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CSR 2016 – boskalis
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be influenced by international rules such as the OECD guidelines
and our own business principles.”
Berdowski: “Our presence when constructing new infrastructure or
reclaiming land is relatively brief but many of these projects have a
lasting impact. We are temporary guests in a local community, and
it is in everyone’s interest that we cooperate effectively with all parties
involved. As a company we want to approach the consequences
at micro level with due care, insofar as we are able to influence
these. We want to do so in a decent and responsible way, taking
into account the international rules. This is consistent with the
internal and external reputation of our company, and also allows
us to show our employees what kind of company we are.”
Distinguishing factor
Berdowski: “It goes without saying that it takes time and effort to
develop and embed a company-specific method. But with a good
social impact program Boskalis can create a competitive edge.
“As a company we want to approach
the social IMPACT OF OUR PROJECTS in
a decent and responsible way, taking
into account the international rules.”
Positioning ourselves as a company that is experienced at
managing the social impact of a project will also enable us to
provide clients with advice and practical support. Our aim is
to gain the support of the local communities for our projects.
Creating support and removing resistance also reduces failure
costs. In a way you can compare this development to our earlier
efforts with regard to Building with Nature: something we initially
also put a lot of extra energy into and are now reaping the benefits
of. I expect that a growing number of our clients will come to view
a responsible social impact approach as a license to operate, a
requirement that contractors have to meet. This development is a
good fit with our organization, which evolved from a technical
background into environmental engineering. And now we are
adding social engineering. The approach could be described
as Building with Society, because here, again, we are proceeding
on a value-based philosophy. In our experience the social
impact of our projects is greatest on infrastructural works and
dredging projects.”
