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CSR 2016 – Boskalis
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Chairman’s statement
With regard to CSR, we have once again made important progress in numerous
areas. Last year we introduced four material topics and related sub-topics resulting
from a materiality assessment. These topics form the backbone for our CSR strategy
and reporting. This was an important step for us to report over 2016 according the
GRI G4 guidelines. One of the material themes both Boskalis and its stakeholders
view as important is our impact on local communities.
Impact on local communities
Many of our projects intervene in an existing environment. Our presence when
constructing infrastructure or reclaiming land is relatively brief but many of our
projects have a lasting impact. As a company we take a responsible approach
towards the potential consequences of our activities. We seek to avoid adverse
impact arising from our activities and services, and otherwise to mitigate or remedy
this impact. We exercise our leverage if we are in a position to influence the entity
responsible for the impact to bring about change in the situation. Our social impact
program launched in 2016 focuses on employee awareness and training and
offers practical tools. As a company with a strong technical background with
leading environmental engineering capabilities, this additional focus on our
social engineering skills is a natural next step.
Building with Nature
Care for the environment is an aspect that is deeply embedded in our organization,
and something that we take into account right from the initial design of a project.
2016 marked the transition
from a period of growth and
prosperity to one of stagnation
and rationalization. Early 2016
we saw dark clouds gather on
the horizon, but looking back at
the year we are amazed at the
pace at which the storm arrived
and how severe it is. Right now
it is fair to say that we are in
the midst of it.
Chairman’s
STATEMENT