What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report Tenneco identified a range of material issues, such as anti-corruption and bribery, inclusion and diversity, environmental performance, product safety and quality. Among these, promoting responsible sourcing stands out as a key material issue for Tenneco.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Tenneco engages with:

To identify and prioritise material topics Tenneco engaged with its stakeholders through the following channels:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Team members	·      Town hall and team member meetings, global webcasts, picnics and special events, training and development, and recognition programmes ·      Euroforum ·      Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability Council ·      Enterprise Risk Management ·      Team member engagement surveys
Customers	·      Ford’s Partnership for a Cleaner Environment (PACE) programme ·      Host Customer Technology Days and step-level meeting with customers ·      Participation in OEM Sustainability initiatives, e.g. BMW Sustainability Training for Suppliers, Scania Sustainability Supplier Day ·      Participation in Automotive REACH Task Force
Investors	·      Annual shareholder meeting ·      Quarterly webcasts to discuss financial results ·      Regular participation in global investor and industry conferences ·      Quarterly/annual Form 10 SEC filings
Communities	·      Providing site visits and plant tours, outreach programmes, partnering with local charitable organisations and schools, and environmental stewardship and reforestation projects to communities in which Tenneco’s facilities are located ·      Many of Tenneco’s US-based locations support United Way and Tenneco’s Southfield, Michigan location provides support through a fundraising campaign
Suppliers	·      Participation in Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) Sustainability/ CSR Expert Group ·      Supplier Diversity Programme
Government and Regulatory Agencies	·      The Clean Air Division is currently working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on emissions reduction strategies
Trade Associations	·      Tenneco participates and has a seat on the board of directors of the AIAG, and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) ·      Tenneco is active within the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, the AutoCare Association and Women in Autocare, the Original Equipment Suppliers Association and the Manufacturers of Emissions Controls, European Automotive Suppliers Association

What actions were taken by Tenneco to promote responsible sourcing?

In its 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report Tenneco reports that it took the following actions for promoting responsible sourcing:

• Implementing a Code of Conduct
• Tenneco enforces its commitment to human rights and responsible sourcing in its supply chain through the publication, distribution, and enforcement of rules outlined in its Code of Conduct and Basic Working Conditions Policy, along with its Supplier Manual. These documents detail Tenneco’s supplier expectations to oppose any form of forced or compulsory labour and support zero tolerance of harassment or discrimination against team members in any form. Tenneco’s Basic Working Conditions outlines its policy statements on human rights, including freedom of association. Suppliers are required, as a condition of doing business with Tenneco, to sign-off on the Tenneco Code of Conduct and Supplier Basic Working Conditions. Human rights clauses or human rights screenings are included or performed prior to completing significant investment agreements and contracts. Tenneco’s statements on efforts to prevent slavery and human trafficking are available on its website. Tenneco expects its suppliers to conduct internal audits and self-assessments as a condition of its contracts and uses a supplier management software to manage its suppliers.

• Providing training
• To make sure its policies are communicated to team members, Tenneco conducts internal training related to forced labour and fair working conditions and provides relevant training materials to team members on its intranet site. Furthermore, Tenneco requires that each direct material supplier maintain a training programme concerning Tenneco’s commitment to forced labour and working conditions and encourages all suppliers to take the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Supply Chain Sustainability Knowledge Assessment and the AIAG Supply Chain Sustainability e-Learning.

• Promoting supplier compliance
• To the extent that ethics or compliance issues are noted in the context of any interaction with a supplier, Tenneco has procedures in place to take appropriate and necessary action to address and resolve such issues. To promote accountability, Tenneco is committed to taking appropriate actions to urgently remediate or discontinue relationships with suppliers and other third parties who fail to meet its standards for lawful and ethical conduct, including prohibitions on the use of forced labour in any of its forms, such as human trafficking and slavery. Tenneco’s Ethics and Compliance Hotline can be accessed through multiple reporting channels and is available to anyone to report any concerns or potential deviations from its expected values. Such reports are promptly investigated, and appropriate actions taken. Tenneco uses risk-based third party due diligence screening and mitigation actions include items such as background checks, contract clauses, training and monitoring.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 308-1 New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria

2) Disclosure 407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk

3) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

4) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

5) Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria

 

Disclosure 308-1 New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria does not correspond to any SDG.

Disclosure 407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.8

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.2

 Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7

Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality
• Targets: 5.2
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.8
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.1

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

• Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
• Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
• Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
• Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Tenneco, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Tenneco: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

What are the material issues the company has identified?  

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Petra identified a range of material issues, such as employee retention and development, environmental management, community development and engagement, climate change and energy usage. Among these, promoting ethical business conduct stands out as a key material issue for Petra.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Petra engages with:

To identify and prioritise material topics Petra engaged with its stakeholders through the following channels:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Employees, contractors and trade unions	·      Workplace meetings and internal committees ·      Employee briefs, publications, notice boards and electronic channels ·      Whistleblowing hotline ·      Engagement with mine forums and trade union representation ·      Employee engagement with the Board, including annual site visits to the operations by the CEO and Director sessions with employees
Customers	·      Continuous communication with client base ·      Open door policy and high level of business transparency ·      Full certification of products ·      Site visits to operations ·      Industry advocacy via the DPA
Shareholders and bondholders	·      Regular briefings via public announcements, webcasts, presentations and social media ·      Regular direct engagement via meetings, conferences and site visits ·      Annual and sustainability reporting ·      Dedicated investor relations department
Local communities	·      Public participation processes and meetings ·      Community newsletters and local media partnerships on socio-economic projects ·      Establishing positive relationships through ongoing engagement with community structures
Host Governments, regulators and NGOs	·      Continuous consultation ·      Scheduled meetings ·      Membership of Minerals Council South Africa ·      Regulatory site visits and audits ·      Active involvement as member of Government-initiated forums and other consultative structures
Suppliers	·      Supplier induction process ·      Supplier days and events ·      Local Enterprise Development centres ·      Continuous liaison ·      Open door policy ·      Engagement on Company policy and required standards of practice

What actions were taken by Petra to promote ethical business conduct?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Petra reports that it took the following actions for promoting ethical business conduct:

