Volvo 2004 Annual Report Download - page 36

34 Sustainable development
Transport is a fundamental condition of
economic growth, competitiveness and
social development. It is a prerequisite
for trade and town planning as well as
people’s work and living choices.
We also know that transport brings
negative effects on society in terms of traf-
fic accidents, emissions and other environ-
mental impact.
About 40,000 people lose their lives in
traffic accidents every year within the EU.
Climate change, caused by carbon dioxide,
is recognized as the most serious threat to
the environment of our time.
financial market and the Volvo Group’s
core values.
The Code of Conduct underscores the
principles which govern the Group's rela-
tions with employees, business partners
and other stakeholders in matters of busi-
ness principles, environment and work-
place practices.
We also encourage suppliers, dealers,
consultants and other business partners
to adopt the principles. The principles in
the Code of Conduct are to be used in
assessing current and future suppliers.
All Group managers are responsible
for communicating the contents and spirit
of the Code of Conduct and for encour-
aging all employees to disclose behavior
that may be non-compliant with the
Code’s principles. Employees may
anonymously report any violations to the
Chairman of AB Volvo’s Audit Committee.
The head of Corporate Communi-
cations and Public Affairs, Per Löjdquist,
is responsible for Corporate Social
Responsibility within Group Management.
The complete Code of Conduct is avail-
able for downloading from Volvo’s website:
www.volvo.com
Active stakeholder dialogue
The Volvo Group has a broad interface
with society. This is important since we
are a large employer in many commu-
nities and operate in industries of great
public interest. We actively exchange
information with stakeholders at many
levels and contexts, and strive to attain a
frank communication. This include cus-
tomers, employees, potential employees,
suppliers, investors, analysts, public
authorities, voluntary organizations and
the media. We are represented in net-
works and participate in conferences to
facilitate the communication process.
➡
Volvo supports UN’s Global
Compact
Since 2001, Volvo has supported the
UN’s Global Compact, a treaty based
on the UN’s Declaration of Human
Rights, UN convention against
corruption, the conventions of the
International Labor Organization (ILO)
governing basic principles and work-
place rights, the OECD’s Guidelines
for Multinational Enterprises and the
Rio Declaration on the Environment
and Development.
The Global Compact has been
introduced to promote responsible
enterprise worldwide. By supporting
the Global Compact, Volvo pledges to
realize and integrate ten principles
regarding human rights, work condi-
tions and environment into its oper-
ations. Volvo will also be involved in
disseminating the principles in a bid to
encourage other companies to sup-
port the Global Compact. More infor-
mation is available at
www.unglobalcompact.org.
SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
➡
Our ambition to take responsibility, as an
employer and producer, encompasses all
these aspects.
By developing more efficient vehicles
and transport solutions, advanced safety
features and by continuously adapting our
products to environmental demands, we
aim to contribute to the decrease of the
negative impact described above.
Our commitment to contribute to a posi-
tive development of society is reflected in
our Code of Conduct and in our corporate
values: quality, safety and environmental
care. They form the platform for all oper-
ations within the Group.
We have also established a wide range
of activities, policies and control systems to
support a sustainable development within
our sphere of interest.
Volvo’s Code of Conduct
On June 17, 2003, AB Volvo’s Board of
Directors adopted the Code of Conduct. It
is mandatory to all members of the Board
of Directors and all employees of the
Volvo Group. The Code of Conduct details
important principles concerning ethics in
Volvo’s business operations, environmen-
tal work and its view on human rights and
working conditions.
Our Code of Conduct is based on parts
of the UN convention against corruption,
the Rio Declaration on Environment and
Development, parts of the OECD’s
Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises,
as well as recommendations from the