For Electrolux, being transparent about our sustainability ambitions and how we measure, manage and integrate these priorities into our business is an important part of the annual reporting process.
The 2016 Electrolux Sustainability Report presents the nine promises of the Group’s ‘For the better’ sustainability approach. Using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 sustainability reporting guidelines as our starting point, the report aims to deliver the information needs of different stakeholders on our work with sustainability. The report is presented in two versions: an abbreviated, printed report (available in pdf format) and an extended, comprehensive online report.
Based on a materiality analysis, our nine promises reflect the sustainability issues most relevant to Electrolux and our value chain. In the report, we outline why sustainability is relevant to our business, our priorities and response, our roadmap to 2020, how we measure progress, and our approach to managing each of the nine promises.
Sustainability information is also integrated throughout the printed Annual Report. Targeted at shareholders and other stakeholders, the focus is on how sustainability issues relate to the business strategy, as well as goals and performance.
This report is based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework G4. It is in accordance with Core, reviewed by a third party to ensure the accuracy and completeness of reporting. The GRI Index leads readers to information on relevant indicators as defined by G4. 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.
We are in an ongoing process to increase transparency on managing human rights related issues by responding to the disclosure requirements of the United Nations Guiding Principles Reporting Framework. We will continue to develop our reporting in the future.
Unless otherwise indicated, standard disclosures include all operations that can potentially affect Group performance.
Data has been collected throughout the 2016 calendar year. This report covers 53,889 (52,464) employees at year end, encompassing our majority-owned operations, including 49 (53) factories, 28 (36) warehouses and 34 (35) offices, in 27 (39) countries. This represents 88% (90%) of our total number of employees at year end. Staff working at facilities with less than 30 employees are not included in this compilation.
The total average number of employees increased by 5% during 2016. Electrolux products are sold in over 150 markets globally.
Energy reduction performance was calculated according to the World Resources Institute (WRI). Electricity emissions factors were updated according to the CO2 Emission from fuel combustion 2016 edition data set, as published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). To allow comparability, the electricity emission factors used in this report are offset by a three year period. Units using renewable energy have been defined as having a CO2 emission factor of zero. 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 constitutes a workplace injury and a lost day due to injury.
Througout the report, as data is presented as part of the narrative, 2015 data is presented in (brackets).
The company's previous sustainability report was published in March 2016.
The Sustainability Report (as referenced in the GRI index) is reviewed in accordance with the Swedish standard RevR 6. 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 terms of 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