Ubisoft 2006 Annual Report Download - page 54

UBISOFT • FINANCIAL REPORT 2007
1.4.4.4 Compensation
In France, compensation consists of a fixed amount and a
variable amount (cf. Section 1.4.2).
Moreover, under the Group Saving Plans set up since
2001, French employees also receive an additional contri-
bution from the company. The Board of Directors also
approved the terms of a share capital increase in connec-
tion with this plan (with an additional contribution and dis-
count) which will take place in the summer of 2007.
Ubisoft does not manufacture the video games that it
publishes and distributes. It therefore has a very low
impact on the environment, whether in terms of air, water,
soil, noise or odor pollution.
The main manufacturing facilities of Ubisoft’s suppliers
and assemblers are ISO 9001 certified and therefore com-
ply with this standard’s “safety and the environment” pro-
cess. One facility is even certified compliant with the
14001 environmental standard.
In France, Ubisoft contributes to the eco-packaging tax
based on each package (identified by category: paper,
cardboard or plastic) placed on the French market.
Ubisoft actively recycles used computer, electrical, and
electronic equipment, as well as waste paper.
Recycling
The group is mindful of its responsibility concerning the
recycling of its used computer equipment and waste paper.
Used computer equipment
In order to recycle its computer equipment in France,
Ubisoft has contracted with a company that specializes in
the processing of electrical and electronic waste and the
recovery of computer monitors to salvage, disassemble
and recycle used equipment. To ensure compliance with
current laws regarding waste reduction and materials
recovery, the company “de-manufactures” equipment so
that it can be sorted and isolated and each component
“reclaimed”. This disassembly process makes it possible to
isolate toxic materials so they can be packaged and routed
to specific treatment facilities.
During the past year, Ubisoft’s French subsidiaries recy-
cled some 12 tonnes of computer equipment.
The French subsidiaries collaborate with an association of
victims of non-work related accidents for the recycling of
portable telephones and/or used Blackberrys.
At the same time, foreign subsidiaries have made efforts to
recycle their computer equipment (for example, in
Germany, the US, the UK and Italy).
In general, the Ubisoft group is working to combat waste by
Environmental data
1.6.1
1.6
Ubisoft organizes special events for its employees on a
regular basis and offers them numerous benefits, particu-
larly in the areas of sports and entertainment.
The group also participates in charitable actions through
its corporate citizenship program - Sharing more than
games. In line with the group’s corporate values and core
business, this program aims to help disadvantaged or ailing
young people through access to games, education and cul-
ture.
Since the creation of this program last year, the group has
spearheaded several important philanthropic campaigns
around the world. In late 2006, for example, Ubisoft lear-
ned of UNICEF’s three-year general action plan for schoo-
ling of children in Brazil, a country where approximately
60% of school-aged children are not enrolled in school.
The group decided to partner with UNICEF to support this
plan, offering both financial support and the chance to use
the group’s cult character, Rayman®, as a virtual ambas-
sador for free speech and children’s rights.
Shortly thereafter, Ubisoft’s French subsidiary identified
another opportunity to support UNICEF in conjunction with
the launch of a new product line – Rêves de filles. Designed
for girls aged 8 to 12, this line is composed of video games
that promote values such as respect for nature, sharing
and creativity. From February 15th to April 15th, for every
purchase of a Rêves de filles game, Ubisoft donated €1 to
UNICEF, amounting to a total donation of €67,094 to sup-
port a preschool program in Bangladesh.
This year, Ubisoft had the opportunity to collaborate with
the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) on the
localization of an educational video game designed to sen-
sitize children about the issue of global hunger. Teams
from Ubisoft Montreal were also active this year through
their continued support of the Centraide organization,
which funds approximately 350 groups and projects ser-
ving the city’s most disadvantaged populations.
Social service activities
1.5