Responsibility and Performance

EN.3.a. Energy consumption and climate change

Does the company take measures to reduce energy consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases? (Principle 8)

ABOUT THIS QUESTION

Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb the sun’s energy and retain heat radiation that would otherwise be lost into space. Most greenhouse gases occur naturally but their levels have been raised artificially by emissions from vehicles, energy production and industrial activities. The six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).

 

The company should take measures to monitor and continuously reduce its energy consumption and emission of greenhouse gases e.g. by changing procedures followed or introducing new technologies.

 

The measures taken by the company should be in accordance with national regulatory requirements, international conventions and agreements, the precautionary approach and best practice.

Please see for example the Kyoto Protocol (1997) (http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php). For an update on new developments, see also The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (http://unfccc.int). For more general information on boundaries, targets and reporting, see the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative (1998) (http://www.ghgprotocol.org/); the Global Reporting Initiative (http://www.globalreporting.org); the ISO Standards 14064 and 14065 on Greenhouse Gases (http://www.iso.org).and Caring for Climate (2007) (http://www.unglobalcompact.org/Issues/Environment/Climate_Change/index.html)

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

First answer the following indicators (step 1) and then the main question (step 2).

Step 1. Answer the following indicators:

The company complies with regulation regarding use of energy resources and emissions of greenhouse gases.

The company has a climate strategy that identifies opportunities to reduce the company's energy consumption and/or emissions of greenhouse gases.

The company has initiated practical activities to reduce energy consumption and/or greenhouse gas emissions.

The company provides information and trains employees to implement energy reduction measures.

The company monitors its energy consumption and/or emissions of greenhouse gases.

The company has defined a baseline for its greenhouse gas emissions, which includes a definition of the business operations and activities, and the greenhouse gases that are accounted for e.g. as described in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

The company has targets for reducing its energy consumption and/or emissions of greenhouse gases.

The company engages with the government and civil society organisations to develop policies and measures that provide a framework for the business sector to contribute to building a low carbon economy.

Step 2. Answer the main question:

Does the company take measures to reduce energy consumption and emissions of greenhouse gasses?

 

EN.3.b. Water consumption

Does the company take measures to reduce water consumption? (Principle 8)

ABOUT THIS QUESTION

Water scarcity is expected to worsen in many parts of the world as a result of factors including urbanization and population growth, increasing food production, industrialization, water pollution and climate change.

 

Unsustainable use of water resources can have negative impacts on the natural environment. The company should take the availability of water into consideration, especially in areas where water is a scarce resource, and should take measures to reduce water consumption.

 

The measures taken by the company should be in accordance with national regulatory requirements, international conventions, agreements, the precautionary approach and best practice. Please see for example: The CEO Water Mandate (2007) (http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/news_events/8.1/Ceo_water_mandate.pdf).

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

First answer the following indicators (step 1) and then the main question (step 2).

Step 1. Answer the following indicators:

The company has the necessary permits to extract water or obtain water from the public water supply.

The company has a strategy to reduce water consumption.

The company has initiated practical activities to reduce water consumption.

The company provides information and trains employees to implement measures to reduce water consumption.

The company monitors total water consumption and the amount of water reused or recycled.

The company has targets for reducing water consumption and/or increasing the amount of water reused or recycled in different business operations and activities.

The company’s use of water does not negatively affect the sustainability of water resources, the natural environment or the availability of water for drinking and sanitation purposes.

The company engages with national, regional and local public authorities, and civil society organisations to address water sustainability issues related to the affected water resources.

Step 2. Answer the main question:

Does the company take measures to reduce water consumption?

 

EN.3.c. Waste water

Does the company prevent, reduce and treat waste water discharges? (Principle 8)

ABOUT THIS QUESTION

A wide variety of the company's operations and activities involving water can generate waste water. Not removing chemical substances, particulate matter and nutrients (e.g. nitrate and phosphate) from the waste water before discharge may cause significant impacts on the aquatic environment - be it a lake, a river or the sea.

 

The company should take measures to prevent and reduce waste water discharges e.g. through increased production efficiencies and replacement of harmful substances. Waste water should be treated to minimise the impact on the aquatic environment. Furthermore, the company should take measures to monitor its waste water to know the content, type and quantities of pollutants in its waste water.

 

The measures taken by the company should be in accordance with national regulatory requirements, international conventions, agreements, the precautionary approach and best practice. Please see for example: The CEO Water Mandate (2007) (http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/news_events/8.1/Ceo_water_mandate.pdf). Regulation regarding treatment of waste water exists mainly at the national level. For EU regulations on urban waste water treatment, see Council Directive 91/271/EEC (as amended). A number of conventions relate to the protection of the aquatic environment, for example river basins or marine environments.

