Mercedes 1999 Annual Report Download - page 61

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DAIMLERCHRYSLER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
55
Protection of the environment and respect for the conservation of natural resources are high
priorities for DaimlerChrysler. Our environmentally compatible measures cover the entire
product range and apply to the complete product life cycle, from the use of raw materials to
product development, production and usage, all the way to disposal and recycling.
DEVELOPING A COMMON APPROACH. Through the
DaimlerChrysler merger we also intend to improve our effi-
ciency in the area of environmental protection by enhancing
expertise and adopting the best methods and procedures.
Consequently, the Post-Merger Integration environmental
affairs group has been developing a common approach to en-
vironmental protection, establishing a common environmental
policy and leveraging existing programs.
Its efforts have focused on:
■Adoption of corporate environmental guidelines.
■Publication of a joint Environmental Report.
■Identification of best practices and benchmarking.
■Establishment of an efficient organizational structure.
A CORPORATE COMMITMENT. In July 1999, the following six
environmental guidelines were approved by the Board of
Management:
■We face the environmental challenges of the future by
working continuously to improve the environmental
performance of our products and operations.
■We strive to develop products which, in their respective
market segments, are environmentally sensitive.
■We plan all stages of manufacturing to provide optimal
environmental protection.
■We offer our customers ecologically-oriented service and
information.
■We endeavor to achieve exemplary environmental
performance worldwide.
■We provide our employees and the public with compre-
hensive information on environmental protection.
At DaimlerChrysler, environmental protection is integrated
into the activities of the company at all levels. Sustainable,
long-term growth can only be secured if we take care of our
valuable resources. In addition, by integrating the principles
expressed in the guidelines into our decision-making proces-
ses, we will create a competitive advantage for the company.
FIRST DAIMLERCHRYSLER ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT. The
first DaimlerChrysler Annual Environmental Report was
published in August 1999. The report outlines environmental
projects in progress worldwide, and demonstrates the
company’s responsible approach to environmental steward-
ship. For the first time, we also had an environmental group
review the reporting process and the main contents of the
report and they also paid tribute to our contribution to
sustainable development. This new approach had an impact
on acceptance of the report among the general public.
Feedback through a questionnaire enclosed with the report
revealed that more than 60 percent of readers considered our
report superior to other environmental reports, while 30
percent rated it as good as others.
BEST PRACTICE. As a result of a combined best practice and
benchmarking effort between Auburn Hills and Stuttgart, nine
projects have been set up. They focus on environmental
management systems, auditing, performance measurement,
hazardous materials and communications. These projects
were selected on the basis of their potential for enhancing our
environmental performance, promoting environmental
standards and cutting costs, as well as their chances of
success. As our initial analysis shows, there are great oppor-
tunities for mutual learning since different parts of our
company provide benchmarks in different areas. To underline
our commitment, in 2000 we will be introducing a company-
wide award program for outstanding environmental
achievements.
CERTIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
IMPLEMENTED. Experience has shown that certification
increases environmental awareness, reduces risk, conserves
resources, and enhances business performance. At present,
roughly half the automotive workforce operates within an en-
vironmental management system that has been certified in
line with ISO 14001. DaimlerChrysler plans to have all its
worldwide production facilities certified by the end of 2003.
In addition, and as a next step, we have also kicked off pilot
projects which focus on the integration of different manage-
ment systems, including environmental, quality, and health
and safety.