Annual Report 2012 - Development Securities PLC

annualreport2012.
developmentsecurities.com/
corporate-responsibility
32 Development Securities PLC / Annual Report 2012
Corporate Responsibility
We recognise the
significant impact that
our large-scale property
developments can have on
a diverse range of groups.
Our stakeholders include
our employees,
shareholders and
co-investors and also
our suppliers, our tenants
and their employees,
their customers and the
communities surrounding
our properties.
Our approach
We work constructively within the strong framework of
regulation which exists to balance the interests of all
these groups. However, there are many situations in
which exceeding minimum standards creates economic,
social and environmental benefits, contributing to the
sustainable success of our Company.
We continue to work to the same high standards that
we have reached to date, and we will continue to prioritise
those activities with which we believe we can make a
positive impact for our stakeholders.
As our business strategy continues to evolve in this
challenging market, our portfolio of activity has become
more diverse. Therefore, our strategy for Corporate
Responsibility has also had to adapt and we are beginning
to identify priorities in each area of our business.
Our governance system
At the start of each financial year, the Executive Directors
set objectives based on the material issues relating to
each of our stakeholder groups. Objectives are also set
considering wider environmental issues.
Performance is recorded throughout the year and is
consolidated by the Director responsible for Corporate
Responsibility. The progress made is assessed and new
targets are set for the following year.
Our overall objectives
In all of our activities we strive to:
achieve and maintain good practice in all aspects
of sustainable and responsible development.
improve the measurement of what we do and ensure
continuous improvement in our performance.
Respect for people:
Maintain a collegiate atmosphere and safe working
environment for our employees and encourage and
facilitate employee development.
Engage our major suppliers in our sustainable
development programmes, share our objectives with
them and ensure compliance with health and safety
best practice on all of our sites.
Create diverse and balanced developments that
reflect the socio-economic diversity of the local
communities and contribute to their enrichment through
support for youth programmes, skills development,
arts projects and environmental projects.
Respect for the environment:
Minimise energy and water consumption through
considered design, construction site best practice and
clear advice to occupants.
Minimise waste from all our operations.
Appoint suitably qualified consultants to advise on
all aspects of environmental protection and sustainable
development.
Reputation and risk:
Contribute to the better working of our industry by
participating in debate and publishing research.
Identify and manage risks to the achievement of our
corporate strategy, including harm to our good reputation,
arising from our work with people and the environment.
See also the section on Risks on page 9.