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

First answer the following indicators (step 1) and then the main question (step 2).

Step 1. Answer the following indicators:

The company has the necessary permits for waste water discharges.

The company complies with legal requirements relating to waste water discharges.

The company provides information and trains employees on the safe management of waste water.

The company monitors waste water discharges, including types, limit values and quantities of pollutants in the waste water.

The company treats waste water before discharge to reduce adverse environmental impacts.

If waste water treatment takes place outside the company's premises, the company is aware of the effectiveness of the treatment.

The company continuously attempts to prevent and reduce waste water discharges (e.g. waste water recycling, use of less harmful substances).

Step 2. Answer the main question:

Does the company prevent, reduce and treat waste water discharges?

 

EN.3.d. Waste

Does the company take measures to reduce the production of waste and ensure responsible waste management? (Principle 8)

ABOUT THIS QUESTION

According to the "waste hierarchy", the company should, from an environmental and economic point of view, reduce, reuse and recycle waste as much as possible.

 

The company should take measures to ensure that waste is sorted into fractions, such as paper, packaging, biodegradable waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and reused or recycled. Waste that cannot be reused or recycled should be treated at incineration plants or landfills.

 

Specific types of waste associated with the greatest potential environmental impacts require special attention, including hazardous waste, chemical waste and WEEE. The company should take measures to ensure safe handling, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous and other special waste e.g. by making personal protection equipment available and including instructions and appropriate training.

 

The measures taken by the company should be in accordance with national regulatory requirements, international conventions, agreements, the precautionary approach and best practice. Please see for example: The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (1989) (http://www.basel.int); The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (2001) (http://chm.pops.int/); and The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (1998) (http://www.pic.int).

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

First answer the following indicators (step 1) and then the main question (step 2).

Step 1. Answer the following indicators:

The company has the necessary permits for the handling, storage, recycling and disposal of waste.

The company complies with legal requirements for the handling, storage, transport, recycling and disposal of waste, including, if relevant, the requirements for transporting hazardous waste across borders.

The company has a strategy to manage waste responsibly and continuously attempts to prevent and reduce the production of waste.

The company ensures that waste relevant for recycling is sorted and handed over to a recycling company.

The company monitors the types and quantities of waste produced, including where and how waste is recycled, treated or sent to landfill.

The company has targets for reducing waste production and/or increasing waste reused/recycled and measures its progress against these targets.

The company provides information and trains employees on the safe handling, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous and special waste types.

The company marks areas used for storage of waste.

The company properly labels all containers for storing waste, including a relevant symbol of danger for hazardous waste.

The company requests recycling and disposal receipts from transport contractors.

The company uses licensed contractors for the transport, storage, transport, recycling and disposal of hazardous waste.

Step 2. Answer the main question:

Does the company take measures to reduce the production of waste and ensure responsible waste management?

 

EN.3.e. Air emissions

Does the company prevent, reduce and treat air emissions? (Principle 8)

ABOUT THIS QUESTION

Emissions of pollutants to the air can occur from a wide variety of the company’s operations and activities including industrial processes, energy production and transport.

 

Typical air pollutants are nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, small particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and metals such as lead. Emissions of dioxins, and pollutants causing ozone depletion such as HCFCs should also receive attention.

 

The company should monitor its emissions and take measures to reduce the amount and number of pollutants to air.

 

The measures taken by the company should be in accordance with national regulatory requirements, international conventions, agreements, the precautionary approach and best practice. Please see for example the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) (http://ozone.unep.org/Publications/MP_Handbook/Section_1.1_The_Montreal_Protocol/), and the Geneva Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) (1979) and its protocols (http://www.unece.org/env/lrtap/status/lrtap_s.htm).

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

First answer the following indicators (step 1) and then the main question (step 2).

Step 1. Answer the following indicators:

The company has the necessary permits for emissions to air.

The company complies with legal requirements on emissions to air (e.g. air pollution standards and limit values).

The company provides information and trains employees on how to manage air emissions.

The company monitors the types and quantities of relevant emissions to air.

The company treats relevant pollutants before they are emitted to the atmosphere (e.g. by using filters).

The company continuously attempts to prevent and reduce air emissions.

Step 2. Answer the main question:

Does the company prevent, reduce and treat air emissions?

 

EN.3.f. Noise, odour, light and vibrations

Does the company prevent and minimise impacts on the surrounding environment from noise, odour, light and vibrations? (Principle 8)

ABOUT THIS QUESTION

Noise, odour, light and vibrations may be caused by a wide variety of the company's operations and activities, including the establishment of new sites, expansion and closure of sites. Noise and vibrations may be related to the use of machinery inside and outside of the company's buildings and production sites, e.g. from punching machines, diesel generators and heavy lorries delivering or picking up products or goods. Odours may also be associated with production cycles and waste generation and light might be a nuisance from night work.

