Corporate social responsibility

Aware of its corporate social responsibility, Batenburg Beheer N.V. has to take into account the impact of its activities on the environment and the community. This means that the interests of stakeholders and the living and working environment must be brought into line. Transparent, ethical and social responsible conduct, while being mindful of all stakeholders are therefore important principles for the Batenburg companies and their employees. The practical vision that is applied on a group-wide basis is that norms and values have to be apparent above all in the culture and conduct of management and employees and not just be enforceable or presupposed on the basis of elaborate reports and codes. A code of conduct endorsed by all employees contains the norms and values of Batenburg Beheer N.V., and there is a whistleblower regulation that enables infringements of the code of conduct or other regulations to be reported.

For Batenburg Beheer N.V., investing in the knowledge of employees, in working conditions, as well as in relationships with suppliers and customers is essential. The workplace must be safe, and working conditions are in accordance with recognised evaluation and environmental guidelines and quality systems such as VCA and ISO. Occupational health and safety officers play an active role in the improvement of working conditions and the prevention of unsafe working conditions. Toolbox workshops in the installation companies and the identification of risks contribute to a regular employee review and instruction in the field of safety at work.

The Batenburg Group must be an employer of choice where employees can continue to develop. Key cultural elements are a sense of responsibility and respect for others within and outside the company. The Batenburg Group offers training placements for young people at several of its companies. Employees sit on technical trade committees of industry associations. The companies also demonstrate their social involvement by contributing to various local social and cultural events.

In the provision of services, too, the installation and trading companies of Batenburg Beheer N.V. contribute to a more sustainable society. In 2008, for instance, Hoogendoorn issued a brochure containing tips for horticultural businesses to conserve energy and organised workshops in this field. The installation companies also play an important role in energy conservation and reduction in CO2 emissions, and improving the indoor environment of businesses, institutions and homes. Sparreboom analyses and advises customers, for instance on energy consumption in their business premises and carries out safety inspections. The increased awareness of sustainable business operations requires of Batenburg Beheer N.V. to deal with this in a responsible manner, while providing it with the opportunities to make the most of it commercially.