• Implementing a Code of Ethical Conduct
• Petra’s commitment to ethical behaviour is clearly set out in the Group’s Code of Ethical Conduct (“the Code”) and Petra expects all Directors, employees, contractors and suppliers to conduct themselves in accordance with this Code. Petra’s business ethics support the company’s corporate vision, mission and values and encourage and guide Petra to conduct its business professionally. The annual review of the Code was performed by the Board in November 2018. It was updated to incorporate references to the relevant provisions of the Criminal Finances Act 2017, and Petra’s general terms and conditions with suppliers, which now contain strengthened warranties regarding the avoidance of tax evasion, modern slavery, bribery and corruption, money laundering, child labour and advancement of human rights, including health and safety, and protection of the environment in accordance with United Nations Resolutions and corresponding national laws. Petra retains the right to disassociate itself from any entities that are in violation of these important principles. During FY 2019, a successful ethics roadshow was taken to all operations to re-emphasise ethical awareness and behaviour throughout the company, including in relation to matters such as bribery, fraud, diamond theft, supplier practices, conflicts of interest and market abuse.

• Combating bribery
• Bribery is strictly prohibited by Petra, and includes offering, giving, requesting or receiving a payment/ something of value (even of nominal value) to improperly influence a decision or encourage a party to perform its job improperly. No facilitation payments were made in FY 2019. Petra has a Group Anti-Bribery Policy which is made public on both the intranet and website, and which is implemented through a training and communication plan. All Petra employees, contractors and suppliers are informed as part of the induction procedure about this important corporate policy. During FY 2019, training on anti-bribery was conducted across the operations as part of the ethics roadshow. This was aimed at increasing awareness around bribery and encouraging the reporting of any instances of bribery or corruption. The Policy is reviewed on an annual basis by the Board and no updates were required in FY 2019. The Audit and Risk Committee receives a quarterly security intelligence report, detailing any investigations of bribery. This report provides details of incidents and actions taken (including fines and penalties). In FY 2019, appropriate action was taken for all investigated incidents. The current system is working well in terms of keeping the Board updated on this important aspect of governance.

• Implementing a whistleblowing procedure
• Petra has a whistleblowing procedure that provides all Petra employees, contractors and suppliers, as well as any member of the public, with the opportunity to independently and anonymously report conduct that is in contravention of the Code of Ethical Conduct or the Anti-Bribery Policy. In order to uphold its independence, this whistleblowing service is outsourced to a service provider. It is also provided in all local languages in the countries in which Petra operates as well as a number of international languages. Employees are briefed on whistleblowing, with hotline information being accessible on Petra’s website and intranet. All ‘tip-offs’ received, i.e. via telephone, fax, email, post or the website, will be directed to the service provider’s central facility for further investigation and feedback, where required. The identities of those reporting certain conduct as well as the contents of the tip-offs received are kept strictly confidential and protected according to applicable local and international laws. The service is monitored by the Audit & Risk Committee. In FY 2019, Petra received 27 reports involving alleged irregularities considered necessary to investigate. Of these reports, 20 were resolved and closed and seven remain under investigation.

• Respecting human rights
• Petra is fully committed to upholding the human rights of all of its stakeholders, as set out in the Group’s Human Rights Policy. The company therefore complies with and supports the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as all legislation pertaining to human rights in the countries where it operates. Petra similarly obtains warranties from its suppliers that they are not involved in any human rights abuses. Human rights are not considered to be a material risk to Petra’s business, given that its operations are located in stable, constitutional democracies and given the robust internal systems Petra has in place. Human rights issues are covered by internal operational policies and procedures, with the company’s Employment Equity Policy and its Disciplinary Code and procedures expressly forbidding any kind of discrimination. Should a human rights grievance occur, it is either managed through the operational grievance procedures or, where they are seen as substantive in nature, by the collective bargaining processes that are in place with recognised trade unions. In South Africa, human rights training (and in particular employee rights) is organised by Petra for union representatives through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (“CCMA”), which in turn disseminates its knowledge to its members. Petra has aligned its principles with the International Labour Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This means Petra has zero tolerance for child labour, forced labour or discrimination, and that it respects the right of its workers to form unions. There is no risk of child labour or forced labour taking place at any of Petra’s operations, due to its rigorous recruitment and pre-employment vetting process. Petra does not consider there to be a risk of slavery or human trafficking with regard to its operations or supply chain either, due to its due diligence processes with regard to its supply chain management.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption policies and procedures

2) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

3) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

 

Disclosure 205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption policies and procedures corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.5

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.2

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

• Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
• Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
• Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
• Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Petra, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Petra: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

• use grievance mechanisms

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Galiano identified a range of material issues, such as climate change adaptation, health and safety, environmental stewardship and compliance, contributing to community. Among these, respecting and promoting human rights stands out as a key material issue for Galiano.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Galiano engages with:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Employees and contractors	·      Meetings ·      Regular briefings ·      Monthly newsletter ·      Engagement surveys ·      Grievance mechanism
Suppliers	·      Meetings ·      Contract management ·      Due diligence assessments ·      Grievance mechanism
Local / host communities	·      Face-to-face meetings ·      Company/community forums, associations, committees ·      Open-door policy at site office ·      Community information centres ·      Monthly newsletter ·      Galiano website ·      Ceremonial gatherings ·      Grievance mechanism
Ghanaian government / public sector partnerships	·      Face-to-face meetings ·      Multi-stakeholder roundtables ·      Active partnerships and collaboration ·      Site visits ·      Compliance and progress reporting ·      Sustainability Reports
Labour union	·      Face-to-face meetings ·      Site visits ·      Grievance mechanism
Shareholders, investors and analysts	·      Press releases ·      Quarterly videocasts ·      Conferences ·      Site visits ·      Annual and Sustainability Reports ·      Annual General Meetings ·      Face-to-face meetings
Gold fields	·      Face-to-face meetings ·      Site visits ·      Compliance and progress reporting
Traditional authorities	·      Face-to-face meetings ·      Company/community forums, associations, committees ·      Grievance mechanism
Industry bodies	·      Chamber of Mines meetings ·      Annual Mines Safety Competition ·      Regular inspection visits to project sites
Non-governmental organisations	·      Face-to-face meetings ·      Multi-stakeholder roundtables ·      Site visits ·      Compliance and progress reporting ·      Sustainability Reports
Media	·      Press releases ·      Galiano website ·      Briefings with management ·      Sustainability Reports

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Galiano engaged with its stakeholders through surveys distributed to key internal and external stakeholder groups including employees, contract workers, union and non-unionised employees, suppliers, community members, investors, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), government representatives, and civil agencies.

