Sustainable development policy
Building our future sets out the company’s mission, core themes and values. These in turn, frame the way the business operates to fulfil our corporate responsibilities and our contribution towards sustainable development.
The sustainable development policy seeks to ensure that the company’s business management systems and decision-making processes take account of environmental, social and economic issues. These include operating in an ethical manner, maintaining compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and requirements and continuously improving our performance in a cost-effective manner.
The sustainable development policy is an underpinning policy. Other corporate policies will be annually reviewed to ensure that they are in accordance with the principles stated in the sustainable development policy. We will regularly review and report (internally and externally) on our progress against these policies. The sustainable development policy itself will be annually reviewed by the management team and the sustainable development steering group, and will be implemented via a sustainable development strategy.
Operations
To deliver to our customers a reliable supply of high quality drinking water in all operating areas and collect and treat the resultant wastewater in the northern operating area. The operational impact on the natural environment (air, land and water) and local community will be minimised and, where possible, enhanced.
Our operational activities will also be used to support the local economies where we operate and to aid their development. In considering our operational impacts, we will cover the whole life cycle of our activities, including the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the design, construction, operation, maintenance and disposal of our assets.
Business partners
To conduct business in a fair, open and transparent manner with our partners (i.e. suppliers, contractors, associates, customers, community and regulators, local, regional and national groups and organisations) to enhance the environment, local economy and the society in which we operate, adding value for mutual benefit.
Natural environment
To use resources efficiently and procure materials, goods and commodities on the basis of their environmental, social and economic impacts. At the same time we will work to reduce, where possible, the amount of wastes generated and reuse or recycle by-products. We will also protect and enhance biological diversity, ecological systems and cultural heritage.
Employees
To create a unified company which contains a diverse range of individuals. To maintain and develop high calibre employees who are valued for their contribution and able to fulfil their potential. We will establish a stimulating and safe working environment in which a sensible work/life balance is promoted and appropriate training is provided.
Innovation
To continually, on our own and in partnership with others, strive for integrated, long term and flexible solutions through which to manage our impacts on the environment, society and economy. These will include the development of tools to integrate sustainability into business decision-making processes. We will continue to share our knowledge and skills to promote best practice and maximise environmental and social benefits.
Approved by NWL Board on 27 November 2003.