What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report PPL identified a range of material issues, such as economic viability, operational efficiency, emissions reduction, innovation and technology, workforce development. Among these, promoting compliance and business integrity stands out as a key material issue for PPL.

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 PPL engages with:

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

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Communities	·      Support for events and programmes of nonprofits, chambers and associations ·      Support for community energy groups in the U.K. ·      Volunteerism (board service, events, long-term programmes)
Customers	·      Websites ·      Consumer advisory panels ·      Customer commitment advisory forums ·      Market research ·      Demand-side management/energy efficiency advisory groups ·      Billing statements and messaging ·      Email newsletters ·      News releases and local media ·      Customer feedback (surveys, online comments, phone calls) ·      Account management ·      J.D. Power survey
Employees	·      Company intranet ·      Training events ·      Town hall meetings ·      Employee feedback (via surveys) ·      Volunteer programmes ·      Business resource groups ·      Performance reviews
Facility neighbours	·      Plant advisory committees ·      Newsletters for plant neighbours
Government (local, state, federal)	·      Continuous dialogue ·      Attendance at and participation in meetings and hearings with regulators and policymakers
Industry associations	Attendance at regular meetings and conferences and active       participation in organisations such as: ·      Edison Electric Institute ·      Electric Power Research Institute ·      American Gas Association ·      Energy Networks Association (U.K.) ·      State chambers of commerce and industry associations
Environmental groups	·      Ongoing discussions and partnerships around specific topics related to operational activities
Shareowners	·      Continuous dialogue ·      Quarterly earnings news releases ·      Investor relations website ·      Active outreach including meetings at investor conferences, roadshows and conference calls
Suppliers	·      Supplier meetings ·      Supplier networking summits

What actions were taken by PPL to promote compliance and business integrity?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report PPL reports that it took the following actions for promoting compliance and business integrity:

• Implementing the Standards of Integrity
• PPL’s board expects its directors and all PPL officers to act ethically at all times and adhere to the policies set forth in PPL’s Standards of Integrity. Every member of the Board of Directors receives a copy of the Standards of Integrity. It is the responsibility of each director to advise the corporate secretary of any actual or potential conflict of interest and any affiliation with public or privately held enterprises, including for-profit and nonprofit entities that may create a potential conflict of interest to the company or inconsistency with applicable laws, company policies or values. Every employee is expected to read, understand and comply with the Standards of Integrity and associated company policies. In addition, employees are expected to report any compliance or ethics concerns to their immediate supervisors or via another appropriate reporting mechanism, including anonymous reporting mechanisms that are in place and publicised to employees. PPL takes any instance of noncompliance seriously. Failure to obey laws and regulations or violations of company policies may result in employee discipline to the extent permissible under applicable law, up to and including termination. Employees receive annual training on the Standards of Integrity. As part of the training, every employee is required to certify that he or she understands the expectation to report misconduct and understands that PPL will not tolerate any form of retaliation for any report made in good faith. All training is tracked, recorded and reported to executive leadership and the Audit Committee. Targeted communications on key compliance and ethics topics are also issued as needed.

• Providing an EthicsHelpline
• PPL employees are expected to ask questions or raise concerns about the application or interpretation of the Standards of Integrity. PPL does not discriminate against, or tolerate any form of retaliation toward, employees who ask questions or raise concerns in good faith, and provides an “EthicsHelpline” for confidential and, if desired, anonymous reporting of concerns. PPL’s EthicsHelpline toll-free phone number and internet site are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The EthicsHelpline, which is managed by an external vendor to promote confidence in confidentiality, is also accessible on the internet. In addition to employees, suppliers, customers and other external parties can use the EthicsHelpline to report concerns. Guidelines are in place for promptly responding to allegations of misconduct and include notifying the vice president and global chief compliance officer of the allegations, and this position has a dotted-line reporting relationship to the chair of the Audit Committee. Issues and trends are identified and reported to the Audit Committee. Allegations are handled and key statistics are reported to the Audit Committee each quarter, with the most serious allegations being reported on an expedited basis to the chair of the Audit Committee as soon as reasonably practicable after initial intake discussions.

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

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is: Disclosure 205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption policies and procedures

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

 

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 PPL, 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 PPL: 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 ESG Report TPI identified a range of material issues, such as economic performance, occupational health and safety, effluents and waste, materials and material efficiency. Among these, promoting compliance and business integrity stands out as a key material issue for TPI.

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 TPI engages with:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Associates	·      Ongoing dialogue ·      Annual engagement survey ·      Focus groups ·      Town Halls
Customers	·      Ongoing dialogue ·      Contracts ·      Customer surveys ·      Interviews
Investors/Asset Managers	·      Ongoing dialogue ·      Financial reporting ·      Investor events ·      Interviews ·      Quarterly earnings calls
ESG Raters	·      Research ·      Rating process/feedback
Industry Associations	·      Research
Regulators	·      Research

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics TPI completed interviews and surveys with its key internal and external stakeholders.

What actions were taken by TPI to promote compliance and business integrity?

