Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the active commitment and responsibility of companies for developing society at large. We have a long tradition of behaving as a responsible company and owner. For some years, we have had a policy in place that controls our work in CSR. Investor’s basic principle is that companies that take account of the interests of their stakeholders and society at large improve their potential for healthy long-term profitability. Our activities are based on two separate perspectives, as described below.
CSR as an owner
In the companies where Investor has an influence, we strive to ensure that operations are conducted in a responsible and ethical manner. Just as with every other issue relating to our holdings, our influence is mainly exercised via our work on the board.
Part of the evaluation process for new investments includes an assessment of the risks, or opportunities, related to CSR issues. Since CSR risks and challenges will differ between companies, industries and countries, each company must identify and address the CSR issues relevant to its particular operations. Compliance with legislation and regulations is a basic requirement. In addition, we recommend the companies to draw up policies and goals for the CSR issues that are most relevant and important to them.
Activities in the CSR field are under constant development. The climate debate of recent years has further accentuated the importance of companies continuing to focus on the
perspective of sustainability.
Several of Investor’s holdings work actively on CSR issues and have made great progress in this area. Here are some examples:
- In 2007, ABB was awarded an environment prize for the environmental benefits of its new combination disconnector and circuit breaker called “Combined”. A major Swedish pension fund manager also nominated ABB as “CSR Company of the Year”, alongside SKF.
- For the third year in a row, Atlas Copco was named one of the 100 most successful companies in the world in a sustainability perspective. Atlas Copco’s production units are certified to ISO 14001 and the company also requires the same of its suppliers. As early as ten years ago, the company developed an energy-efficient compressor that is variable speed driven (VSD). Atlas Copco’s goal is to reduce the energy consumption of sold compressors by 1 percent per year.
- Electrolux’s goal is to reduce the Group’s energy usage by 15 percent by the end of 2009 in relation to 2005 levels. In 2007, Electrolux received the Sustainable Energy Europe Award, an environment prize awarded by the European Commission, and has also been ranked the leading white-goods company globally by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes.
- Ericsson has committed to improve the energy efficiency of its 3G base stations by up to 80 percent between 2001 and 2008. Ericsson has also introduced a number of new product innovations, including the Ericsson Tower Tube and the Village Solar Charger.
- In 2008, Husqvarna is launching the Automower Solarhybrid, a new version of the automatic lawnmower which is powered by a combination of solar cells and batteries. On a sunny day, the solar cells double the cutting time on a single charge, resulting in reduced energy consumption and longer battery life. New chainsaws were also launched with Husqvarna’s patented X-TORQ engine that reduces fuel consumption by 20 percent and exhaust emissions by up to 60 percent.
- SEB has signed up to and observes “The Equator Principles”, an important international set of guidelines for avoiding the financing of major international environmentally hazardous projects. SEB has also raised its ambitions and will publish a sustainability report in 2008.
CSR as a company and employer
Investor supports the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which contain recommendations on employment, human rights, the environment, the disclosure of information and other areas of responsible business conduct. We apply an environmental policy that strives to minimize environmental impact through recycling and other measures. Investor’s direct impact on the environment is regarded as minor, in that the company conducts office-based activities on a very limited scale in a handful of locations worldwide. In late 2007, a review of Investor’s environmental activities was initiated at the company’s headquarters. The program, led by an external partner, aims to identify opportunities for development and measures capable of further reducing the company’s environmental impact. In addition to this work, Investor’s sponsorship activities normally include some form of social engagement.
Information updated 2008-03-27 14:55:33