What actions were taken by Galiano to respect and promote human rights?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Galiano reports that it took the following actions for respecting and promoting human rights:

• Implementing a Human Rights Policy
• In 2019, Galiano drafted a stand-alone Human Rights Policy which was approved and adopted in early 2020 and in which the company makes an overarching commitment to:
  • Avoid causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts through its business activities, and address such impacts if they occur
  • Seek to prevent or mitigate adverse human rights impacts that are directly linked to its operations
  • Ensure it has and promotes accessible mechanisms in place for stakeholders to raise concerns and seek remedy for issues related to human rights

• Combatting forced and child labour
• Galiano’s operations are not at risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labour and the company has strict proof-of-age requirements upon hiring, preventing anyone under the legal industrial working age of 18 from obtaining employment and its contractors and supply chain must also adhere to this requirement. While the Asanko Gold Mine is not at risk for child labour, this risk may exist in the region due to the presence of artisanal mining sites. There were no reported incidents of either forced or child labour practices at Galiano’s operations in 2019.

• Promoting human rights among security personnel
• Galiano undertakes the necessary precautions to protect both its people and its assets in a responsible manner that ensures the rights of host communities are respected. Galiano’s private AGM security personnel are carefully screened and, as per Ghanaian law, are not authorised to carry arms. Risk assessment and security practices are aligned with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and Galiano will train its on-site, private security contractors to further understand and meet their responsibility to respect human rights, including risk assessments, incident reporting, and the responsible use of force. Initial training in the Voluntary Principles was planned for delivery in early 2020 but has been delayed until travel and visits to site resume in the context of COVID-19.

• Using grievance mechanisms
• The Galiano Human Rights Policy, Whistleblower Policy, Galiano’s open-door approach and collective bargaining agreements in the workplace, and the AGM Community Complaint and Grievance Management Procedure all provide a governance foundation from which to ensure employees, contractors, and host communities all have legitimate and accessible ways to express their concerns regarding ethical practices and any social or environmental impacts.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

2) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

 

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.2

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

• Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
• Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
• Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
• Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Galiano, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Galiano: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Valcambi identified a range of material issues, such as governance and ethics, sustainability development in mining communities, product traceability, climate change. Among these, promoting and protecting human rights stands out as a key material issue for Valcambi.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards           

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Valcambi engages with:  

To identify and prioritise material topics Valcambi engaged with its stakeholders through the following channels:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Shareholders	·      Periodic meetings
Board	·      Periodic meetings ·      Monthly reporting on business progress
Management	·      Periodic meetings
Employees	·      Quarterly report ·      Communications on notice-boards ·      Meetings with union representatives ·      Code of Conduct ·      Coordination meetings ·      Company events ·      Work climate survey ·      Website / Sustainability Report
Customers	·      Periodic customer satisfaction surveys ·      Ongoing communication ·      Interactions through industry associations ·      Client onboarding process (due diligence) ·      KYC (Know Your Client Process) ·      Website / Sustainability Report
Suppliers	·      Client onboarding process (due diligence) ·      KYC (Know Your Client Process) ·      KYP (Know Your Product Process) ·      Website, e-mail, telephone ·      Suppliers’ evaluation process ·      Code of Conduct
Competitors	·      Meetings with industry associations ·      Website
Local and national institutions, authorities	·      Monthly communication ·      Information meetings
Local communities	·      Website / Sustainability Report
Public services	·      Regular communication ·      Website
Trade and industry associations	·      Periodic meetings
NGOs national and international	·      Meetings ·      Website / Sustainability Report
Media	·      Meetings ·      Website (news) / Sustainability Report

What actions were taken by Valcambi to promote and protect human rights?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Valcambi reports that it took the following actions for promoting and protecting human rights:

• Promoting compliance
• Valcambi frames its commitment to human rights in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business (ILO) and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-affected and High Risk Areas. Valcambi also complies with the GRI Standards and upholds the framework set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and with relevant sector standards such as the LBMA Gold Guidance and the Responsible Jewellery Council Code of Practice and Chain of Custody Standard. Valcambi’s Compliance Officer is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects related to human rights. He/she ensures that management and employees act in compliance with the rules and regulations of regulatory agencies and are aware of any potential risks of dealing with potential and current business partners.

• Conducting due diligence
• Human Rights due diligence is systematic for Valcambi when selecting a counterparty and Valcambi asks all of them to confirm their commitment to not tolerate any form of child labour. Valcambi actively cooperates with international organisations to support projects that aim to respect and support human rights. In particular, before sourcing from ASM, Valcambi conducts enhanced due diligence with a special focus on checking that there is no child labour and exposure of young workers to hazardous work and forced or compulsory labour. Valcambi looks not only at the situation on the mining site itself, but also in the mining communities surrounding the mine. Valcambi systematically conducts on-site visits to ensure the respect of human rights. In doing so, Valcambi not only complies but goes beyond the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, Fairtrade and Fairmined standards for gold and associated precious metals from artisanal mining.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

2) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

 

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.2

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

• Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
• Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
• Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
• Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Valcambi, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Valcambi: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Fortum identified a range of material issues, such as energy efficiency, business ethics and compliance, customer rights and satisfaction, climate change and GHG emissions, employee wellbeing, health and safety. Among these, respecting and promoting human rights stands out as a key material issue for Fortum.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Fortum engages with:

Stakeholder Group

Lenders and shareholders

Customers

Personnel

Future talent

Service and goods suppliers

Authorities and decision makers

Media

Energy sector organisations

NGOs

Local communities

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Fortum engaged with its stakeholders through surveys sent to more than 900 representatives of NGOs, customers, public administration, capital markets, research institutes, industry organisations and opinion leaders.

 

Fortum supports and respects internationally recognised human rights, which are included in the key human rights treaties.

