Sustainable developments builds on day-to-day consideration and planning

Sustainable development can take many forms. For us it is principally a matter of social commitment, fair business and environmental responsibility. Issues of sustainability are to a very large extent global – affecting all aspects of enterprise, from capital to employees, customers and suppliers. As a global company with some 620 employees, our interfaces with numerous types of stakeholders have a bearing on health, safety and social development.

Social responsibility

We contribute both directly and indirectly to the communities in which it operates. Our products are used by millions of people in their communications. Increase communication can, for example, decrease the need for unnecessary travel and enhance security.

We also contribute directly to various social projects, particularly in Romania, where the company maintains one of its larger offices. In the capital, Bucharest, we have helped children with cancer and impaired hearing through various activities at clinics and hospitals in the city. This has encompassed everything from donating Christmas gifts to investing in medical equipment and building repairs.

We bear an economic responsibility to generate growth and profitability for all stakeholders. Over time, the objective is to increase the company’s value to thereby safeguard sustainable development and a long-term return for our shareholders. We contribute to economic development in society, both through the use of our products and by providing jobs.

Our responsibility towards its employees is based on the core values from which its corporate culture stems. We want all employees to feel that they are heard and that they are a part of the company’s success. We must respect the dignity and human rights of the individual, develop his/her skills, pay fair wages, provide opportunities for advancement, work to promote open and honest communication and provide a safe and healthy working environment.

Code of conduct and ethics policy

Our code of conduct summarizes the Group’s ethical guidelines. Among other aspects, the code of conduct includes guidelines on compliance with regulations and legislation, the rights of the individual, as well as rules regarding ethical business practices and combating corruption.

The purpose of the code of conduct is to emphasize the basic principles according to which Enea carries out its operations and handles its relations with employees, business partners and other stakeholders.

Enea’s code of conduct builds on the following international principles:

• The UN ’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• The UN ’s Global Compact initiative.
• The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Equal treatment policy

We encourage a trend towards increased diversity. It is because of employees who dared to think in new and different ways that the company is what it is today. Differing backgrounds and experiences are positive aspects that we want to nurture. According to our equal treatment policy, no employee may be treated in a discriminatory manner in their employment or duties on the basis of gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, political views or social or ethnic origin.

Environmental responsibility

Our business concept is to facilitate our customers’ development of communication-driven products. Many of our customers develop products that reduce environmental impact. One example in the M2M area is an electricity meter that automatically submits meter reading, thereby cutting transportation needs.

Improved communications opportunities in medical technology may reduce transportation needs for patients visiting physicians. In telecom, improved communications may reduce the need for face-to-face meetings, with video technology being used to hold virtual meetings instead.

Although Ebea does not conduct operations requiring permits or reporting in accordance with the Swedish Environmental Code, environmental work does form an important part of day-to-day operations. According to our environmental policy, we shall work to, among other things:

• Comply with all applicable environmental legislation and other environmental requirements in the market in which the Group operates.
• Avoid wasting resources.
• Take care of the waste we produce by reusing and recycling materials.
• Take environmental considerations into account in the design and location of our offices.
• Strive to continuously assess our approach and to identify new working methods to reduce our environmental impact.

To a large extent, sustainable development is about viewing our operations in a global perspective and being prepared to reassess accustomed notions and procedures. Are we using the right technology? How can we minimize our environmental impact? Can we identify new ways of working that benefit from the latest technology? By constantly asking ourselves those questions we can develop and improve our work for a better environment.