Content
Corporate Social Responsibility
At Enbridge, being socially responsible means doing things right, and doing the right thing. Enbridge defines Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as conducting business in a socially responsible and ethical way; protecting the environment and the health and safety of people; supporting human rights; and engaging, respecting and supporting the communities and cultures with which the Company works.
A comprehensive system of stewardship and accountability is in place and functioning among Directors, management and employees. Examples include compliance with applicable Sarbanes Oxley requirements and the Canadian securities regulators' corporate governance guidelines and rules, the use of internal and external reviews and audits to assess each business segment's compliance with government regulations and our internal policies and management systems, and to provide guidance for making improvements. Employee and Director compliance with Enbridge's Statement on Business Conduct, a majority of independent Directors on the Company's Board of Directors as well as plain and open communication with stakeholders are other examples of stewardship and accountability.
Environmental initiatives include pursuing alternative and renewable energy technologies, minimizing pipeline leaks by conducting on-going inspection and maintenance programs and the development of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This strategy involves improving the energy efficiency of pipelines, encouraging the efficient use of natural gas by customers and replacing older cast iron pipe at EGD with new polyethylene mains. Enbridge engages employees on health and safety issues through training, communication programs and the establishment of local and regional environmental, health and safety committees.
Stakeholder relations involves developing and maintaining positive relationships with employees, contractors, suppliers, customers, landowners, investors, environmental groups, business partners, government agencies and regulators, provincial, state and federal legislators, local officials, community residents and the media. Initiatives include early stage project consultation with a variety of stakeholders on organic growth projects and public awareness programs on pipeline safety.
Enbridge supports universal human rights and reinforces this principle with comprehensive policies and practices addressing human rights. For example, Enbridge was one of the first Canadian companies to adopt the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, which stress the importance of promoting and protecting human rights throughout the world and the constructive role business can play in advancing these goals.
The Company makes voluntary contributions to charitable and non-profit organizations in the areas of: education, health, environment, social services, arts and culture, community leadership and volunteerism, in order to contribute to the economic and social development of communities where Enbridge employees live and work.
While Enbridge is focused on generating long-term value for investors, Corporate Social Responsibility defines the Company's commitment to achieving and sustaining that objective in a socially and environmentally responsible way.