What actions were taken by Fortum to respect and promote human rights?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Fortum reports that it took the following actions for respecting and promoting human rights:

• Assessing human rights impacts
• A human rights assessment is part of Fortum’s investment project planning, especially in new operating countries. It is also part of a country and counterparty risk assessment. Depending on the project, Fortum assesses risks based on either public sources or a more in-depth assessment. An assessment based on public sources is always completed for all new countries to which one of Fortum’s business units is planning to sell products or services. In 2019, Fortum performed six such assessments. For investment projects targeting risk countries, Fortum performs an in-depth assessment in which it often uses also external local experts.

• Identifying human rights risks
• Fortum defines measures for projects to manage human rights risks to comply with its own requirements and, e.g., with lender requirements. Fortum also aims to support favourable impacts in collaboration with local communities and other stakeholders. All forms of child and forced labour are strictly prohibited and in violation of Fortum’s Code of Conduct and the Supplier Code of Conduct. Fortum has not identified risks related to the use of child or forced labour in its own operations. Fortum’s supplier audits cover the most important human rights aspects related to purchases.

• Addressing human rights-related grievances
• Fortum’s internal reporting channels used for reporting any suspected misconduct relating to labour conditions or human rights violations are defined in its Code of Conduct. In addition to internal reporting channels, Fortum has an external “SpeakUp” channel, which is available to all stakeholders. In 2019, there were no grievances related to human rights filed through Fortum’s grievance channels, nor were there any grievances carried over from the previous year. Fortum’s subsidiaries operating in Great Britain published a statement required by the Modern Slavery Act on its website. Fortum supports the principles defined in the Act and condemns practices that are in violation of the Act. Fortum also ensures compliance with its principles and Code of Conduct through internal monitoring and reporting practices and supplier assessments.

• Providing training
• The online training on Fortum’s Code of Conduct covers human rights-related issues. The online training is part of the induction programme for new employees, is continuously available to all employees, and the entire personnel undertakes the training in conjunction with the updates of the Code of Conduct. The Supplier Code of Conduct also includes human rights requirements for suppliers and they are addressed as part of the Supplier Code of Conduct training.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

2) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

3) Disclosure 412-1 Operations that have been subject to human rights reviews or impact assessments

4) Disclosure 412-2 Employee training on human rights policies or procedures

5) Disclosure 412-3 Significant investment agreements and contracts that include human rights clauses or that underwent human rights screening

 

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.2

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7

Disclosure 412-1 Operations that have been subject to human rights reviews or impact assessments does not correspond to any SDG.

Disclosure 412-2 Employee training on human rights policies or procedures does not correspond to any SDG.

Disclosure 412-3 Significant investment agreements and contracts that include human rights clauses or that underwent human rights screening does not correspond to any SDG.

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

• Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
• Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
• Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
• Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Fortum, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Fortum: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2018 Sustainability Report Wharf REIC identified a range of material issues, such as customer privacy, socioeconomic compliance, marketing and labelling, environmental compliance, training and education. Among these, attracting and retaining talented professionals stands out as a key material issue for Wharf REIC.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards                        

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Wharf REIC engages with:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Shareholders, investors and financial analysts	·      General meeting(s) ·      Financial reports, announcements and circular(s) ·      Corporate communications and company websites ·      Focus groups
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)	·      Programme partnership meetings ·      Regular programme review and assessment
Employees	·      Surveys and focus groups ·      Town hall meetings ·      Intranet and internal publications
Government, regulatory bodies and industry associations	·      Regulatory task forces and committees ·      Industry operational meetings ·      Forums and conferences
Media	·      Media briefings and luncheons ·      Executive interviews ·      Instant internet updates
Customers	·      Surveys and focus groups ·      Social media platforms ·      Service centres and hotlines
Business partners (including suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors)	·      Tendering ·      Operational meetings ·      Contract and performance review ·      Focus groups
Local community	·      Community investment programmes ·      Company visits ·      Social media platforms

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Wharf REIC carried out an online survey among stakeholders, asking them to rank the materiality of various sustainability topics.

What actions were taken by Wharf REIC to attract and retain talented professionals?

In its 2018 Sustainability Report Wharf REIC reports that it took the following actions for attracting and retaining talented professionals:

• Promoting compliance
• Wharf REIC’s employment policies strictly comply with laws and regulations including the Employment Ordinance (Cap.57), Employment of Children Regulations, Employment of Young Persons (Industry) Regulations in Hong Kong, and the Five Social Insurance and One Housing Fund of the People’s Republic of China. Wharf REIC also prohibits child and forced labour, as stated in the Labour Law of the People’s Republic of China.

• Providing benefits
• Wharf REIC offers a competitive salary with reference to employees’ experience and performance, and the market salary level. Full-time Group employees in Hong Kong are entitled to top-up MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund) contribution, paid leave, work-related group personal accident insurance, medical insurance, and long services awards according to BU’s policy, whereas full-time employees in Mainland China are entitled to the Five Social Insurance and One Housing Fund.

• Implementing an Apprentice Training Programme
• Wharf REIC has invested in the continuing education of its technical frontline staff through the Apprentice Training Programme since 2006. During the training period, Wharf REIC provides on-the-job training and sponsors the tuition fee and part-time day release for higher diploma and craft certificate courses in engineering. On completion of the four-year apprenticeship programme, the Apprenticeship Office issues a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship under the Apprenticeship Ordinance (Cap.47). Staff with good performance are promoted as technicians. 

