Hydro's Integrity Program is our main means to prevent corruption and human rights violations. The program is based on Hydro's code of conduct which is approved by the board of directors. The program includes risk mapping, tools and training.
Hydro supports the principle of freedom of association and collective bargaining and has a long tradition in maintaining a good dialog with employee organizations. As an employer, owner and purchaser, our most important role related to human rights is to secure decent working conditions in our own organization, in minority-owned companies and with our suppliers. In countries where the right to form trade unions is restricted, we try to find alternative fora to uphold the right of employees to influence their work situation, like in Qatar and China.
In 2011, Hydro reviewed its strategy for sponsorships and partnerships. To support the strategy and improve our overview, we initiated a reporting pilot which includes reporting requirements on outcomes for Hydro and the society. Hydro spent in 2011 more than NOK 61 million on community investments, charitable donations and sponsorships of which more than half was related to social investments.
Hydro's supplier requirements related to corporate responsibility are an integral part of all stages of the procurement process. The requirements cover issues related to environment, human rights, anti-corruption and working conditions, including work environment. Implementation is risk-based and takes into consideration contractual value, country risk, etc. The principles include auditing rights and the contractors' responsibility toward subcontractors and their suppliers.
Our most important voluntary commitments are the support of the principles set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Global Compact. We also support the OECD's Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and report voluntarily on payments to host governments, in connection with exploration and production of bauxite and alumina, based on the principles in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. In 2011, we became a member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and are committed to following the ICMM's 10 Principles. We use the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 Guidelines for voluntary reporting of sustainable development. See www.hydro.com/gri
Total payments (taxes, fees etc.) to host governments 1)
| Amounts in NOK million |
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
| Australia |
- |
- |
(0.7) |
0.4 |
6 |
| Brazil |
48 |
98 |
160 |
139 |
89 |
1) Total payments to host governments in connection with the exploration and production of bauxite and alumina. Payments include benefit streams, profit tax, royalty, license fees, rental fees, entry fees, etc. The reporting is based on the principles in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The table is included in auditor's review of Hydro's viability performance reporting 2010, but not in the financial audit. Hydro divested in 2011 its ownership share in Alpart, Jamaica. |