 

The company should monitor the level of noise and other nuisances that result from its activities and ensure that measures are in place to prevent, minimise and remedy significant impacts on the surrounding natural environment and neighbourhood.

 

The measures taken by the company should be in accordance with national regulatory requirements, international conventions, agreements, the precautionary approach and best practice.  Please see for example the ILO Convention No C148: Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention 1977 (http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/english/convdisp1.htm).

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

First answer the following indicators (step 1) and then the main question (step 2).

Step 1. Answer the following indicators:

The company has the necessary permits for levels of noise, odour, light and vibrations.

The company complies with legal requirements for levels of noise, odour, light and vibrations (e.g. standards or procedures).

The company provides information and trains employees to manage noise, odour, light and vibrations.

The company monitors levels of noise, odour, light and vibrations on the surrounding environment.

The company treats/minimises impacts to ensure that there are no significant levels of noise, odour, light and vibrations.

The company continuously attempts to prevent and minimise the levels of noise, odour and light (e.g. enclosed production, shielding, etc).

Step 2. Answer the main question:

Does the company prevent and minimise impacts on the surrounding environment from noise, odour, light and vibrations?

 

EN.3.g. Chemicals and other dangerous substances

Does the company minimise the use of chemicals and other dangerous substances and ensure safe handling and storage?

ABOUT THIS QUESTION

To protect the environment and human health, the use of many chemicals and other dangerous substances is either restricted or subject to national, regional or international bans or phase-outs.

The company should ensure that banned chemicals are not used in the company's operations and activities. The company should also take measures to ensure safe storage, handling and disposal of chemicals and other dangerous substances including oil and fuel. Proper documentation and labelling of chemicals and dangerous substances used and/or stored are essential. Furthermore, the company should ensure that it takes all necessary measures to substitute with less harmful chemicals and substances wherever possible.

 

The measures taken by the company should be in accordance with national regulatory requirements, international conventions, agreements, the precautionary approach and best practice. Please see for example: The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (2001) (http://chm.pops.int/); The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (1998) (http://www.pic.int).

and The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) (http://ozone.unep.org/Publications/MP_Handbook/Section_1.1_The_Montreal_Protocol/). For specific EU legislation, see also: The EU RoHS Directive - Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances (EC 2002/95) (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/weee/index_en.htm).

EU REACH - The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances (EC 1907/2006) (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach).

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

First answer the following indicators (step 1) and then the main question (step 2).

Step 1. Answer the following indicators:

The company has the necessary permits for the handling, use and storage of chemicals and other dangerous substances.

The company complies with legal requirements for the handling, use and storage of chemicals and other dangerous substances.

The company does not manufacture, trade and/or use chemicals and other dangerous substances subject to national or international bans or phase-outs.

The company provides information and trains employees on the safe handling and use of chemicals and other dangerous substances.

The company monitors the quantities of all chemicals and other dangerous substances used in production and maintenance.

The company marks areas used for storage of chemical substances and products.

The company properly labels all chemical substances and products including name of the chemical and a relevant symbol of danger.

The company considers substitution important and continuously tries to use less harmful chemicals and substances.

Step 2. Answer the main question:

Does the company minimise the use of chemicals and other dangerous substances and ensure safe handling and storage?

 

EN.3.h. Contamination of soil and water

Does the company remedy soil and water contamination at the site and the surroundings? (Principle 8)

ABOUT THIS QUESTION

If the company has accidentally contaminated the soil as a result of its activities, processes and/or storage, the groundwater and/or surface water resources in the surrounding area will most often be affected as well. The company will often be liable for the resulting environmental damages. The company could also be liable, if the company is operating on land where the former owners or occupiers have contaminated the soil.

 

The company should investigate the extent of soil contamination that may take place as well as any resulting groundwater and/or surface water contamination. Contamination typically occurs as a result of the company’s  production or storage activities e.g. leaks/spills of chemicals, dangerous substances, fuels or oils; contaminated dust; storage of waste; waste water. The company should also ensure it has measures in place to remedy any contamination at the site and the surroundings.

 

The measures taken by the company should be in accordance with national regulatory requirements, the precautionary approach and best practice. National regulation regarding ground contamination typically exists along with a national registry of contaminated sites and strategy and funding for clean-up.

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

First answer the following indicators (step 1) and then the main question (step 2).

Step 1. Answer the following indicators:

The company complies with legal requirements in relation to soil and water contamination (e.g. reporting requirements and remediation methods).