• Applying the Staff Recognition Programme
• Wharf REIC organised the Staff Recognition Programme to appreciate the contribution of employees in the Group. Under the programme, Wharf REIC established the annual Best Employee Award, Best Frontliner Award and Best Frontline Employee Award to provide recognition and encouragement to staff whose performance goes above and beyond the normal call of duty. Each awardee receives a cash prize and trophy during the annual Christmas party to appreciate their efforts and encourage them to keep being role models for other employees.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 401-2 Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided to temporary or part-time employees

2) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

3) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

 

Disclosure 401-2 Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided to temporary or part-time employees corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
• Targets: 3.2
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality
• Targets: 5.4
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.5

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.2

 Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

• Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
• Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
• Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
• Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Wharf REIC, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Wharf REIC: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report IndoAgri identified a range of material issues, such as environmental impacts and compliance, occupational health and safety, smallholder engagement and livelihoods, product traceability and sustainable sourcing, deforestation and land management. Among these, protecting employees’ human rights stands out as a key material issue for IndoAgri.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups IndoAgri engages with: 

To identify and prioritise material topics IndoAgri engaged with its stakeholders through the following channels:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Shareholders, investor and bankers	·      Meetings ·      Surveys
Customers and consumers	·      For new customers: ·      Surveys ·      Approach and product trials ·      For existing customers: ·      Regular visit/ meeting, ·      Bakers forum ·      Customer gathering ·      Customer support line
CPO Suppliers	·      Surveys ·      Audits ·      One-to-one meetings
Local Suppliers	·      Technical assistance to local businesses on construction of civil projects
Government and Regulators	·      Public forums and regular meetings
Non-Governmental Groups	·      RSPO process meetings ·      Other NGO meetings e.g. IDH ·      Local multi-stakeholders initiatives
Employees	·      Training sessions ·      Dialogue with unions ·      Grievance/whistle-blowing processes
Smallholders (FFB Supplier)	·      Development of platforms and projects on socialisation ·      Plasma assistants
Local Community	·      Regular feedback and awareness meetings ·      Forums for grievance & resolution ·      Other ad hoc engagements

What actions were taken by IndoAgri to protect employees’ human rights?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report IndoAgri reports that it took the following actions for protecting employees’ human rights:

• Protecting the rights of seasonal contract workers
• IndoAgri’s hiring of contract workers complies with government regulation, its Code of Conduct, its Policy, and the Principles and Criteria of ISPO (Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil). Each seasonal worker’s contract respects government regulations, and IndoAgri makes sure that they understand their rights and responsibilities. As non-registered persons are banned from working on IndoAgri’s sites, all seasonal workers are registered by IndoAgri’s Human Resource Department and logged on to the fingerprint recognition system. The attendance of contract workers and their completed volume of work is maintained on a daily register and an online system. IndoAgri complies with and applies the formula prescribed in the Government Regulation No. 78 of 2015 which regulates the calculation of wages for contract workers. Depending on skills and job availability, IndoAgri’s seasonal workers can be promoted as permanent workers. Job vacancies are announced during the daily morning briefings and on the announcement boards of IndoAgri’s estates, mills, and the relevant village head’s (kepala desa) office. Having considered their skills and duration of service, IndoAgri hired 992 contract workers (including seasonal contract workers) as permanent workers in 2019.

• Preventing child labour
• IndoAgri takes proactive measures to prevent child labour from arising. As education is critical in drawing children from fields, IndoAgri provides free education and day care facilities to the children of its employees in estates. This approach also ensures a safe place for workers’ children whilst their parents work, hence eliminating the likelihood of workers bringing their children to work. IndoAgri is very strict in preventing all forms of child labour in its operations. Its Human Resource department verifies the identification card of all applicants to make sure that it does not employ anyone below the age of 18. Employment contracts for all workers include a clause on disallowing children to help with agricultural production work. Signs and posters reminding workers not to bring children are placed in all IndoAgri’s plantation sites. Disciplinary actions are taken against those who do not comply.

• Promoting diversity
• IndoAgri is committed to upholding the principle of equal opportunities and supporting the inclusion of women across its operations, including addressing barriers faced. IndoAgri has zero tolerance for sexual harassment and carries out regular socialisation initiatives to make sure all its workers adhere to its gender policies. Gender Committees are in place in IndoAgri’s work units to foster clear understanding of gender equality and to promote the participation of women in the workforce. These committees also manage the harassment complaint services. IndoAgri’s Gender Committees play an important role in maintaining and enhancing the role of women in estates, mills and households. In accordance to the Indonesian labour law, all permanent workers are entitled to maternity and menstrual leave. Jobs of new mothers are reserved while they are on maternity leave. In 2019, 308 women took maternity leave, and 86% or 264 women returned to the same job position. The rest remained on leave or chose to leave the company. All benefits and allowances paid out to IndoAgri’s female employees also comply with Indonesian labour laws and respect local cultural norms.

• Respecting freedom of association
• IndoAgri fully complies with the Indonesian Law No. 21 of 2000 on freedom of association and participation in labour unions and believes there are no sites where the right to freedom of association is at significant risk. All IndoAgri workers are free to register themselves directly with their preferred labour union and bargain collectively. As at end 2019, 61% of IndoAgri’s operational employees were registered with a union. The remainder are covered by a company regulation known as Peraturan Perusahaan. IndoAgri engages regularly with the labour unions of its workers through bipartite meetings to discuss issues such as agreement on wages and daily harvesting quotas to ensure appropriate and achievable workload for its harvesters.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 406-1 Incidents of discrimination and corrective actions taken

2) Disclosure 407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk

3) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

4) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

 

Disclosure 406-1 Incidents of discrimination and corrective actions taken corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality
• Targets: 5.1
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.8

Disclosure 407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.8

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.2

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

• Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
• Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
• Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
• Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by IndoAgri, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to IndoAgri: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Italpreziosi identified a range of material issues, such as ethics and integrity, economic value generated and distributed, product safety, promoting local development, water consumption. Among these, promoting transparency across its supply chain stands out as a key material issue for Italpreziosi.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards                                                    

