Sustainability Agreement Thuringia

Thuringia Sustainability Agreement – Our Commitment to a Climate-Neutral Future

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time—and Gigapixel GmbH takes this responsibility seriously. As a company based in Weimar, Thuringia, we actively integrate ecological sustainability into all our decisions. This means: We consciously invest in environmentally friendly solutions, even when they come at a higher cost.

Since October 31, 2018, we have been an official signatory of the Thuringia Sustainability Agreement (NAT). This agreement is a voluntary commitment by companies, municipalities, and organizations to promote climate protection, resource efficiency, and social responsibility. For us, this is not just a marketing tool—it is a binding framework to continuously improve our actions.

How Do We Implement Sustainability in Our Company?

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

  • Our office in Weimar runs on 100% green electricity.
  • We use energy-efficient hardware and optimize our server infrastructure to minimize power consumption.
  • For business travel, we prioritize train journeys and avoid unnecessary flights.

Resource-Conserving Gigapixel Photography

  • No AI upscaling, no artificial enlargement – Our images are based on real camera captures, reducing energy consumption for data processing.
  • By using high-resolution originals, we avoid unnecessary post-processing and save computing power.

Why Is Our Commitment Important?

The digital imaging industry has a larger ecological footprint than many realize:

  • Data centers consume vast amounts of energy—especially with AI-powered image processing.
  • Short product lifecycles (e.g., prints) lead to resource waste.
  • Transport and logistics of image materials strain the environment.

Our Appeal: Sustainability Concerns Us All

Climate change does not only affect large corporations—everyone can make a difference. Whether through:

  • Conscious use of digital resources (e.g., avoiding unnecessary AI upscaling processes)
  • Long-lasting products (e.g., high-quality prints instead of short-lived displays)
  • Support for regional initiatives like the Thuringia Sustainability Agreement

Gigapixel GmbH proves: Economic success and ecological responsibility are not mutually exclusive. We invite you to join us on this journey—whether as a customer, partner, or fellow advocate for a more sustainable future.

Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter – Our Commitment to Equality and Visibility

Every life matters—but the reality is that People of Color (PoC) continue to face systemic disadvantages in our society. At Gigapixel GmbH, we firmly stand with the Black Lives Matter movement because we believe equality is not a given—it must be actively championed. While we watch events in the U.S. with concern, we also recognize that structural racism exists right on our doorstep in Germany and Europe, and we cannot turn a blind eye.

Why Does This Matter to Us?

As a company specializing in high-resolution imagery for art, architecture, and advertising, we hold a unique responsibility: Images shape perception. Research shows that People of Color are underrepresented in media, marketing, and stock photography—or often portrayed in stereotypical roles. A 2021 study by the University of Southern California found that only 11% of lead figures in advertising campaigns are non-white, despite making up 25% of the population. This visual inequality reinforces biases and marginalizes entire communities.

Our Call to Action: Change Starts Small

Racism isn’t just "someone else’s problem"—it’s a reality in Germany too. Whether in visual media, hiring practices, or everyday interactions, we all have a role to play. At Gigapixel GmbH, we’re working to ensure: ✔ People of Color are seen—in media, advertising, and art. ✔ Stereotypes are challenged, not perpetuated. ✔ Equality isn’t just talk—it’s action.

Equality isn’t a privilege—it’s a human right. Together, we can help build a society that is fairer, more diverse, and more vibrant.

"In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist." – Angela Davis

No to racism

"No to Racism" – Our Responsibility from History

Racism enabled one of the darkest and most horrific chapters in German history. Our company is based in Weimar, just a few kilometers from the Etttersberg—the site of the Buchenwald Concentration Camp Memorial. The memory of the crimes committed there is not an abstract historical footnote for us, but a daily reminder. The fact that human beings were capable of such atrocities—and still are today—is deeply disturbing. That is why it is our duty to take a clear and unambiguous stand: Racism has no place in our society.

Why We Actively Oppose Racism—Not Just in Words

For us, anti-racism means more than just a statement. It means: ✔ Actively opposing right-wing extremism—whether from the AfD, neo-Nazis, or other hate groups. ✔ Calling out everyday racism where we see it: in prejudices, discriminatory structures, or seemingly harmless comments. ✔ Using our platform to make diversity visible—because images shape perception.

