General
Grontmij has clearly defined goals and adapted a structural approach towards sustainability and social responsibility. The framework for this policy is the Grontmij Integrity Code (available on our website) and is linked to general regulations of FIDIC, OECD as well as to the several ISO-standards (i.e. 14001).
Grontmij’s code policy comprises clear codes of behaviour and regulations related to:
o health, safety and the environment
o quality management (mainly ISO-9001, ISO-14001);
o the recruitment of employees and their opportunities to develop o conflicts of interests;
o honest competition and good purchasing; o social responsibility;
o upholding or enhancing Grontmij’s good reputation.
This is partly due to the fact that Grontmij is a service-based company and is not involved with mass production. It therefore does not cause any environmental pollution through industrial emissions. In addition, a number of ethical standards are intrinsic to the culture of integrity that has always been present within Grontmij.
Some possible risks in this field could however arise:
o due to its international presence and highly decentralised structure, Grontmij can be confronted
with conflicts between (the lack of) local legislation and regulations and its own high standards;
o Grontmij operates with expatriates, although their number is limited.
Local management can interpret the policy within the corporate rules from their own perspective and respect local cultures;
o Grontmij does not wish to play a political role regarding the desirability of developing,
or not developing, projects. Grontmij provides services when this is agreed with the client and when doing so would not conflict with local legislation and regulations or Grontmij’s business principles.
Health, quality, safety and environment
Grontmij is active in mainly West European countries (more than 90% of the revenue) and complies with the various laws and regulations related to health, safety and environment.
Every operating company is responsible for implementing a health, safety and environment management system. The principle is that the operating company should not only comply with the specifically relevant legislation and regulations but should also adopt a pro-active attitude. Health and safety in the workplace and while carrying out projects is a priority and safeguarding health and safety is an important component of Grontmij’s policy, especially when Grontmij’s activities are carried out in a potentially hazardous environment.
GRONTMIJ | ANNUAL REPORT 2006 Grontmij also makes a strong effort to improve safety standards, for example as regards to projects in Energy such as power plants, waste- and sewage treatment plants.
In general Grontmij’s activities have little effect on the environment. Even so, Grontmij pays due attention to the environment and is careful to protect it. Preventing or reducing environmental damage is a fundamental policy component. Through its work within its own disciplines Grontmij has gained extensive knowledge of environmental problems and contributes towards their solution. European and national environment legislation is applicable to a considerable part of our projects.
Grontmij pays a great deal of attention to quality. The reliability of the services provided is a high priority. Our quality management systems ISO-9001 and ISO-14001 are also used to the proper operation of project management procedures and reporting. A programme for monitoring client satisfaction has been in operation for many years and the conclusions have, where desirable or useful, been implemented.
In Grontmij’s view, quality should not only apply to the service provided to clients, it should also apply to general standards and values, a people-friendly working environment and mutual respect. Grontmij is part of society and involvement in the community is therefore an important aspect of its operations. This is why Grontmij supports a large number of social initiatives. Sometimes this support is in the form of financial contribution, sometimes Grontmij contributes with expertise and experience or some other form of active support. Grontmij focuses on general social goals by supporting institutions such as universities and other education establishments and industry branch organisations which may promote our interests. Grontmij also provides support in specific social fields, such as music, art, culture and sport. Operating company managers are encouraged to become actively involved in their local community and to support charitable and cultural events.
Grontmij’s good reputation
Grontmij is a decentralised country organisation. We realise that every individual company and every individual within, contributes to the reputation of the group. Grontmij’s good reputation is vital for doing business and maintaining the confidence of our clients, staff, suppliers,
shareholders and other stakeholders. Upholding and protecting our reputation therefore has the highest priority.
Outlook
In 2006 we succeeded in increasing our result from the recovering markets. We envisage an improving order book in 2007 in terms of scope and profitability. We believe we are well positioned, financially and operationally, to achieve ongoing strong growth. Our home countries are six stable economies in Europe with an interesting perspective in all our market sectors (building, transportation, environment, water, energy and industry). They provide a sound basis upon which we can grow. Synergies both in costs and revenue with the acquired companies Carl Bro and BGS (as per 1 January 2007) will continue to materialise. Excluding non recurring income and expenditure, we expect our profitability to continue to grow in 2007.
De Bilt, 14 March 2007 S. Thijsen
D.G.H. van der Werf Mrs B.W. Nørgaard G.P. Dral