Being transparent about how the Group measures, manages and integrates its sustainability priorities into its business is an important part of the annual reporting process.
Based on a materiality process, the Group's sustainability reporting focuses particularly on the issues most relevant to the company, and is geared to the information needs of different stakeholders. The company has developed a comprehensive, three-tiered approach to reporting on sustainability, including this extensive GRI report.
Sustainability information is integrated throughout the printed Annual Report. Targeted to shareholders and other stakeholders, the focus is on how sustainability issues relate to the business strategy, as well as goals and performance. (See page 48, in the Annual Report Strategy and p. 98 of the Results section)
The Electrolux annual sustainability performance review, Sustainability Matters, is built around the GRI framework for sustainability reporting and is included in the on-line Annual Report. Third-party assured.
3. Future InSight
Aimed at employees and business contacts, this report is designed to communicate how Electrolux will realize its sustainability strategy through integration, driving innovation and building partnerships.
Reporting realm
This report is based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework 3.1. It is in accordance with Application Level B+, reviewed by a third party to ensure the accuracy and completeness of reporting. The GRI Index leads readers to information on each management approach and relevant indicator under the areas of Economic performance, Environment, Labor practices, Human rights, Product responsibility and Society. There is no applicable sector supplement for Electrolux.
Where relevant, this report also highlights how the Group's priorities reflect its commitment to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact. Electrolux has therefore considered the UN Global Compact "GC Advanced" level for reporting on its Communication on Progress. An index of the UNGC's 24 criteria is included in this report.
Unless otherwise indicated, standard disclosures include all operations that can potentially affect Group performance.
Boundary of the report
Data has been collected over the 2012 calendar year. This report covers 56,800 employees at year end, encompassing majority-owned operations, or 58 factories, 32 warehouses and 48 offices, in 40 countries: It represents 94% of the total number of employees at year end. Staff working at facilities with less than 30 employees is not included in this compilation. The average number of employees increased by 12% during 2012. Electrolux products are sold in over 150 markets globally.
To compensate for changing structure, data for divested operations i.e. Husqvarna has been excluded. Minor changes to historical data may also have been made when it has been found incorrect to improve quality of indicators.
Energy reductions performance was calculated according to World Resources Institute (WRI). Electricity emissions factors were updated according to the 2012 data set as published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Due to stability reasons the emission factors used in this report are from 2009. Wherever possible, Electrolux reports on its performance indicators covering the last five years.
Health and safety statistics are based on local definitions in terms of what constitute a workplace injury and a lost day due to injury.
The company's previous sustainability report was published in March, 2012.
External assurance
This report is third party assured. See the enclosed Assurance Statement for information on the scope of assurance.
For more and continuously updated information on the Group's progress and performance in regards to sustainability issues, visit www.electrolux.com/sustainability.
Or contact:
Electrolux Sustainability Affairs
Henrik Sundström
Vice President of Sustainability Affairs
Tel: +46 (0) 8 738 60 00
E-mail: sustainability@electrolux.se