In its 2019 ESG Report TPI reports that it took the following actions for promoting compliance and business integrity:

• Implementing a Code of Conduct
• TPI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics (Code) sets a tone at the top for the entire company regarding ethical behaviour. The Code covers the topics of conflicts of interest, confidentiality, preventing workplace harassment, and anti-corruption, among others. TPI’s Board of Directors, in conjunction with its Audit Committee, is responsible for administering the Code, and has delegated day-today responsibility for administering and interpreting the Code to TPI’s General Counsel who serves as TPI’s Compliance Officer. The Code and TPI’s separate Anti-Corruption Policy educate associates on anti-corruption practices and expressly prohibit direct and indirect payments that violate applicable anti-corruption laws. TPI’s associates receive annual training on both the Code and the Anti-Corruption Policy, which are available in their local language.

• Encouraging associates to raise ethical concerns
• As part of the Code training, TPI’s associates are encouraged to raise any ethical concerns either directly or anonymously. They can report concerns anonymously through a hotline that is operated by a third-party provider. Any messages submitted to the hotline are only accessible by TPI’s Compliance Officer and Audit Committee Chairperson, who then decide if the concern will be investigated by the human resources department, the internal audit department, the internal legal department or an external law firm, depending on the nature of the concern. TPI does not retaliate against any associate who reports ethical concerns in good faith. Posters regarding the anonymous hotline are posted at all TPI’s manufacturing facilities in the local language.

• Promoting third-party due diligence
• TPI has implemented policies and procedures to help it evaluate the integrity of its third-party business partners. TPI has documented standards for suppliers and monitors performance throughout the supplier lifecycle. TPI does this by using an independent vendor assessment tool, conducts audits of its suppliers, and requires suppliers to complete an annual questionnaire that identifies compliance and policies from these companies for areas such as child labour, corruption and safety.

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

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is: Disclosure 205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption policies and procedures

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

 

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 TPI, 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 TPI: 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 ENEC identified a range of material issues, such as health and safety of employees, contractors, and community, environment management & compliance, emergency preparedness, operational efficiency, waste management. Among these, promoting business ethics and integrity stands out as a key material issue for ENEC.

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 ENEC engages with:

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

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Government Entities	·      Site delegations, facility tours and inspections ·      Regular meetings and written correspondence ·      Programme Executive Update ·      Participation in governmental initiatives and campaigns
Nuclear-Specific Organisations	·      Regular meetings and workshops ·      Regular reports and programme updates ·      Delegations to site ·      Shared initiatives ·      Knowledge-sharing workshops ·      Interactive dialogue ·      Reporting ·      International Advisory Board ·      Associated events, seminars, conferences and regional events
Media	·      Arranging interviews ·      Site visits ·      Media training
International Organisations, Government and Financial Institutions	·      Delegations and events ·      Responding to on-going requests for information
Academic Agents	·      Energy Pioneers Programmes ·      Regular events and career fairs at schools and universities
Prime Contractor Programme Related Companies	·      Regular meetings and workshops ·      Regular reports and programme updates ·      Knowledge-sharing ·      Interactive dialogue ·      Reporting ·      Associated events, seminars, conferences and events
Social Actors	·      Awareness sessions ·      Internal engagement programmes ·      CSR activities
Administration, Infrastructure & Utility Organisations	·      Meetings ·      Benchmarking ·      Non-Objection Certificate ·      Regular meetings and workshops ·      Regular reports and programme updates

What actions were taken by ENEC to promote business ethics and integrity?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report ENEC reports that it took the following actions for promoting business ethics and integrity:

• Implementing a Code of General Business Principles and Ethics
• The ENEC Code of General Business Principles and Ethics, updated in 2019, frames the ethical and legal practices that ENEC requires all employees and contractors to uphold. The Code covers a wide range of topics including fraud, anti-corruption, and misconduct. All staff are required to read and acknowledge The Code on an annual basis, and it is a mandatory reading for all new hires. Throughout the year, compliance and anti-fraud training and awareness sessions are provided to employees with the support of senior management. These sessions continue monthly, across all functions. ENEC has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of fraud or misconduct. No incidents of bribery or corruption were detected or reported in 2019. Also, in 2019 ENEC launched two compliance and ethics campaigns, using quizzes, posters, and newsletters. The campaigns covered topics regarding anti-bribery, code of ethics awareness, conflict of interest, retaliation, fraud, respecting others, and harassment.

• Establishing an Anti-Fraud and Misconduct Programme
• ENEC has established an Anti-Fraud and Misconduct Programme (AFMP) that supports prevention, detection, investigation and response towards fraud or misconduct incidents, and to instil honesty and ethical behaviour in ENEC’s culture and environment. The AFMP procedure provides a framework to promote responsible and secure whistleblowing. It serves to receive and address any concern or complaint regarding fraud and/ or misconduct. The AFMP comprises of four global reporting channels for reporting suspected incidents of fraud, fraudulent activity, or misconduct. Whistle-blowers can choose to stay anonymous through reporting via the following channels: i. Toll free hotline available in multiple languages 24/7 across several countries. ii. Dedicated email address for reporting concerns. iii. Dedicated Web Portal – Internal and External. iv. Provision to submit verbal/ written complaints using AFMP Reporting Forms. The AFMP highlights the significance associated with protection of whistle-blowers. It condemns and addresses any acts of retaliation against whistle-blowers for reporting complaints in good faith. In 2019, ENEC conducted multiple awareness sessions to create AFMP awareness and to instil honesty and ethical behavior in its culture and environment.

