"In the early
days the ICC Business Charter for Sustainable Development was one of the
building blocks to create our approach to sustainable development. Phil
Watts, one of the managing directors of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group describes
the process: 'I see it as a journey, with a direction but not a well -defined
destination - a continuing process of learning and responding. There are
no simple goals, nor easy answers.'
"In Shell we believe
sustainable development is about integrating economic, social and environmental
considerations, and balancing short and long-term priorities. Some interpretations
see it in purely environmental terms. But the primary purpose of business must
be to meet people's needs and create society's wealth. There is also an inescapable
social dimension to sustainable progress.
"Making a commitment
is one thing, implementing is another. We have developed the Sustainable Development
Management Framework to embed contributing to sustainable development in our
decision- making. This must start with management leadership - offering a vision,
defining aspirations, providing supporting policies and systems. The commitment
must be supported by the company's appraisal and reward systems.
"At all stages, the
process is driven by engagement with the external world - listening to people's
concerns and aspirations, responding to them, working with them to achieve solutions,
building trust.
In 1998 we issued our first Shell Report as a focus for dialogue. The Shell
Report 2000 is published in print and on the web. Independent verification of
data and statements helps build trust. We also publish targets against which
our performance can be judged.
"Almost all Shell companies
have now an HSE management system capable of being certified, under schemes
such as ISO 14001. All major installations having significant environmental
risk are being externally certified. Our investments in society amounted to
$ 93 million in 1999. The Shell Foundation was launched as the vehicle for the
Group's flagship programmes.
The journey continues."
Contact:
Tom Delfgaauw
Vice President Sustainable Development
Tel. +44 20 7934 4582
E-mail Click here to send a mail
Visit Shell's web pages
at:
www.shell.com/sustain
www.shell.com/shellreport
Company
showca
se
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
