Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Vision and ambition
Fugro strives for strong but controlled growth in revenue and net result. The organisation aims for an optimised and balanced synergy between its various activities in order to realise its goals while maintaining a broad activity portfolio on a geographic and product basis. Fugro aims to deliver improved added value to its clients by a combination of specialised staff and (often in-house developed) technologies, and associated high-quality services. In addition to growth in revenue and net result, the organisation’s policies on human resources, health, safety and the environment are also of great importance. Sustainability, transparency and reliability are the key themes of Fugro’s central policy.

Fugro realises that the impacts of its specific local activities and the international nature of its services place great demands on its staff. The organisation is aware of its role in society, particularly in an international and multicultural environment, and understands the importance of paying continual attention to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Fugro strives to meet the expectations of all the stakeholders in the company by balancing regard for the environment, social awareness and financial results.

Fugro’s CSR policy develops continuously; its operating companies and employees put the principles of CSR into daily practice in a wide range of areas. Fugro chooses to include its CSR policy in its annual report: an important consideration being that the subject is inextricably linked with the course of business and should, therefore, be considered to be an integral part of other corporate aspects.

Fugro strives towards growth, both organically and through acquisition. Through this growth, the organisation can capitalise on the world’s rising prosperity. The presence of local operating companies is an important spearhead for the integration of Fugro’s services within communities in general.

Geographical expansion is a component of Fugro’s ability to continue to support the increasing prosperity. Growth also means attracting more local staff, and it enables the organisation to offer opportunities for training and education to its employees.

When managing its investments, the organisation considers the balance between improving the quality of its equipment and the issues of fuel use, emissions and cost management.

Fugro aims to strengthen the coherence of its CSR policy by providing a framework to its subsidiaries on how to implement the various aspects of CSR.

Organisational structure
Fugro is organised into three divisions: Geotechnical, Survey and Geoscience services. These divisions work together worldwide in focusing on the right solution for the relevant market. The Board of Management is responsible for Group policy, strategy, acquisitions, investments, risk management, finance and internal coordination. Furthermore, the holding company looks after matters that, for reasons of efficiency, advanced specialisation or financing, are best handled centrally.

Management Approach
Fugro’s decentralized organization facilitates a strong market presence, leading to the use of local suppliers and procedures for the recruitment and training of local staff taking into account local customs and regulations. Direct and indirect contributions to the communities in which we work have a positive impact on the general well-being. Social prosperity is largely dependent on the extend to which knowledge and innovation processes thrive within an economy. Fugro’s internal training programs facilitate these processes. New equipment, such as vessels and Remotely Operated Vehicles, are designed to minimize the impact on the environment.

Fugro’s general business principles
Fugro works on the principle that every employee shares responsibility for the company’s reputation. For all staff, this means that it is not enough to just do the right thing; things must also be done correctly. Management therefore requires all employees at all levels of the company to observe the Fugro General Business Principles. These requirements determine the way in which Fugro’s staff treat each other, its customers and subcontractors, and anyone else who may be affected by its activities.

Fugro’s employees support the social values of reliability, integrity, openness, and respect for fellow employees and the environment. Application of these values in Fugro’s business conduct creates a sense of trust between the organisation and its partners. These common values form the foundation of Fugro’s GBP, which applies to all operating companies and thus to all employees. All employees are expected to report any breach of the GBP or any suspicion thereof to the board of management or senior management and are required to avoid any personal activities or financial interests that may conflict with their responsibilities towards the company.

Business Partner Code
Since 2009, Fugro has instituted the Business Partner Code, which requires suppliers and subcontractors to comply with these rules of conduct. Fugro recognises that the way it conducts business towards clients, partners and the environment has an impact on the organisation’s productivity and success.

Health, Safety and Environment Policy
Fugro’s Health, Safety and Environment Policy documents our commitment to provide a healthy and safe workplace for all people at each location and to protect the environment in accordance with applicable laws and our HSE Policy. Our commitment is based on the conviction that accidents are preventable. In order to achieve this objective, we will identify HSE risks arising from our activities and reduce them to as low as is reasonable practical.

Contributions
As a service provider to the construction and infrastructure industries, Fugro contributes indirectly to national and international economic developments that are required to support growing populations in growing economies. Our involvement in projects associated with sustainable energy, construction and soil management are examples of indirect contributions to help improve the environment. To help preserve and promote accessibility to valuable cultural heritage Fugro supports a large number of initiatives world wide. Continuous education of our staff, focus on diversity and market conform employee benefits provide a stimulation work environment for Fugro staff.

For more information about CSR we refer to the CSR chapter in the 2009 Annual Report.