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

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is: Disclosure 205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption policies and procedures

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

 

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 ENEC, 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 ENEC: 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 Corporate Social Responsibility Report HKEX identified a range of material issues, such as climate change, customer privacy/ information security, diversity and equal opportunities, ESG risks management and transparency, product responsibility. Among these, promoting business integrity stands out as a key material issue for HKEX.

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 HKEX engages with:

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

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Shareholders/ institutional and individual investors	·      Annual general meeting, notices, circulars and announcements ·      Regular corporate publications including financial statements ·      Enquiries or feedback to the Board via the Group Company Secretary ·      Corporate Day, non-deal roadshows, investor meetings and conferences ·      Analyst briefings on HKEX’s interim and year-end financial results
Market regulators	·      Bi-monthly FSTB / SFC / HKEX tripartite meetings, regular liaison meetings and ad hoc work meetings ·      Daily, monthly and annual reporting ·      Attending to requests for documents or witness statements on an ad hoc basis
Government bodies	·      Regular verbal and written communication regarding the Group’s key initiatives and new developments ·      Responding to enquiries for the purpose of various government meetings, including the HKSAR Legislative Council meetings ·      Bi-monthly FSTB / SFC / HKEX tripartite meetings
Listed/potential issuers and market intermediaries	·      Market consultations on proposed changes to the Listing Rules ·      Publication of guidance materials including guidance letters, listing decisions and frequently asked questions whenever necessary ·      Regular publications including reports on the review of listed issuers’ annual report disclosure, corporate governance disclosures and ESG disclosures, Listed Issuer Regulation Newsletter and Enforcement Newsletter ·      Investigation into listing compliance via written enquiries
Market participants, members and information vendors	·      Regular consultative panel meetings, briefings, seminars and discussions ·      Market consultations on new proposals ·      Market rehearsals, connectivity and user acceptance tests before and upon launch of new/enhancement services
Mainland and overseas exchanges	·      Regular meetings on specific projects ·      Delegations for courtesy and training purposes ·      Annual board meeting of the World Federation of Exchanges ·      Participation in annual market surveys and trading information updates ·      Regular dialogue and staff exchange with other exchanges
Public and media	·      Regular media interviews and events, including media stand ups, media workshops, guided visits and media briefings ·      News releases on major business updates ·      HKEX websites and social media
NGOs, industry associations, professional bodies and market users	·      Market consultations on new proposals ·      Regular meetings and correspondences with market practitioners and related associations regarding listing/trading matters ·      Response to periodic assessments on HKEX’s sustainability performance
Employees	·      Monthly Executive Forum and quarterly Chief Executive presentations ·      People Survey ·      Town hall and focus group meetings whenever needed ·      Semi-annual Leadership Forum ·      Social activities organised by staff-initiated interest clubs, sports teams and volunteer team throughout the year ·      Annual summer events engaging employees’ family members
Suppliers/ business partners	·      Tender notices for procurement of products/services ·       Work inspection and supervision as scheduled ·      Supplier CSR Code of Conduct and CSR questionnaire for engaging key suppliers

What actions were taken by HKEX to promote business integrity?

In its 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility Report HKEX reports that it took the following actions for promoting business integrity:

• Enhancing the Group Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy
• HKEX enhanced the Group Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy with key changes, including strictly prohibiting the giving or receiving of cash gifts by all staff and the giving and receiving of non-cash gifts by Listing Department staff.

• Launching a new web-based whistleblowing channel
• HKEX launched a new web-based whistleblowing channel that allows employees to raise genuine disclosures independent of HKEX IT systems and in accordance with the Group Whistleblowing Policy. In addition, HKEX implemented a new HKEX External Whistleblowing Policy that allows external parties to raise genuine disclosures in a manner similar to employees. HKEX also enhanced its Group Whistleblowing Policy by:
  • centralising the whistleblowing reporting route to the Group General Counsel or Head of Regulatory Compliance;
  • empowering the Group General Counsel to appoint independent third parties to investigate received disclosures; and
  • introducing a new HKEX Whistleblowing Advisory Panel to provide advice, direction and oversight in exceptional circumstances.

• Updating the LME and LME Clear Conflicts of Interest Policy
• To reflect the enhanced regulatory scrutiny on conflicts of interest, HKEX updated the LME and LME Clear Conflicts of Interest Policy in 2019. Training was given for all line managers, informing them of their first line responsibilities around managing conflicts of interest and to ensure employees understand how to identify conflicts of interest. The policy update also culminated with all employees being required to declare they had read and understood the updated policy, and to make their annual conflict of interest declaration.