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Italpreziosi engages with:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Shareholders	·      Periodic Meetings ·      Shareholders’ Meeting ·      Sustainability Report ·      Annual Report
Board of Directors	·      Periodic Meetings ·      Sustainability Report ·      Annual Report
Management	·      Monthly meetings with the CEO and the department managers ·      Supervision and application of the sustainability and business strategy ·      Sustainability Report ·      Annual Report
Personnel	·      Periodic communications on organisational changes ·      Periodic Climate Work Survey ·      Refresher training ·      Coordination meeting between various departments ·      Periodic corporate events ·      Sustainability Report ·      Social Network and website ·      Code of Ethics ·      Welfare system
Clients and suppliers	·      Corporate communications ·      Periodic satisfaction survey ·      Due Diligence Onboarding process ·      Reports and discussions through industry association ·      Sustainability Report ·      Social Network and website ·      Visits to Italpreziosi’s office ·      Visits to Italpreziosi’s customers ·      Clear and timely, updated communication ·      Collaboration for better sustainability in the supply chain ·      Code of Ethics and Supply Chain Policy ·      Guarantee the best service
National and international institutions and authorities	·      Meetings with local, national and international political and institutional representatives on sector issues ·      Periodic communications ·      Constant collaboration ·      Visits to Italpreziosi’s office
Local communities	·      Supports in local and national initiatives and events in various areas ·      Sustainability Report ·      Social Network and website
Voluntary organisations and professional associations	·      Membership and participation in LBMA, RJC, RMI, UN GLOBAL COMPACT, EITI, WGC ·      Collaborations and partnerships in projects with multistakeholders, for the creation of sustainability projects ·      Participation in round tables on sector topics ·      Periodic communications ·      Events, conferences, seminars and training initiatives on sustainability issues: implementation of guidelines and sharing of best practices ·      Constant collaboration ·      Visits to the company
Competitors	·      Meetings organised by industry associations ·      Visits and communications ·      Collaborations in projects and round tables for the creation of a more sustainable supply chain
Public services	·      Collaborations on safety ·      Impact on the environment ·      Regular safety drills ·      Sustainability Report ·      Periodic communications
Universities and institutes	·      Scientific research support with UNIFI ·      Support for local training courses in the sector ·      Meetings of Italpreziosi’s CEO with local training institutes ·      Social Network and website
Press	·      Press Relation Office ·      Social Network and website ·      Sustainability Report

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Italpreziosi carried out a survey which involved all its stakeholders, to identify and concretise common objectives.

What actions were taken by Italpreziosi to promote transparency across its supply chain?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Italpreziosi reports that it took the following actions for promoting transparency across its supply chain:

• Adhering to voluntary standards
• In addition to following the main international and national regulations, Italpreziosi adheres to voluntary standards, demonstrated through its own certifications. These certifications are issued by associations that represent an important round table to address the crucial issues affecting the entire supply chain of precious metals, from their extraction up to their use in finished products. The voluntary reference standards originate from:
  • Chain of Custody (CoC) and Code of Practice (CoP) of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)
  • Responsible Guidances on Precious Metals of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)
  • Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chain of Minerals from Conflict Affected and High Risk Areas of the OECD
  • the World Gold Council “Conflict-free Gold Standard”
  • CRAFT Code of Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)

• Participating in professional associations
• Italpreziosi is a member of:
  • RESPONSIBLE JEWELLERY COUNCIL (RJC): The association brings together over 500 of the most important companies in the world representing the entire gold chain, from mines to large jewellery manufacturers such as Cartier, Bulgari, Tiffany etc., of which Ivana Ciabatti was also a member of the Board of Directors. In 2013, Italpreziosi received the Code of Practices (CoP) and the “Provenance Claim” certification and in 2017, the Chain of Custody (CoC) certification.
  • LONDON BULLION MARKET ASSOCIATION (LBMA): On September 1st 2008, Italpreziosi became Associate Member of the LBMA and, since 2018, it has been a “Good Delivery” certified refinery. Worldwide, only 69 refineries are certified. The association defines the gold bar production standards, promoting best commercial practices. LBMA represents the reference standard of the world OTC (Over The Counter) precious metals markets.
• Additionally, in 2019 Italpreziosi joined the Program Advisory Group (PAG) of the GEF Gold project (which stands for “Global Opportunities for Long Term Development in Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Programme”), promoted by Planet Gold. The project includes multistakeholders, including International Organisations such as OECD, UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO, specialised associations, the private and public sector, governments and authorities. The project also involves eight countries with a high percentage of artisanal miners who in many cases, for disinformation and lack of support, process gold with chemicals that are extremely dangerous for their health and for the environment that surrounds them, i.e. mercury. In line with the Minamata Convention, the project aims to train and help these communities to avoid the use of mercury by replacing it with better techniques. In addition, formalisation processes will also be supported, which will allow access to the legal market and improve their living conditions.

• Applying a supply chain policy, a Code of Ethics, a grievance and whistleblowing policy
• Italpreziosi’s solid managerial structure has been designed to meet the highest standards of compliance with national and international laws and regulations, as well as the standards that Italpreziosi voluntarily follows. The goal is to actively work towards the creation of a more sustainable, responsible and fair supply chain towards each individual actor who is part of it. Fair working conditions, prohibition of child labour, gender equality and respect for human rights are fundamental foundations of Italpreziosi’s due diligence processes, expressed in its policies. Italpreziosi’s policies therefore represent a fundamental document for every business relationship, and Italpreziosi asks each counterparty to sign them, so that they morally commit to carrying out Italpreziosi’s own values of respect for the environment, human rights and communities. Each stakeholder must, accordingly, actively work in line with Italpreziosi’s Italpreziosi’s staff are also constantly updated on internal compliance procedures, which are progressive and aim to continuously improve, in line with industry standards. The collaboration between the various departments is constantly valued, as a fundamental tool to guarantee continuous monitoring for each potential and already active counterpart. Italpreziosi’s awareness of each of its counterparts is also constant in adhering to and applying the same standards that Italpreziosi has followed, to contribute to creating greater awareness of the possibilities Italpreziosi has to concretely improve its supply chain.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

2) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

3) Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria

 

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.2

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.7

Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality
• Targets: 5.2
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Targets: 8.8
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.1

