In 2008 we commissioned an external study to scope the potential for strengthening management of Corporate Responsibility (CR) across our worldwide operations. In 2009 we have prioritised and started to act on the recommendations. An early initiative is to review those policies that provide the framework for the management of CR and provide improved CR content on our website. The website will become the main forum for providing more frequent updates on CR performance and related business developments.
Charter’s strategy is to deliver sustained growth in shareholder value through the development of ESAB and Howden as leaders in their respective fields. In order to achieve this Charter recognises the fundamental importance of social, environmental and ethical matters. Charter is committed to understand and responsibly manage significant risks to the environment and society where it has operational control or significant influence through its business decisions. In these areas, such as health and safety, waste, CO2 emissions and water consumption, we aim for continuous improvement, driven by appropriate policies, management systems, operational performance measurement, internal reporting and assurance activities. These matters receive regular focus, both from senior management and the Board, and are reported on in the Annual Report.
As a world leader in the welding and cutting industry, ESAB is committed to continuously improving its environmental performance. As a demonstration of its commitment to continuously improve its environmental impact, ESAB was the first company within the welding industry to achieve ISO 14001 certification for all ESAB group companies. A significant further step forward in 2007 was the external certification of ESAB’s management systems to OHSAS 18001. In 2008 the combined group OHSAS 18001:2007 and ISO 14001:2004 certification was extended to include those companies acquired in 2007.
We also see opportunities to contribute to international environmental programmes through application of our technology solutions, particularly in the areas of air pollution control, renewable energy and carbon management. For example,Howden’s technology and know-how helps the power generation, oil and gas, mining and other industries that it supplies, to operate more efficiently and to reduce harmful emissions. Howden products increase the efficiency of each unit of production into which they are incorporated and thereby help to minimise emissions. Howden equipment is also used in emission abatement, with, for example, Howden fans, blowers and heat exchangers being key components in the flue gas desulphurisation process.