• Implementing a Code of Conduct
• In April 2019, the LME launched its Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct represents a natural extension of HKEX Group Values, providing clear guidance for LME Group employees, LME member employees at the LME premises and attendees at LME events. The LME believes the Code of Conduct will facilitate the ongoing enhancement of conduct across the wider metals sector and help make sure all individuals in the industry can rightly expect a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment.

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

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is: Disclosure 205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption policies and procedures

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

 

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 HKEX, 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 HKEX: 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 2019-20 Sustainability Report Landis+Gyr identified a range of material issues, such as data security and privacy, energy efficiency and climate protection, fair labour processes, occupational health and safety, community engagement. Among these, promoting business integrity stands out as a key material issue for Landis+Gyr.

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 Landis+Gyr engages with:

Stakeholder Group

Customers

Regulators

Suppliers

Energy Consumers, Consumer Associations and NGOs

Local Communities

Employees

Shareholders/Investors

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Landis+Gyr conducted a series of qualitative interviews with representatives of its stakeholders.

What actions were taken by Landis+Gyr to promote business integrity?

In its 2019-20 Sustainability Report Landis+Gyr reports that it took the following actions for promoting business integrity:

• Implementing a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct
• Landis+Gyr’s stringent integrity standards are showcased in its Code of Business Ethics and Conduct. The Code prohibits corruption, violations of fair competition, and human rights infringements. Prospective employees receive, along with the offer of employment, a copy of the Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, which includes information about internal anti-corruption policies and procedures. The acceptance of the norms outlined in the Code of Business Ethics and Conduct and its supporting policies is a condition of employment. All Landis+Gyr policies, including the Code of Business Ethics and Conduct and Anti-Corruption Policy, are also routinely communicated to Landis+Gyr’s intermediaries during onboarding and to Landis+Gyr’s customers during the tender phase. With regards to suppliers, the same is communicated to them through the Landis+Gyr Supplier Code of Conduct, which was updated recently. Suppliers need to confirm adherence.

• Applying a third-party due diligence process
• Landis+Gyr implements a third-party due diligence process, which requires a mandatory due diligence check prior to the appointment of a third-party intermediary. This check is conducted by or with the assistance of an independent third party and scans potential third party intermediaries against blacklists, sanctions lists, adverse media, and other databases that may reveal a lack of business integrity. Landis+Gyr’s third-party due diligence process is regularly re-evaluated and updated, to make sure third parties are properly screened and vetted before business engagements are initiated.

• Providing ethics training
• All Landis+Gyr white-collar employees are trained on the content of the Code of Business Ethics and Conduct on a yearly basis. Additionally, Landis+Gyr offers specialised training sessions on the most relevant compliance risks. Training sessions focused on anti-corruption and competition law are completed on a yearly basis by employees who deal directly with customers, agents, distributors, vendors, and competitors, as well as anyone who is a direct manager. At the end of FY 2019/20, 4,107 or 71.2% of Landis+Gyr’s employees completed the e-learning session for the Landis+Gyr Code of Business Ethics and Conduct. The remaining 1,360 employees were either an exception to the launch population (i.e., blue-collar workers) or joined Landis+Gyr after 30 November 2020. For this latter group, it was required that the same e-learning session be completed within 7 days of joining Landis+Gyr. Moreover, 1,427 employees (24.74%) attended a face-to-face Code of Business Ethics and Conduct training session during the reporting period, which focused on a variety of compliance risks that Landis+Gyr is exposed to due to its internal and external operations, including anti-corruption. The target population for this training were employees at various global locations who deal directly with customers, agents, distributors, vendors, and competitors, as well as anyone who had a management role. Lastly, 1,161 employees (20.13%) also completed a Preventing Bribery and Corruption e-learning session. The target population for this training were, likewise, employees who deal directly with customers, agents, distributors, vendors and competitors, and anyone who had a management role.

• Encouraging employees to raise concerns
• Landis+Gyr has created appropriate channels for reporting suspected or known violations of the Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, other internal policies, or the law. For this purpose, Landis+Gyr provides a confidential 24-hour hotline for making such reports, as well as a web portal where employees can file a complaint. Concerns can also be reported through different channels in the organisation, such as via e-mail to a manager, HR Business Partner, or Compliance Officer. To this end, a case management system has been rolled out to record and monitor complaints and their resolution.

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

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is: Disclosure 205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption policies and procedures

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

 

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 Landis+Gyr, 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 Landis+Gyr: 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 Activity Report NIB identified a range of material issues, such as financial strength, reputation and reliability, estimating and monitoring the sustainability impact of all loan projects, climate change mitigation and adaptation. Among these, promoting business integrity and compliance stands out as a key material issue for NIB.

