CST Guide:

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Section IV: Additional Information
About CST
Behind the Antibodies
The preceding sections in this book offer proof that we are serious about both advancing science and
the quality of our products. But what about the company and people behind the antibodies If you met
someone from CST, you would learn that we are scientists ourselves, we value the respect of our peers,
are very proud of the work we do, and are just as interested as the people who buy our products in the
outcome of their research. Like everyone else, we have our own back-story about who we are, how we
came to be where we are now, and our dreams for the future. We’d like to introduce you to that CST.
Science is our passion, and it’s how we pay the bills—we create and sell antibodies and related
products that can be used in research aspiring to improve human health. But we are also citizens of our
local and global communities. We are parents who care about the quality of science taught at our local
schools, accountants who care about the environment, business leaders concerned with the footprint
we leave behind, and scientists curious about art.
As a private company we have the freedom to do things differently. We can invest our profits in our
own translational research programs. We can focus on long-term goals without having to answer to
the stock market each quarter. But we don’t just throw money around and hope to make a difference.
We hire people who are very good at what they do and disciplined enough to do it both in and out of
the lab. We have several volunteer committees within CST that independently determine how to spend
funds we have set aside for various initiatives. It is what sets us apart from many other businesses.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Donations Committee
As a company, CST sets aside money to help local organizations share in our success and find additional
funding for selected initiatives. How that money is spent is determined by our employees. Our Corporate
Donations Committee (CDC) is a group of enthusiastic volunteers at our US locations who decide on their
own where that money can do the most good. Twice a year the CDC reviews requests and distributes
funds to local schools, non-profit organizations, and charities.
It’s a special culture where the responsibility of granting money is handed to employees. Involving
employees in some of CST’s philanthropy helps develop the kind of culture that makes a difference and
empowers them to feel part of the CST mission.
Education in Science
Naturally, we think that science education is important to keep discovery alive in the future. Because
most of us can think of a teacher or an experience that sparked our interest in science, CST’s Education
in Science program supports local public high schools by giving teachers access to much needed
grant money for resources that keep science fun and engaging.
At the college level, our Summer Internship Program provides interns from local colleges and communities
with a positive work experience alongside our associates within the lab and outside of the
lab. It’s gratifying (and fun) to see some of these interns return as full-time employees after completing
their degree.
The Arts
Exchanging ideas in a supportive environment fosters the kind of creativity that both scientists and
artists thrive in. Creative people are appreciated at CST, and the three gallery spaces in our two US
facilities exhibit the creativity of some of New England’s finest artists. Our artist receptions and the discussions
about their work always bring a different perspective in viewing artwork. A short walk through
our labs and office spaces reveals walls filled with the work of artists that have previously exhibited at
CST and which continue to enrich anyone who cares to stop and have a closer look.
You can see why we think CST is a special kind of company. We are about more than making money.
We are trying to build a business that’s not only great for the customers, but also rewarding for our
employees and appreciated as a member of our local and global communities.
We hire smart people with a commitment and passion to succeed and make a difference. These are
the people behind the antibodies and every product we make.
Environmental Commitment
As a global citizen, CST recognizes that our business has real impact on the planet. We are working to
lower our carbon footprint and limit the impact we make on the environment. In addition to incorporating
sustainability into our own operations, CST also works within our communities to help restore
ecosystems by supporting environmental organizations working in the field to promote conservation.
This has been part of our mission since CST was founded in 1999.
Sustainability
We’re not forced into being good stewards of the environment. We’re doing it because we care.
For example:
Transportation Management Plan
Our Transportation Management Plan (TMP) uses financial incentives and up to two days off work to
promote alternative transportation such as carpooling, walking, biking, or taking public transportation.
This has helped engaged and concerned employees lower our carbon emissions from commuting by
nearly 8% in less than two years.
Responsible Marketing and Packaging
Since 2009, our Massachusetts locations have been shipping our products using a new shipping
cooler composed from cardboard, mineral wool, rock wool, slag wool, and biodegradable plastic. This
new shipping cooler has the same thermal properties as a Styrofoam box but can degrade in a landfill.
Employee Community Garden Program
CST’s community garden program provides fresh summer produce for the employees and our in-house
cafeterias at our two Massachusetts locations. In the Netherlands, our employees enjoy fresh locally
sourced fruit.
The examples above are only a few examples of how we are working to protect our planet. Integral to
all of these sustainability efforts is CST’s employee run Green Committee. The vision of this committee
is to understand the company’s environmental impacts, create awareness within the organization,
and help develop strategies to minimize environmental impact. This committee continues to find
sustainable business solutions and develops successful, award-winning programs that have made a
difference in our industry and our communities.
Environmental Awareness and Support
Moving science forward by helping solve important questions about disease and cancer is our mission
but ultimately, human health depends on the health of our planet. It would be misguided to cure
ourselves of disease, only to find we had nowhere to live, not enough food to eat or no clean air to
breathe. Understanding the interactions that shape the living planet on a global level is just as important
to us as the complex molecular interactions involved in cellular signaling.
Each year for the CST Nature Calendar, we select a specific environmental theme that highlights not
only the extraordinary beauty of nature, but also touches upon an important environmental issue
affecting life on our planet.
chapter 28: About CST
“At CST we measure
our performance in
the world by practicing
triple bottom line
economics: People,
Planet, and Profit.”
David Comb, Director of
Corporate Social Responsibility
Produce from CST’s Employee Garden
Atrium at CST Headquarters, Danvers, MA
Trees Red; Estelle Disch
282 For Research Use Only. Not For Use in Diagnostic Procedures.
www.cellsignal.com/cstcommitments
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