Over the years, sustainable development has become an integral part of corporate strategy, being rolled out in programmes designed to provide the necessary tools for working in numerous and diversified environments, interpreting and meeting the expectations of institutions, clients, local communities, consumers and technical and operating counterparties with different histories and cultures.
The Company believes strongly that the correct management of sustainable development makes it possible not only to mitigate operating, financial and “reputational” risks, through optimising non financial variables, but to also create new opportunities and gain competitive advantages in a market that is increasingly concerned about sustainability issues.
The Company has translated these requirements into a vision and style of work based on the value of people, attention to the environment, the principles of social responsibility and corporate citizenship. This decision has resulted in a commitment to a broader concept of “sustainable development” constituting a structural aspect of our business.
The projects we carry out – energy from renewable sources, infrastructures to reduce urban traffic congestion, public metro systems with a low environmental impact, development and upgrading of regional infrastructures to boost regional development – create lasting value for the communities involved and are a catalyst for further growth.
The Group has formalised its working philosophy in a coordinated set of policies, procedures and organisational structures aligned with major international benchmark standards. In particular, since 2010, we have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact, a worldwide initiative for sustainable development, which requires a commitment to aligning our strategies and operations with ten universal principles relating to human rights, labour, the environment and the fight against corruption.
At a national level, we are also part of the Global Compact Network Italy, and work together with other member organisations and businesses to execute specific projects and initiatives aimed at advancing the priorities set forth in the Global Compact.
The Group’s sustainability strategy is implemented by maximising the benefits generated in the areas in which it works, benefiting local stakeholders. Our priorities include creating new jobs, using on-site suppliers, investing and engaging in initiatives in favour of local communities, and conforming rigorously to high environmental standards.
The commitment to use local workers and suppliers has a positive impact on the development of national economies, especially in emerging markets, by increasing workers’ skill levels and suppliers’ quality standards, while at the same time improving infrastructure and environmental conditions in the areas where we execute our projects.
Our complete dedication to human resources is especially concentrated in the areas of health, safety and human rights, through the adoption of widely shared standards and codes of conduct that are supported by a commitment to training and regular dialogue with employees.
The Group’s commitment is also characterised by thorough consideration of the needs of local communities. The Head Office divisions as well as on-site management analyse and assess community requirements and, often in partnership with institutions and other organisations on-site, develop investment projects in the areas of education, health, culture and recreation.
In recent years, significant resources have been allocated to construct buildings, schools, hospitals and roads. Furthermore, energy and water distribution as well as health care have been provided for local communities. During projects, these local communities have been granted access to some work site facilities, such as medical clinics, classrooms, wells, roads and bridges, which are often turned over to the communities and institutions when the project is complete.
Our daily commitment extends from people to the conservation of the environment and natural resources, which are crucial aspects of our business model.
For this purpose, the Group structures and conducts its work while guaranteeing the best possible environmental protection, and is committed to continuously improving environmental services, considered an integral part of the Company’s financial and operating performance. Our work sites are focused on reducing energy and water consumption by developing innovative projects to re-use and recycle natural resources and scrap generated while works are being conducted. Mitigating the impacts of work site activities on communities is another priority to which the Group dedicates the utmost attention, by monitoring and closely managing aspects relating to noise, vibrations, dust and road conditions.
Since the environmental area incorporates strategic objectives in a globalised and highly competitive market, clients, suppliers, local authorities and interested parties are involved in processes and initiatives in the environmental area.
The commitment to constantly maintaining an open dialogue with stakeholders, in order to understand their legitimate expectations and create opportunities for involvement and cooperation, is implemented through tools and highly diversified methods both at central level and at the individual work site, generating positive interactions with increasingly broader groups of internal and external stakeholders.
Our commitment to transparency is demonstrated by the fact that the Group’s 2013 Sustainability Report, which reports each year on the Group’s sustainability practices and performance, has maintained application level A+ with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This Report has been drawn up in compliance with version 3.1 of the “Sustainability Reporting Guidelines & Construction and Real Estate Sector Supplement” issued in 2011 by the Global Reporting Initiative.
As a further guarantee to its stakeholders, the Company also voluntarily submits its Sustainability Report for external certification. Please see the Report for further details.
Finally, during 2013 the subsidiary Impregilo S.p.A. also implemented a sustainability reporting system to draw up the 2013 Sustainability Report.
This report was the first of the Impregilo Group to be drafted in accordance with the GRI Guidelines and voluntarily submitted to external certification.