We believe that:
- Sustainability issues are interdependent and complex, but with critical analysis these issues can be simplified and managed in a pragmatic and cost-effective manner.
- Companies that make a strategic commitment to sustainable development will derive long-term business benefits such as reduced risks, lowered costs, new opportunities and improved reputation, and so enhance shareholder value and deliver competitive advantage.
- Successful businesses with a strong commitment to sustainable development use an integrated and innovative approach to economic, social and environmental management, combined with effective corporate governance, based on a thorough assessment of social and environmental risks.
- Sustainability issues should be managed as part of day-to-day business activity through existing systems. This goes beyond corporate social responsibility, ensuring that a company´s business, operations, projects and products contribute constructively to sustainable development.
- Active engagement “ the stakeholder approach “ is fundamental to managing sustainability issues. Since all sectors of society either participate in or contribute to the industrial system, there is a compelling business case for working in collaboration. This shares the risks and responsibilities, creates opportunities for all and can provide third-party assurance, as well as delivering solutions acceptable to all.
- The key to effective relationships is to manage the engagement process and the expectations of stakeholder groups; as well as to build capacity across the system for all the players to engage positively in the process of change brought about by industrial development.
- Sustainability education is one well-established means of building capacity for helping stakeholders to engage with industry in an informed way, so that legitimate concerns can be aired and addressed in a responsible way.
- Business activities should be conducted in an accountable and transparent manner, reflecting the interests of shareholders, employees, host communities and customers as well as others affected by the company. This builds from a foundation of compliance with relevant local laws and regulations, and international standards. In turn, this encourages transparency and accountability across all sectors.
- Sustainable development is a global concept that should be applied locally. Variations in location, communities, environment, commodities, markets and scale mean that local solutions are most appropriate, and that it is usually most appropriate for local people to drive the agenda for change.
- As well as contributing to sustainable development through the creation of wealth and sustainable livelihoods, companies are well-placed to support capacity building, and knowledge, technology and skills transfer, in addition to efficient use of resources.
- Companies can help deliver sustainable development by adopting a responsible materials stewardship approach, including waste reduction and re-cycling, new product R&D, and helping minimise the environmental footprint along the entire value chain.
- Typically, the most important relationship a company has is with its host communities; these links are often managed using processes developed for end-of-pipe environmental management. It is essential that in pursuit of sustainable development, socio-economic issues are given equal prominence to environmental concerns and managed in an appropriate manner.
- Companies that that embed sustainability improvements and disclosure in their reporting to stakeholders, and particularly to capital markets, can gain a valuation up-side and enhanced risk rating.