As a high-resolution image provider, Gigapixel GmbH understands that we have a special responsibility: Images are powerful. They can reinforce stereotypes—or break them. That’s why we ensure our content is diverse, authentic, and free from clichés. Whether in advertising, public spaces, or art: Representation is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Weimar and Buchenwald—A Historical Responsibility

It is no coincidence that our office is located in Weimar—a city known for Goethe, Schiller, and German classical culture, but also for the nearby Buchenwald concentration camp. Over 250,000 people were imprisoned there, and 56,000 died—Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities—victims of an ideology that classified humans by "race" and "worth."

What We Do—and What You Can Do

Racism doesn’t begin with violence or hate speech. It starts in everyday life: in dismissive remarks, in the exclusion of people with migrant backgrounds, in the downplaying of far-right rhetoric. That’s why we are committed to: ✅ Diversity in our image archive—because representation creates normality. ✅ Raising awareness among our clients—because images shape unconscious biases. ✅ Collaborating with anti-racist initiatives—because change only happens together.

But we can all make a difference: ???? Listen to those affected—racism is not a "debate," but a lived reality. ???? Question your own biases—no one is free from unconscious prejudices. ???? Take a stand—whether at work, in your community, or among friends.

A Clear Commitment: Never Again

Gigapixel GmbH stands for an open, diverse, and democratic society. We do not tolerate racist statements—neither in our company nor in our environment. And we call on others to do the same: Be vigilant. Speak up. Show solidarity.

Because the history of Buchenwald teaches us: Silence makes you complicit.

"Human dignity shall be inviolable." – This principle from our constitution is not just words, but a daily obligation.

Want to get involved?Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorials Foundation 

LGBTQIA+ & Women’s Rights

LGBTQIA+ & Women’s Rights – Visibility, Respect, and Equality

Not everyone is familiar with the LGBTQIA+ acronym, so let’s break it down:

  • Lesbian
  • Gay
  • Bisexual
  • Transgender
  • Queer (an umbrella term for non-heteronormative identities)
  • Intersex (people born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit typical male/female definitions)
  • Asexual (people who experience little or no sexual attraction)
  • + represents all other identities not explicitly listed, including pansexual, non-binary, genderfluid, and more

At Gigapixel GmbH, we firmly believe that sexual orientation and gender identity are not "choices"—they are fundamental aspects of who a person is. Respecting every individual as they are is not just a principle; it’s a necessity for a fair and inclusive society.

Why LGBTQIA+ and Women’s Rights Matter in Our Work

As a company specializing in high-resolution imagery for art, design, and commercial use, we recognize that visual representation shapes perception. Unfortunately, LGBTQIA+ individuals and women are still underrepresented or stereotyped in media, advertising, and stock photography.

  • A 2023 study by Getty Images found that only 18% of commercial imagery features LGBTQIA+ people, despite them making up 7-10% of the global population.
  • Women are often portrayed in passive or decorative roles, while men dominate leadership and professional imagery.
  • Transgender and non-binary individuals are nearly invisible in mainstream visual content, reinforcing exclusion.

This lack of representation isn’t just unfair—it perpetuates harmful biases and makes marginalized groups feel unseen. That’s why we actively work to change it.

Why This Matters Beyond Symbolism

Equality isn’t just about tolerance—it’s about active inclusion. Studies show:

  • Companies with diverse leadership are 25% more profitable (McKinsey, 2020).
  • LGBTQIA+-inclusive workplaces see 30% higher employee retention (Human Rights Campaign).
  • Women in leadership roles improve team performance by 50% (Harvard Business Review).

What You Can Do

Whether you’re a photographer, business owner, or consumer, you can help create a more inclusive world: Choose diverse imagery for your projects—avoid stereotypes. Support LGBTQIA+ and women-led businesses. Educate yourself on unconscious biases (e.g., assuming someone’s gender or sexual orientation). Speak up when you see discrimination—whether in the workplace or in media.

Our Commitment: Visibility Without Conditions

We believe every person deserves to be seen, respected, and celebrated—not just during Pride Month or International Women’s Day, but every day. Because equality isn’t a trend; it’s a human right.

"Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness." – Ola Joseph