Novozymes' work on social responsibility is based on a two-pronged model: on the one hand ensuring that Novozymes' minimum standards are met throughout the organisation, while on the other looking to help selected units to establish local strategies and targets. These strategies go further than the minimum standards and help to strengthen Novozymes' role as an active corporate citizen.
Compliance with minimum standards
Novozymes' seven minimum standards of human and labour rights are based on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights – see The Novozymes Touch – and the principles of the UN Global Compact.
Each year the entire organisation carries out self-assessments which document how these minimum standards are being met. From 2006 compliance with these standards has been audited by Novozymes' internal auditor corps.
Local strategies clarify efforts
Development of a local strategy for social responsibility has been mandatory for seven local units since 2004. These strategies take account of topics and stakeholders relating specifically to the countries and regions in which the units operate, and are therefore by their nature very different.
Specific targets and activities in each strategy show that they each face different challenges locally. Local involvement with stakeholders is essential if Novozymes is to be able to continuously integrate social responsibility into everyday activities.
The focus areas of the individual strategies are made available on Novozymes' Intranet to promote the exchange of experience. Experiences with the strategies have been good. The various business units have identified relevant new initiatives, and existing activities have been better coordinated. The strategies also increase awareness and help raising the priority of local efforts.