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 strengthen Novozymes' role as an active corporate citizen from a regional perspective.
Compliance with minimum standards
Novozymes' seven minimum standards of human and labour rights are based on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights 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.
In 2010, we have mapped local trends and the related social responsibility activities in all regions in order to acquire an in-depth understanding of best-practices that can be built on as we move forward. We have consolidated these into a best-practice platform and inspiration catalogue for future corporate citizenship activities in Novozymes.
In 2011, we expect to replace our current local social responsibility strategies with regionally anchored projects and activities that are even more oriented towards our communities. We plan to focus more on regional projects where we can make the largest impact and value possible for the beneficiary by using Novozymes’ capabilities within science understanding and environmental sustainability.