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

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References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Italpreziosi, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Italpreziosi: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Outotec identified a range of material issues, such as financial performance, sustainable technologies and innovations, health and safety, ethics, compliance and governance. Among these, promoting social and environmental responsibility among its suppliers stands out as a key material issue for Outotec.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Outotec engages with:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Employees	·      Regular briefings and info sessions ·      Regular meetings with employee representatives ·      Global intranet, collaboration tools and social media ·      Performance development dialogues ·      Outotec Round-Table ·      Employee surveys ·      Compliance helpline and feedback channels ·      Young Professionals network
Customers	·      Regular meetings held by Outotec’s Account Management, and as part of Sell and Deliver processes ·      Customer satisfaction surveys ·      Joint R&D projects ·      Training, user meetings, workshops ·      Seminars, conferences, trade shows ·      Asset walks ·      Newsletters, website, social media
Suppliers and contractors	·      Contacts through Outotec’s Delivery process ·      Supplier Policy and Code of Conduct ·      Supplier assessments and audits ·      Joint continuous improvement of processes ·      Outotec Supplier Days ·      Training events and programmes
Investors, analysts and financiers	·      Quarterly briefings ·      CEO’s mid-quarter Q&A sessions ·      Audited/assured reporting ·      Capital Markets Day ·      Roadshows, one-on-one meetings, industry seminars ·      Annual General Meeting ·      Excursions to Outotec sites ·      Annual surveys
Academia and students	·      Joint programmes ·      Involvement in university courses ·      Seminars, lectures, visits ·      Thesis work ·      Internships ·      Networking
Authorities, regulators and governments	·      Memberships and chairmanships in EU’s and national working groups ·      Counselling on expert matters ·      Seminars on sustainable mining and metals processing
Potential future employees	·      Careers website and social media channels ·      Recruitment events ·      Student cooperation ·      Internships ·      Hosting visitor groups
Local communities	·      Joint social programmes with customers ·      Support for local initiatives ·      Volunteering programmes
Industry associations and NGOs	·      Active membership in industry associations ·      Employee volunteering work ·      Dialogue on circular economy and sustainable processing of minerals and metals
Media	·      Interviews with Outotec managers and experts ·      Quarterly media briefings ·      Audited/assured reporting ·      Success stories on the website ·      Active use of social media ·      Excursions to Outotec sites

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Outotec carried out a public web survey among all stakeholders about the topics that were most important and impacted stakeholders’ decision making regarding Outotec, also interviewing representatives of employees, customers, suppliers, investors and academia.

 

What actions were taken by Outotec to promote social and environmental responsibility among its suppliers?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Outotec reports that it took the following actions for promoting social and environmental responsibility among its suppliers:

• Carrying out supplier environmental assessments
• In 2019, Outotec screened 99 suppliers, equalling 14% of all new suppliers, using environmental and social criteria. Additionally, Outotec audited 71 suppliers, equalling 33.6 % of all key suppliers, using environmental criteria. Screening is a spot check on certain topics, and Outotec selects the companies for environmental screening from the high and medium risk categories, based on information collected with a supplier self-assessment questionnaire. The questionnaire includes 12 questions related to environmental aspects, hazardous substances, and waste management. In case any risks are identified based on the received information a detailed environmental assessment is included in the audit, which is either performed by phone interview or site visit. Audit results and findings are reported as an official audit report in Outotec’s Supplier Data Management system. Audit findings are categorised into observations and deviations. In Outotec’s supplier audits, none of the audited suppliers were identified as having significant negative environmental impacts. Outotec evaluated suppliers’ approach to waste management and environmental controls and the audit teams reported that suppliers were making strong efforts to minimise their negative environmental impacts.

• Combatting child, forced and compulsory labour
• Outotec does not tolerate any child labour or forced or compulsory labour, as stated in its Code of Conduct and Supplier Policy. According to Outotec’s human rights self-assessment made in 2017, no notable risks related to the use of child labour, or forced or compulsory labour, were identified in Outotec’s own manufacturing units. The main sustainability-related risks in the supply chain, identified in Outotec’s internal workshop consisting of its global supply team, included bribery and kickbacks, occupational safety, protecting information and reporting misconduct. Child labour is, however, a recognised risk in any supply chain, and Outotec has taken steps to reduce the possibility that its approved suppliers utilise child or forced labour. Outotec identified three countries in its supply chain, namely China, India and Mexico, with potential risks regarding child labour or hazardous work. In 2019, 5.6% of Outotec’s suppliers were based in China, 1.7% in Mexico, and 1.1% in India. To mitigate these possible risks, Outotec’s dedicated supply personnel in each of its Market Area offices assesses suppliers according to Outotec’s approval process and makes observations during audits and other visits.

• Carrying out supplier social assessments
• As the majority of Outotec’s manufacturing is sourced from external suppliers, there are potentially more human rights-related risks in the supply chain than in Outotec’s own operations. Outotec has categorised its suppliers into three risk categories. Country risk is one criterion in determining the scope of the supplier assessment. To mitigate social sustainability related risks, suppliers are required to commit to Outotec’s Supplier Policy, which reflects the principles of the company’s Code of Conduct. In 2019, Outotec audited 33.6% of its key suppliers on quality, health and safety and human rights-related issues. The long-term target is to audit all key suppliers with these criteria regularly, with supplier development actions drawn up according to audit findings. In supplier selection, Outotec screened 123 suppliers, in a combination of field and desk assessment. This included reviewing human rights and labour practices criteria. Screening is a spot check on certain topics, and Outotec selects the companies from the high and medium risk categories based on information collected with a supplier self-assessment questionnaire. The questions relate to social programme accreditation, respect for human rights of employees, prohibition of child labour, health surveillance, incident management and occupational safety. All the screened companies qualified as new suppliers, as none of the companies were identified as having significant potential negative human rights or social impacts. Suppliers that Outotec does not normally screen are for example, one-time indirect suppliers, such as consultants. Some of these non-screened suppliers have, however, signed Outotec’s Supplier Policy. In Outotec’s supplier audits, four suppliers, equalling 5% of the audited suppliers, were identified as having potentially negative health and safety impacts. However, none of those were considered significant and improvement measures were agreed with these suppliers. Audit findings were related to missing health and safety practices and equipment, and wrong storage of chemicals causing a potential risk for employees. No relationships were rejected because of health and safety findings in Outotec’s supplier audits and there were no incidents filed through formal grievance mechanisms related to Outotec’s suppliers’ human rights impacts, impacts on society or labour practices.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 308-1 New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria

2) Disclosure 308-2 Negative environmental impacts in the supply chain and actions taken

3) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

4) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

5) Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria

6) Disclosure 414-2 Negative social impacts in the supply chain and actions taken

 

Disclosure 308-1 New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria does not correspond to any SDG.

Disclosure 308-2 Negative environmental impacts in the supply chain and actions taken does not correspond to any SDG.

