actively shape the application of AI in Europe – efficiently, securely, and in line with our values. Fabasoft has been investing more than 30 % of its revenue in research and development for years, thus ranking first in Austria.
One flagship project is FAIR-AI of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) which has been running since 1 January 2024. It deals with the society-related risks of AI use and supports companies in meeting the requirements of the EU AI Act, the European AI law. The aim is to develop concrete, instructive use cases from practical scenarios that create transparency and help build trust in AI applications.
Finally, how does Fabasoft ensure the customers' trust in the product and service portfolio?
Trust is the basis for sustainable success. We live our values and rely on technological excellence and targeted, responsible use of AI in software development. Internationally recognized certifications and attestations prove that we adhere to the highest standards in terms of quality, data protection, information security, and transparency. Our customers can therefore trust that, with honest commitment, excellent performance, and innovative solutions, we will not only secure their future viability, but also elevate them to a digital pole position.