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 NIB engages with:

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement (in 2019)
Customers	·      Visits ·      Meetings ·      Seminars ·      Emails ·      Webcasts ·      Newsletters ·      Survey
Investors	·      Bilateral meetings ·      Investor events ·      Newsletters ·      Seminars ·      Conferences ·      Web-based communication ·      Survey
Political decision-makers and public administrations	·      NIB’s owners govern NIB via representatives on the Board of Governors (BoG), Board of Directors (BoD) and Control Committee (CC)
NGOs	·      Publishing information on loans signed ·      Inviting comments to loan projects with potentially extensive environmental impacts, known as Category A projects
Media	·      Press releases about signed loans ·      Electronic newsletters ·      Emails and bilateral meetings with press representatives
General public	·      Meetings ·      Website ·      Newsletters ·      Printed information material ·      Online annual reporting ·      Social media and emails
Staff	·      Meetings ·      Intranet ·      Monthly plenum ·      Induction for new employees ·      In-house training

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics NIB carried out a stakeholder survey. The key respondent groups were lending customers, investors and public authorities. Altogether, 108 interviews were completed.

What actions were taken by NIB to promote business integrity and compliance?

In its 2018 Activity Report NIB reports that it took the following actions for promoting business integrity and compliance:

• Implementing an Integrity Due Diligence Policy
• In March 2018, NIB’s Board of Directors approved an updated Integrity Due Diligence (IDD) Policy. The new Policy provides a robust framework for identifying, mitigating and monitoring integrity risks. It is built around risk assessments and defines the necessary checks prior to engaging with different counterparties, as well as the frequency of counterparty monitoring. As a result, NIB can concentrate its IDD resources in proportion to the associated risk. The IDD Policy further describes how NIB manages compliance risks, and defines the internal roles when assessing them. It also provides guidance on when and how to escalate IDD issues to the Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO) and the decision-making bodies within NIB, including escalation to the Board of Directors. The new Policy covers all operations. The screening includes borrowers, treasury counterparties and entities providing goods and services to NIB. In addition to the IDD Policy, detailed procedures have been developed for all relevant activities to provide practical guidance for staff conducting the integrity checks. To assist NIB staff with the identification of integrity risks, a new unit has been established in the Lending department that provides support by collecting information and conducting the IDD screenings. The Policy also covers the assessment and mitigation of risks for money laundering and terrorist financing, the prevention of engagement with sanctioned entities and individuals, and the assessment of cross-border structures. The development of the new IDD Policy and procedures was carried out by OCCO in close cooperation with the Lending, Treasury and Legal departments.

• Applying an Investigations and Enforcement Policy
• In 2018, NIB’s Sanctions Panel debarred four companies and three individuals for prohibited practices. This was the first application of NIB’s Investigations and Enforcement Policy leading to a sanction (debarment). The subjects appealed the initial decision by the Sanctions Panel and NIB’s Appeals Committee upheld the decision by the Sanctions Panel. The Sanctions Panel is comprised of two external members appointed by the Board of Directors and one internal member from NIB appointed by the President on a case-by-case basis. The Appeals Committee handles appeals related to Sanctions Panel decisions to impose sanctions and comprises the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

• Implementing an updated Code of Conduct for Staff
• In November 2018, NIB’s Board of Directors approved an updated Code of Conduct for Staff. The main changes related to trading in financial instruments and to declarations of financial and business interests. The trading rules were updated to minimise any real or perceived conflicts of interest in relation to staff’s actions taken at work and in their personal investments. The declaration of interests was, among other things, expanded to include sections on certifying that staff are acquainted with the changes in NIB’s legal framework made during the previous year. Staff members are not allowed to trade in financial instruments issued by borrowers while NIB is considering providing a loan to the borrower. In addition, the President and the members of the Executive Committee shall declare their financial interests in NIB’s borrowers. Another change relates to staff’s ability to report cases of harassment to OCCO, in addition to the previously available reporting channels. NIB’s Code of Conduct e-learning tool was also updated to align with the changes, and staff will be required to complete compulsory training as well as a test.

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

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 205-1 Operations assessed for risks related to corruption

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

3) Disclosure 205-3 Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken

 

Disclosure 205-1 Operations assessed for risks related to corruption corresponds to:

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

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 205-3 Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken corresponds to:

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

 

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 NIB, 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 NIB: 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 Aela Energía identified a range of material issues, such as occupational health and safety, climate change, community development, biodiversity. Among these, promoting compliance and business integrity stands out as a key material issue for Aela Energía.

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 Aela Energía engages with:

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

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Authorities and regulatory entities	·      Meetings under the Lobby Law ·      Guilds ·      Public activities ·      Website ·      LinkedIn ·      Visits to Aela Energía’s facilities
Shareholders	·      Board meetings ·      Monthly reports of the different areas of the company ·      Meetings with directors’ committees and management ·      Shareholders meetings ·      Financial statements ·      Sustainability report ·      Website ·      LinkedIn ·      Visits to Aela Energía’s facilities
Collaborators	·      Induction processes ·      Internal area meetings ·      Monthly meetings of the whole team ·      Sustainability Report ·      Coexistence and team-building activities ·      Reporting Channel ·      Website ·      LinkedIn ·      Wall newspaper
Contractors	·      Letters ·      Emails ·      Calls and meetings with technical and administrative contract counterparties ·      HSE Area ·      Website ·      LinkedIn ·      Reporting Channel ·      Procedure for questions, suggestions and complaints
Clients	·      Letters, emails and calls with counterparties in administrative contracts ·      Area of contract management ·      Website ·      LinkedIn ·      Sustainability report ·      Public activities of the energy sector
Banks	·      Letters, emails, calls and meetings with bank counterparties ·      Reports on HSE & social compliance ·      Sustainability report ·      Visits to Aela Energía’s facilities ·      Website ·      LinkedIn
Guilds	·      Technical committees’ meetings ·      Participation in assemblies ·      Emails ·      Website ·      LinkedIn ·      Sustainability report
Opinion leaders, professionals and executives in the electricity sector	·      Website ·      LinkedIn ·      Sustainability report ·      Press releases ·      Public activities
Local communities	·      Meetings and phone calls ·      Community Outreach Programme ·      Work tables ·      Community Investment Fund ·      Procedure for questions, suggestions and complaints ·      Website ·      Visits to Aela Energía’s facilities
Landowners	·      Letters, meetings and phone calls ·      Lease contract management ·      Visits to Aela Energía’s facilities ·      Community Relations Department ·      Procedure for questions, suggestions and complaints ·      Website
Media	·      Press releases ·      Interviews ·      Website ·      LinkedIn ·      Sustainability Report ·      Visits to Aela Energía’s facilities ·      Communications department
Other local NCRE companies	·      Community Relations Department ·      Meetings, emails and phone calls ·      Unions and associations ·      Website ·      LinkedIn ·      Sustainability Report

What actions were taken by Aela Energía to promote compliance and business integrity?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Aela Energía reports that it took the following actions for promoting compliance and business integrity:

• Implementing a Code of Conduct
• Aela Energía’s Code of Conduct aims to communicate and formalise the principles and rules that govern the activities of the company, and the ethical and good practices standards that frame the exercise of its activities in Chile. In this way, security, trust and transparency are granted to those who relate with Aela Energía. Through the Code, Aela Energía establishes the framework for behaviour regarding conflicts of interest, free competition, criminal liability of legal entities, respect for the environment and communities, policies on royalties and donations and on purchasing and procurement, among others. In addition, Aela Energía reaffirms its transparency, equal treatment and non-discrimination, and diversity principles. The Code of Conduct is also part of the labour contract annexes of all employees and, once a year, Aela Energía conducts training on it.

• Applying an ABC Policy
• Under the framework of its Code of Conduct, Aela Energía has an ABC (Anti-Bribery and Corruption) Policy which confirms its zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption, establishing effective systems to combat them. In this policy Aela Energía defines what bribery is, the expected conduct regarding donations and gifts, and the disciplinary measures in case of non-compliance with its rules. As part of the implementation of this policy, and in order to assess compliance, Aela Energía keeps a comprehensive record of all donations and gifts received or given. Likewise, Aela Energía systematises all meetings held with authorities or politically exposed persons, in order to comply with Law 20,730 or the Lobbying Law.

• Implementing a Whistleblower Policy
• Aela Energía has a Whistleblower Policy with which it encourages employees to report irregularities as soon as possible, making sure that the corresponding investigations are carried out promptly and respecting their confidentiality. To this end, during 2019 Aela Energía provided a reporting channel, which is a direct communication mechanism between workers and the company’s management, allowing workers to report anonymously, confidentially and safely any irregularity or situation of potential risk to the fulfilment of Aela Energía’s In addition, through its Statement on the UK Modern Slavery Act, Aela Energía confirms its position of zero tolerance towards modern slavery and human trafficking, and is committed to implementing measures to ensure that they do not occur in its business or supply chains.

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

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is: Disclosure 205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption policies and procedures

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

 

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 Aela Energía, 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 Aela Energía: 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 2020 Sustainability Report Challenger identified a range of material issues, such as long-term risk management, better customer outcomes, changing operating environment, public policy settings, economic uncertainty. Among these, promoting business integrity stands out as a key material issue for Challenger.

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 Challenger engages with:

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

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Customers	·       Survey ·       Call centre ·       Website and social media ·       Presentations
Shareholders	·       Regular financial reporting ·       Investor Days ·       Management meetings with investors and prospective investors ·       Chair engagement with significant investors
Employees	·       Intranet and Yammer ·       Employee briefings ·       Surveys ·       Senior leadership forums ·       ESG workshops ·       Ongoing team meetings
Government & regulators	·       Policy analysis ·       Government and industry submissions ·       Industry forums and conferences ·       Ongoing meetings
Communities	·       Strategic partnership ·       Volunteering ·       Workplace giving & matching ·       Fundraising initiatives ·       Shared research activities

What actions were taken by Challenger to promote business integrity?

In its 2020 Sustainability Report Challenger reports that it took the following actions for promoting business integrity:

• Implementing a Code of Conduct
• In February 2020 Challenger refreshed and updated its Code of Conduct. The Code sets out expectations for how Challenger acts, solves problems and makes fair and balanced decisions. It brings together Challenger’s corporate values and its group policies and statements, outlining what is expected of leaders, how consequences are managed, and where employees can go to speak up. Challenger’s Code of Conduct sits across all areas of its business and applies to everyone, irrespective of their role, seniority or any other factor, and all Challenger employees have a shared Delivering on the UN SDGs responsibility to apply it consistently.