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Business theme: Abolition of child labor
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
• Business theme: Abolition of child labor

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Business theme: Elimination of forced or compulsory labor

Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
• Business theme: Workplace violence and harassment
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Business theme: Labor practices in the supply chain
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
• Business theme: Workplace violence and harassment

Disclosure 414-2 Negative social impacts in the supply chain and actions taken corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
• Business theme: Workplace violence and harassment
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Business theme: Labor practices in the supply chain
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
• Business theme: Workplace violence and harassment

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

 

 

 

FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP recognised course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Outotec, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Outotec: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2017 Sustainability Report Genpact identified a range of material issues, such as business growth and profitability, data security and confidentiality, customer satisfaction, business reputation, resource efficiency. Among these, promoting sustainability across its supply chain stands out as a key material issue for Genpact.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Genpact engages with:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Employees	·      Employee satisfaction survey ·      Performance appraisal ·      Corporate social responsibility volunteering ·      Regular formal/informal with managers organisation ·      Training and development programmes ·      Grievance cell
Clients	·      Net promoter score based on the process owner questionnaire ·      CXO questionnaire ·      Governance meetings at account level between different levels of the organisation
Investors	·      Quarterly calls with investors and shareholders ·      Annual 10K report ·      Annual general meeting ·      Email alerts for SEC – related information, reports, webcasts and presentations, scheduled events and company news ·      Online information request/contact us form
Suppliers	·      Vendor prequalification process ·      Vendor risk analysis and rating process ·      Engagement with vendor employees during sessions on promoting health and safety-related practices
Communities	·      Community intervention/employee volunteering activities ·      Planning exercise with NGOs ·      Limited engagement with NGOs on strengthening their processes
Academic institutions	·      Campus recruitment
Government & industry bodies	·      Engagement through memberships of industry bodies like NASSCOM, CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), Association of the Business Services Leaders (Poland and Romania) etc.

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Genpact engaged with eight stakeholder groups – employees, clients, investors, academic institutions, government/regulatory bodies, communities & NGOs/ civil society networks, industry bodies and suppliers – through a combination of online surveys, physical questionnaires and personal interactions.

What actions were taken by Genpact to treat waste responsibly?

In its 2017 Sustainability Report Genpact reports that it took the following actions for promoting sustainability across its supply chain:

• Implementing a sustainable supply chain policy
• Genpact formulated its sustainable supply chain policy in 2016. The policy captures the principles that ensure a responsible supply chain and details the sustainability standards Genpact requires of its vendors. Broad tenets of the policy are:
  • Ensuring ethical and transparent vendor operations and relations
  • Limiting negative environmental impacts in Genpact’s supply chain
  • Protecting of human rights and promoting globally accepted labour practices among Genpact’s vendors
  • Promoting diversity and inclusion in Genpact’s supply chain
  • Encouraging and engaging with vendors to encourage sustainable practices
• The principles of Genpact’s sustainable supply chain policy flow from Genpact’s integrity policy as it pertains to suppliers, Genpact’s EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) policy and its global sourcing policy. All vendors must adhere to these policies: Non-compliance may lead to suspension or termination of their contracts. In particular, Genpact’s contract with vendors operating out of its facilities obligates them to adhere to Genpact’s global safe work environment policy. Vendors must also follow specific criteria regarding the services they offer. Genpact’s sourcing team collaborates with infrastructure and logistics, EHS and IT teams to procure products that help save energy and conserve resources and, when procuring, Genpact prefers products that are greener, assuming they meet technical specifications. For example, Genpact’s food vendor in India must comply with specific health-related requirements, must have public liability insurance, must follow statutory norms such as food license and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) standards. Vendors who provide Genpact’s chairs have to comply with specific ergonomic requirements. Vendors for transport must comply to local statutory regulations, road permits check, insurance, EHS clearance, commercial licenses, and so on.

• Evaluating suppliers
• Genpact began evaluating suppliers on sustainability criteria in July 2017. Since then, Genpact has screened 201 of 580 new vendors using these criteria and is aiming for full adherence in the near future. Genpact is gradually screening its existing suppliers using the same parameters, with the goal of completing most of the supply chain screening process over time. Genpact has also been organising supplier awareness sessions on sustainability practices and expectations, as a part of this endeavour. All suppliers must reply to a qualifying sustainability questionnaire, as a part of the supplier/vendor on-boarding process. Genpact hires its key suppliers using a risk-based approach and, in 2016 and 2017, started sustainability evaluations of its top 50 vendors to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. Genpact looked at their global environment health and safety standards, resource conservations initiatives, corporate social responsibility commitments and life cycle assessments. Genpact also checked if they support local economies, take measures against discrimination, adhere to work hours and wage norms, and clarified whether they allow freedom of association, collective bargaining and labour management processes. Genpact avoids business relationships with high-risk vendors to prevent financial, physical or reputational damage to Genpact and its stakeholders. In supplier self-assessment forms, Genpact flags risks regarding data privacy, information security, intellectual property and business continuity planning. As part of the approval process, the sourcing team also assesses a vendor’s financials, ownership structure, legal compliances and history. This assessment is industry-specific, to account for the differences inherent in each sector. When Genpact does find high risks based on any of these criteria, it urges vendors to put plans in place to mitigate them. Additionally, Genpact is digitising the supplier screening and on-boarding process, to create a repository of assessments and to document their actions. This initiative is helping Genpact to evaluate supply chain risks across locations and to review whether vendors are complying with its supplier code of conduct. It is also making sourcing/procurement procedures process- rather than people-driven.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 308-1 New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria

2) Disclosure 407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk

3) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

4) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

5) Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria

6) Disclosure 414-2 Negative social impacts in the supply chain and actions taken

 

Disclosure 308-1 New suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria does not correspond to any SDG.

Disclosure 407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Business theme: Freedom of association and collective bargaining

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Business theme: Abolition of child labor
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
• Business theme: Abolition of child labor

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Business theme: Elimination of forced or compulsory labor

Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
• Business theme: Workplace violence and harassment
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Business theme: Labor practices in the supply chain
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
• Business theme: Workplace violence and harassment 

Disclosure 414-2 Negative social impacts in the supply chain and actions taken corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
• Business theme: Workplace violence and harassment
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
• Business theme: Labor practices in the supply chain
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
• Business theme: Workplace violence and harassment 

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP recognised course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Genpact, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Genpact: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.