Materiality assessment
One key element of the GRI standards is to find the aspects of our business that we believe have the most impact on the environment and the societies in which we operate. These aspects are identified through a materiality assessment, where the importance of different topics are ranked by us and our stakeholders, such as our board, global and central management team, employees, customers, suppliers, competitors, industry players and shareholders.
Updated
The assessment process
Wilhelmsen conducted the first materiality assessment in 2013, and a second one in 2016 supported by DNVGL. Based on the 2016 materiality assessment, five aspects have been prioritised:
- Business ethics and anti-corruption
- Working conditions, labour standards, health and safety
- Emissions to air, sea and soil
- Employee competence and development
- Sustainable supplier management
The priorities form the basis for requirements applicable to all entities included in our organisational boundary, and as input by Board members to entities where we have less than 50% ownership. These priorities form the basis for this report to our stakeholders.
Materiality matrix
The next materiality assessment will be conducted in 2018 to continue to prioritise, refine and streamline the group’s sustainability work and reporting. This next assessment will also reflect the structural changes in the Wilhelmsen group where the shipping and logistics activities are no longer included, while the group has increased its ownership in NorSea Group.
Materiality assessment
| TOPIC | HOW WE UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT | WHY THE TOPIC IS IMPORTANT TO US |
| Business ethics and anti-corruption | Ethics refers to our vision, values and code of conduct. | Anti-corruption includes any type of bribery, facilitation payment, anti-competitive behaviour, theft and fraud. |
| Working conditions, labour standards, health and safety | Operational and process safety, accidents, preventions, LTIs. | We believe that our employees are our greatest assets. We are committed to maintaining high health and safety standards and to prevent accidents and dangerous situations for our employees. |
| Emissions to air, sea and soil | Impact on natural habitats and ecosystems from business activities. e.g. chemical use, invasive aquatic species, emissions of greenhouse gases, SOX, NOX and particular matters. | As a shaper of the maritime industry, our long-term success depends on being committed to explore the possibilities to further reduce any negative environmental impact of both our own and our customers’ business activities. |
| Employee competence and development | Training, learning and competence initiatives. | As a learning organisation, we continually seek to renew ourselves, to work smarter and improve everything we do. As a result, we are able to recognise opportunities and develop new and innovative solutions. |
| Energy use | Energy use in all operations, including transport fuel, electricity usage. | We have a special responsibility to investigate new technology, solutions and ways of working to reduce emissions and fuel consumption on board our vessels, and through providing green products and solutions to the merchant fleet. |
| Innovation | Investment in and development of new technologies, processes and competencies. | Global challenges can be seen as great opportunities. As a shaper of the maritime industry, we pursue numerous initiatives aimed at building and meeting our stakeholders’ ever-changing needs. |
| Sustainable supplier management | Environmental standards, practices and performance of suppliers. Working conditions, health and safety standards and performance, freedom of association. | Reduce risk and increase quality of procurement. Securing our suppliers’ commitment to environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility. |
| Labour relations | Freedom of association, collective bargaining, working hours, rest, minimum age, etc. Adherence to the ILO Maritime Labour Convention. | Empowered employees in an innovative, learning organisation are our main competitive advantage in meeting the needs and wants of our customers. Labour relations and standards, human rights, working conditions and stakeholder engagement are important topics for the group. |
| Tax transparency | Comply with tax regulations and tax reporting, contribution to successful societies through paying tax, following OECD guidelines regarding taxation. | Well-functioning public institutions are an essential foundation for doing business and holding a responsible approach to taxation is important for the group’s long-term activities in the countries we operate. |
| Ship recycling | The systematic and controlled scrapping of ships according to the Hong Kong convention. | Our policy is that all vessels should be recycled in accordance with the Hong Kong convention. We strongly support green recycling and act as an advocate for this within the maritime industry. |
| Local communities | Business activities that have impact on local communities such as; job creation, human rights, sponsorships and knowledge sharing, infrastructure. | We care for the local communities in which we operate. As an important player around the world it is important for us that we have a positive impact on the development in these communities. |
| Diversity and inclusion | Ensure equal treatment and not discriminate based on age, gender, culture, religion, disabilities, etc. | A diverse and including work force makes for a balanced approach when doing business. In compliance with labour laws. |
| Waste | Use/disposure of resources and materials, hazardous waste management, recycling of food, garbage, etc. | Waste management is an important part of finding good solutions to environmental challenges international shipping faces. Imperative to the group to comply with international laws and regulations. |
| Lobbying | Transparency concerning activities towards governments and regulatory agencies with the aim of influencing regulations. | Stakeholders expect responsible lobbying practices. |