• Applying a Political Donations policy
• Challenger has taken the approach of not making political donations and understands the importance of following best practice approaches and remaining flexible to changing community expectations. At the same time, Challenger engages actively with politicians and other government representatives to contribute to effective public policy outcomes in a way that meets the expectations of its stakeholders and supports its customers and business.

• Implementing a Privacy policy
• Challenger follows a ‘privacy-by-design’ approach, where privacy drives decision-making processes. This approach applies to every stakeholder and is used throughout Challenger’s Challenger’s Privacy policy sets out its approach for making sure it manages its customers’ information in a way that meets existing privacy regulations and customers’ expectations. Challenger has had no significant privacy complaints or breaches during the 2020 financial year and was not required to make any data breach reports to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner under Australia’s Notifiable Data Breaches scheme during the year.

• Developing a Whistleblower policy
• Challenger is committed to demonstrating transparency and enhancing stakeholder trust. Through its whistleblower provisions, employees, contractors, former employees, suppliers, service providers and relatives are encouraged to speak up. Challenger’s Whistleblower policy outlines the process for raising concerns and the protections and support available to whistleblowers. Challenger provides an independent whistleblower service so users can easily raise concerns through multiple channels and be assured of their anonymity if they desire.

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

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 415-1 Political contributions

2) Disclosure 418-1 Substantiated complaints concerning breaches of customer privacy and losses of customer data

3) Disclosure 419-1 Non-compliance with laws and regulations in the social and economic area

 

Disclosure 415-1 Political contributions corresponds to:

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

Disclosure 418-1 Substantiated complaints concerning breaches of customer privacy and losses of customer data corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.3, 16.10

Disclosure 419-1 Non-compliance with laws and regulations in the social and economic area corresponds to:

• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Targets: 16.3

 

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 Challenger, 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 Challenger: 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 Report on Corporate Responsibility Baker Hughes identified a range of material issues, such as community and stakeholder engagement, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, attracting, retaining and developing talent, corporate governance and board oversight, process safety and asset management. Among these, promoting business integrity and compliance stands out as a key material issue for Baker Hughes.

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 Baker Hughes engages with: 

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Customers	·      Global, regional and local industry events, forums, and conferences ·      Proprietary company events and meetings ·      Partnerships and working groups to advance best practices
Investors	·      Public quarterly earnings calls ·      Annual shareholder meeting ·      Executive meetings, presentations, and operational tours ·      Outreach programme led by Baker Hughes’ Investor Relations group, the Corporate Secretary’s Office, and Executive Compensation Team
Employees	·      Culture and pulse surveys ·      Town hall meetings ·      Interactive online forums ·      People leader engagement ·      Employee Resource Groups, many with senior leader sponsors ·      CEO’s Employee Pulse Group
Governments	·      Formal and informal bilateral meetings with public officials at all levels of government ·      Lobbying and other direct engagement in compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Community	·      Civic engagement through economic development groups, chambers of commerce and related forums ·      Collaboration and social investments where Baker Hughes operates and in support of broader society
Policy groups and industry associations	·      Membership participation across the globe ·      Working groups, committees, and public-private partnership activities in industry groups and associations ·      Leadership and committee positions that extend and strengthen organisational capabilities
Universities, Institutions, and NGOs	·      Connections, collaborations and partnerships on a variety of shared business, industry, social and environmental interests globally

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Baker Hughes engaged with its stakeholders through in-person interviews, focus groups and surveys.

What actions were taken by Baker Hughes to promote business integrity and compliance?

In its 2019 Report on Corporate Responsibility Baker Hughes reports that it took the following actions for promoting business integrity and compliance:

• Launching the newly refreshed Baker Hughes Code of Conduct
• In November 2019 Baker Hughes launched Our Way, the newly refreshed Baker Hughes Code of Conduct. The code of conduct is titled “Our Way” because it is premised upon doing things the right way, the ethical way, and the compliant way. Baker Hughes seeks to make sure that employees, suppliers, and partners understand and conduct their activities in accordance with the code of conduct and takes active steps to offer global learning courses in various formats and languages, so that its integrity and compliance expectations are clear and understood. In 2019, Baker Hughes offered tailored courses in many areas, including the following:
  • HSE (Health, Safety and Environment)
  • Improper payments and anti-bribery
  • Working with governments
  • Controllership
  • Supplier relationships
  • Securing operations globally
  • Competition law
  • Conflicts of interest
  • International trade compliance
  • Intellectual property
  • Fair employee practices
  • Anti-money laundering
  • Cyber security and privacy
  • Insider trading and stock tipping

• Implementing an Anti-Bribery & Corruption and Anti-Discrimination policy
• Baker Hughes’ Code of Conduct includes its Anti-Bribery & Corruption policy, which prohibits bribery in all business dealings with governments, employees of state-owned companies and the private sector, or anyone else whatsoever, in every country around the globe. Baker Hughes’ Anti-Discrimination policy, also included in its Code of Conduct, prohibits discrimination or harassment against any employee or applicant based on race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or other characteristic protected by law. The policy also prohibits retaliation for concerns raised in good faith.

