4
| pRySmian gRoup | 2013 SuStainability RepoRt
The Prysmian Group consolidated its commitment to
sustainability during 2013 by renewing investment in the
search for sustainable products, strengthening the process
for developing its human resources and participating actively
in projects and initiatives carried out in the public interest,
as well as by reducing where possible the environmental
impact of its products and production activities. These efforts,
combined with continuation of the work to analyse and
report on activities, have enabled the Group to improve its
Sustainability Application Level, determined in accordance
with the Guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative, from C+
to B+ over a twelve-month period (GRI, version GRI/G3.1).
The number of indicators included in this Sustainability Report
has been expanded and the approach to reporting has been
enhanced. This reflects an improved culture of sustainability
within the organisation, with training and information flows
that involve personnel at all levels. With a view to maximising
the effectiveness of the reporting process and guaranteeing
to stakeholders the reliability of the information contained
in this Report, Deloitte was appointed once again to check
the details provided and release a “Report on the limited
examination of the Sustainability Report”.
The sustainability strategy adopted by the Group focuses
on sustainable, technological innovation in the solutions
offered to customers, on the environmental responsibility
of production processes, on environmental protection and
the management of relations with the local communities in
which the Group operates, as well as on safety at work and the
development of personnel. For the Prysmian Group, 2013 was
a year of great commitment and significant results in each of
these areas.
In terms of
economic and financial responsibility
, the
creation of value for shareholders, investors and other
stakeholders is a key priority for Prysmian, being an important
aspect of its commitment to accuracy, clarity and transparency
in the communication of its business strategy, objectives and
results. Accordingly, contact with the financial markets was
particularly intense in 2013, with more than 400 one-to-one or
group meetings at the Company’s offices, road shows in the
major financial centres of Europe, North America and Asia,
as well as participation at various conferences organised by
leading international brokers.
In addition, the Group successfully launched the YES (Your
Employee Shares) programme during the autumn. This plan
letteR to stakeholdeRs
enables employees to purchase shares on advantageous
terms. The objective of the initiative is to increase the
involvement, sense of belonging and business understanding
of our employees, making them owners of a small part of
the Group in which they work and strengthening the internal
perception of the Prysmian Group as “One Company”.
In the area of
product responsibility
, work was completed
during the year to define and apply this methodology in
assessing the environmental impact of certain types of
cable. Various studies have been carried out using the Life
Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach enabling us to respond to
increasing requests from customers.
Prysmian has pursued numerous innovative projects in the
power cable and telecom sectors, with a view to providing the
end user with efficient and functional products and solutions
that have a low environmental impact. With regard to the
terrestrial transmission and distribution of electricity, the
first system to use high voltage P-Laser cable has undergone
important trials. This is the first high performance, eco-
sustainable cable for electricity grids manufactured using
recyclable raw materials. Turning to the production of optical
fibre and cables, a new family of fully dry, loose tube cables
has been developed within the Telecom Solutions business
area. This simplifies the preparation of terminations and limits
the consumption of necessary raw materials, such as grease
and gels. In addition, high density optical cables have been
developed that pack a world record 4.8 fibres/mm
2
.
In the area of
social responsibility
, Prysmian has confirmed
its commitment to employees via a structured internal
programme for the management of almost 20,000 persons
worldwide. This programme is founded on the following pillars:
the development and spreading of a shared common identity,
an inspirational leadership model, the ability to attract
individuals of value available on the market, the development
and management of talent, an international and multi-
cultural working environment.
In addition, in confirmation of the attention paid to the
needs of local communities, the Group adopted a Corporate
Citizenship and Philanthropy Policy in 2013 that governs
initiatives in favour of communities and links them with its
business activities.
In the area of
environmental responsibility
, the Group
is working in numerous ways to reduce and prevent the
environmental impact of its activities, including focus on the
2013 SuStainability RepoRt
