4.5.3 Environmental aspects

Annex 4.2 shows that some companies do not provide any information about environmental matters. Other companies mention environmental aspects only very briefly. Vedior for instance reports that it has a code of conduct, but it does not provide much information on the contents thereof.1 The remainder of the companies explicitly mention the environment, although the information provided is not always very elaborate. AEGON indicates that it has a CSR code of conduct, but that its country units decide on any measures to be taken. Unilever only states that each brand can take initiatives.2

A subject that has the attention of almost all companies is the use of energy. This is understandable since the use of energy is quantifiable and any reduction thereof leads to a cost reduction. Ahold, Buhrmann and KPN provide information on energy saving initiatives.3 Shell and SBM Offshore explain about the energy waste, greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damages caused by their operations. However, they give little information about how they are planning to avoid damages in the future.4 Most companies report on energy use and reduction initiatives.