Annual Report 2012 - Knorr-Bremse AG.

134
Report
Corporate Responsibility
“Responsibility is an
integral part of our
corporate strategy”.
Corporate Responsibility at Knorr-Bremse
Sustainability and corporate responsibility (CR) are part and parcel of Knorr-Bremse’s corporate strategy.
Knorr-Bremse is convinced that by systematically taking into account economic, environmental
and social factors, it can both ensure the long-term success of the business and at the same time
generate benefits for society. With the future in mind the company actively pursues a sustainability
program focused on environmental compatibility and social commitment as well as innovation and
value creation.
CR strategy articulates understanding of corporate responsibility at Knorr-Bremse
Ever since the company adopted its CR strategy in 2010, Knorr-Bremse has been systematically implementing
its commitment to responsible corporate conduct. The strategy articulates the company’s
understanding of its responsibilities towards employees, society and the environment and the particular
focus this takes. Every year Knorr-Bremse sets itself measures and goals for implementing the task
of sustainability management in each of the defined CR fields of action – “Strategy and Management”,
“Products and Partners“, “Employees and Management“, “Environment and Climate“, “Social Commitment“
and “Communication and Cooperation“.
Knorr-Bremse prioritizes particularly important CR issues on the basis of a materiality analysis, comparing
the environmental and social challenges of its activities with the demands of the various players
involved and assessing their relevance. This also ensures that responsible conduct at Knorr-Bremse is
constantly evolving.
In 2012 Knorr-Bremse adopted a comprehensive CR policy in which the company articulated its understanding
of responsible conduct in the context of sustainability and laid down a clear framework for
action in each field. The policy is supplemented through internal company guidelines and standards
such as corporate health and safety and environmental policy or the quality management guidelines
on procurement.
Knorr-Bremse introduces Group-wide binding Code of Conduct
During the year under review Knorr-Bremse introduced a Group-wide Code of Conduct that contains
general principles and rules aimed at ensuring that our business processes are exemplary in
terms of compliance with the law. In it the company explicitly undertakes to respect the law and
internal guidelines and to promote diversity and equality of opportunity, fair working conditions,
positive partnership with customers and suppliers, protection of the environment and climate and
social responsibility. The Code of Conduct is binding for all employees and promotes a consistent
Group-wide understanding of how Knorr-Bremse manages its relations with customers, suppliers
and business partners – as well as ordinary people and the environment. The Code of Conduct has
been communicated to the entire workforce and in 2013 will be incorporated step by step into internal
processes.
Corporate Responsibility established at central management level
Knorr-Bremse has a separate department at the level of central management devoted to Corporate
Responsibility. It is responsible for identifying appropriate areas and developing specific measures
which are then jointly implemented with the specialist departments concerned. As the central body
for discussion and decision-making the CR Council decides on strategic orientation and objectives. It
consists of a representative of the Executive Board, two members of management from the two divisions
and the CR department. During the year under review the CR Council met twice and amongst
other things discussed Group-wide CR policy and the scope for expanding CR communication activ-