The company maps areas where soil and water contamination has or may have occurred as long as there is a risk to the environment and/or human health.

The company requires contaminated soil and water to be handled by trained employees with the right competencies (e.g. if contaminated soil is excavated for construction).

The company documents the types and extent of any soil and water contamination that has taken place and when it occurred.

The company has made a risk assessment of the environmental impacts and attempts to remedy any significant contamination of the soil and water (e.g. through bioremediation).

Step 2. Answer the main question:

Does the company remedy soil and water contamination at the site and the surroundings?

 

EN.3.i. Biodiversity

Does the company prevent, minimise and remedy significant impacts on biodiversity? (Principle 8)

ABOUT THIS QUESTION

Biodiversity is defined in the Convention on Biological Diversity as the variability among all living organisms from different ecosystems, including diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

 

Threats to biodiversity may occur if the company’s operations and activities have an impact on flora and fauna or degrade the natural environment. The impact can, for example, result from new infrastructure and developments, mining activities, off-shore activities, harvesting of raw materials, deforestation, drainage of marshes, swamps and/or lakes to create new farmland, emissions of hazardous substances into sensitive natural environments and ecosystems, or introduction of GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

 

The company should ensure that measures are taken to prevent, minimise and remedy significant impacts on biodiversity. The measures taken should be in accordance with national regulatory requirements, international conventions, agreements, the precautionary approach and best practice. Please see for example: The Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) (http://www.cbd.int/convention/); The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000) (http://www.cbd.int/biosafety/); The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS or Bonn Convention) (1979) (http://www.cms.int); The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) (1971) (http://www.ramsar.org); and CITES - The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1975) (http://www.cites.org/). See also The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (http://www.iucnredlist.org/).

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

First answer the following indicators (step 1) and then the main question (step 2).

Step 1. Answer the following indicators:

The company has the necessary permits to operate in or alter the natural environment.

The company complies with legal requirements regarding operations in and alterations of the natural environment.

The company is committed to operating within the framework of international conventions addressing biodiversity (e.g. the Convention on Biological Diversity, Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety and the CITES Convention).

The company has assessed important positive and negative impacts of its operations and activities on the natural environment and biodiversity (e.g. IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species and no alien invasive species).

The company has previously and/or is currently taking measures to prevent and reduce the impacts of its operations and activities on biodiversity.

The company clearly labels products containing GMOs and indicates if GMOs have been used in the production process.

The company has not had any unintended releases of GMOs.

The company documents that employees have been adequately trained to handle GMOs.

Step 2. Answer the main question:

Does the company prevent, minimise and remedy significant impacts on biodiversity?

 

EN.3.j. Natural resource use

Does the company ensure that natural resources are used in a sustainable manner? (Principle 8)

ABOUT THIS QUESTION

Some of the world’s natural resources are becoming scarce and degraded as a result of human use and should be managed with due consideration to ensure a sustainable future supply e.g. certain types of wood and fish species, metals (e.g. chromium, nickel), oil, coal etc. The soil should also be included as a natural resource. Soil performs many vital functions including food production, storage, filtration and transformation of many substances including water, carbon and nitrogen. The company should also take measures to ensure that it prevents, minimises and remedies significant impacts related to the cultivation, harvest, extraction and/or use of natural resources.

 

The measures taken by the company should be in accordance with national regulatory requirements, international conventions, agreements, the precautionary approach and best practice. Please see for example the Statement of Forest Principles (1992) (http://www.un.org/documents/ga/conf151/aconf15126-3annex3.htm); UNCCD Convention to Combat Desertification in Africa (1994) (http://www.unccd.int/convention/text/convention.php).

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

First answer the following indicators (step 1) and then the main question (step 2).

Step 1. Answer the following indicators:

The company has the necessary permits to cultivate, harvest, extract and/or use natural resources.

The company complies with legal requirements regarding the cultivation, harvest, extraction and/or use of natural resources (e.g. wood, fish, metals, oil, coal etc).

The company monitors the origin and quantities of natural resources that the company cultivates, harvests, extracts and/or uses.

The company ensures that employees are trained in the sustainable cultivation, harvesting, extraction and/or use of natural resources.

The company continuously attempts to prevent, minimise and remedy significant impacts on natural resources through environmentally friendly methods, efficiencies and alternative resource use.

The company's use of renewable resources does not negatively affect the sustainability of the resource (the resource’s ability to regenerate).

The company demonstrates efforts to substitute non-renewable resources used in production with renewable resources.

The company works with national, regional and local public authorities as well as with international institutions to address sustainability issues related to natural resources (e.g. wood, water, fish, metals, oil etc.).

Step 2. Answer the main question:

Does the company ensure that natural resources are used in a sustainable manner?

 
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