|
Engaging with stakeholders is a fundamental
component of creating a strong sustainability framework for
any company. Being aware of the many economic, environmental
and social dimensions of its presence propels Alcan to establish
dialogue and develop cooperative initiatives with a wide range
of stakeholders. And, as a company that takes its role as
responsible community partner very seriously, meaningful engagement
with external stakeholders is a normal part of Alcan's business
approach.
From the high-level involvement of the CEO as vice chairman
of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development
to local open-house days to demonstrate the Company's commitment
to well-being and community development, Alcan is involved
at many levels and on many issues. In some cases, it involves
various community stakeholders surrounding long-standing operations
such as at Kitimat-Kemano, British Columbia, Canada, where
the Company's relationships with First Nations are a priority
(see
the Community Development section for details). In other
cases, it involves building new partnerships in emerging markets.
For example, in China, Alcan is demonstrating leadership
as a responsible partner through the introduction of the EHS FIRST management system at all its facilities including the
new joint venture aluminum smelter operation. In its engagement
with various government agencies in China, Alcan is introducing
its sustainability approach on a range of both domestic and
international issues ranging from environmental, health and
safety matters to climate change. The Company is actively
sharing its sustainability model experiences with Chinese
stakeholders at a variety of levels and is continuing to explore
a number of cooperative initiatives with government agencies
and NGOs to further the sharing of best practices.
External engagement efforts in other regions include Canada
where, as a result of commitments made to the B.C. provincial
government and other industry leaders in B.C., Alcan worked
closely with Canadian Business for Corporate Responsibility
(CBSR) to organize two conferences aimed at promoting and
enhancing awareness of sustainability within the corporate
sector of western Canada.
The first conference, held in 2004 with over 200 participants,
discussed best efforts and best practices to improve
sustainability practices. The second conference, organized
in February 2005 with over 240 participants, provided
a forum for learning about successful relationships and partnerships
that exist between companies and First Nations. Speakers came
from First Nations organizations, corporations and governments
across Canada.
Furthermore, Alcan was the first company (in what is still
a very small group) to receive a multimedia environmental
permit from the provincial government. This was achieved due
to the initiative taken by Alcan's B.C. operations in establishing
a voluntary five-year action plan related to pollution prevention
and based on opportunities identified by a group of Alcan's
stakeholders known as the Public Advisory Committee (PAC).
|