• Applying a global compliance programme
• Baker Hughes’ global compliance programme consists of the following key elements:
  • Compliance leadership: A global structure of compliance counsels and professionals provides advice, training, and support in places where Baker Hughes does business.
  • Review board: A Compliance Review Board, composed of senior officers of the company, meets quarterly, as well as Product Company and regional compliance committees.
  • Risk Assessments: Regular compliance risk assessments focus on country and third-party risks (including corruption risk), to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and resource allocation.
  • Employee training: Baker Hughes’ comprehensive employee training programme targets key risks that employees face, on an ongoing basis. In 2019, a total of 59,464 employees, representing 94.2% of Baker Hughes’ workforce, completed ethics and compliance programmes, including Code of Conduct training.
  • Open Reporting Environment: Employees are encouraged to report any ethics or compliance matters without fear of retaliation, including a global network of trained employee ombudspersons, a dedicated website where employees can raise anonymous concerns, and a worldwide, 24-hour integrity helpline operated by a third party and available in 150 languages.

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

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 205-1 Operations assessed for risks related to corruption

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

3) Disclosure 205-3 Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken

 

Disclosure 205-1 Operations assessed for risks related to corruption corresponds to:

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

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 205-3 Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken corresponds to:

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

 

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 Baker Hughes, 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 Baker Hughes: 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 & National Contribution Report Axiata identified a range of material issues, such as customer service, network quality and coverage, community impact/development, privacy & data protection, talent development. Among these, promoting business integrity stands out as a key material issue for Axiata.

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 Axiata engages with:

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

Stakeholder Group	Method of engagement
Customers	·      Net Promoter Score ·      Brand Equity Score ·      Social Reputation Score
Employees	·      Employee Engagement Survey annually ·      Town Hall Meetings conducted every quarter ·      Digital platform
Shareholders	·      Annual General Meeting ·      Investor Roadshows ·      Analyst Meetings
Regulators & Government	·      Working proactively with local regulators and authorities from every jurisdiction as local requirements vary from one country to the next ·      Compliance with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) ·      Compliance with Bursa Malaysia ·      Payment of taxes ·      National contributions
Suppliers	·      Supplier Code of Conduct ·      Vendor Satisfaction Survey ·      Biennial Axiata Supplier Awards ·      Annual Supplier Forum ·      Supplier Performance Management
Media	·      Media Meetings ·      Quarterly Media Surveys ·      Media Releases and Press Conferences ·      Media interviews
Community	·      Social requirements ·      Specific feedback on Axiata’s CR programmes and initiatives ·      News media, social media pages and company website ·      Needs assessment of local stakeholders

What actions were taken by Axiata to promote business integrity?

In its 2018 Sustainability & National Contribution Report Axiata reports that it took the following actions for promoting business integrity:

• Implementing a Code of Conduct
• The Axiata Code of Conduct outlines the expected behaviour for employees at Axiata Headquarters, OpCos (operating companies) and subsidiaries. The Code of Conduct is adopted and localised at each OpCo, and the management team is responsible for its governance, training and engagement. A percentage of each employee’s KPI (Key Performance Indicator) is determined by demonstrating core values through their behaviour, with the core values of the Code of Conduct extending to Axiata contract staff and vendors.

• Providing whistle-blowing channels
• Across Axiata Group, each OpCo and subsidiary has an established Whistle-Blowing channel and mechanism to report unethical and non-compliant behaviour. Cases reported are monitored and investigated independently by each OpCo and subsidiary with respective management and oversight by the Board Audit Committee. Specialists at Axiata Group and OpCos investigate allegations of integrity breaches and, upon investigation and confirmation of a breach, the Disciplinary Committee chaired by the Group CFO (Chief Financial Officer) will take disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or contract termination. Non-compliance among the senior leadership team is referred to the Group CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and the Board Audit Committee.

• Promoting transparency on gifts
• Axiata’s Gifts and Entertainment Governance Committee, led by the Group Chief Human Resource Officer, decides on the appropriate disposition of gifts and entertainment. In 2018, Axiata Group updated its guidance on the Gifts and Entertainment Policy and Guidelines for Corporate Centre employees. The guidance provided Corporate Centre employees with further clarity on how to handle matters related to receiving and offering of gifts and entertainment as stated in the Axiata Code of Conduct. More specifically:
  • Employees are strictly prohibited from soliciting, receiving cash, gifts or entertainment
  • Employees should answer six conflict of interest questions before accepting any gifts
  • If an employee is presented with a gift, the value cannot be more than RM100
  • All gifts above RM100 and entertainment accepted, declined or returned must be declared
  • Group HR is to decide on the use of gifts exceeding the threshold for the common good

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

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 205-1 Operations assessed for risks related to corruption

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

 

Disclosure 205-1 Operations assessed for risks related to corruption corresponds to:

• 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: Anti-corruption

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

• 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: Anti-corruption

 

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References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Axiata, 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/

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