March 9, 2011

To our stakeholders:

I am pleased to confirm that Aidenvironment reaffirms its support of the
Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the areas of Human
Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-Corruption.

In this annual Communication on Progress, we describe our actions to
continually improve the integration of the Global Compact and its
principles into our business strategy, culture and daily operations. We
also commit to share this information with our stakeholders using our
primary channels of communication.

Sincerely yours,

Peter de Haan
Director of Aidenvironment

Aidenvironment is a non-profit consultancy, which advises, supports and encourages decision makers and opinion leaders in realizing their ambitions for sustainability. We work with companies, Governments and civil society organizations worldwide on a wide range of environmental, social and economic issues.
We have a profound knowledge and broad experience in the field of human rights, labor conditions, gender, health and safety, land rights, indigenous peoples and community rights, socio-cultural conditions and developments.

Aidenvironment respects the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) across her activities and through the relationships with third parties associated with those activities, such as business partners, clients, entities in the value chain, civil society organizations and State agents.

The respect for human rights is integrated in both the internal and external operations of the organization.
Internally, the Human Resource policy describes clearly the rights and obligations of the employees and management. Also, the quality management protocol is used to maintain and further optimize the integration of human rights into the organization’s activities.

Externally, our code of conduct encompasses the rules of engagement for potential and actual clients, as well as for suppliers.

The board of Aidenvironment is tasked with supervising the integrity of both the internal and externally related activities.

Furthermore, our work is based on:
- The UN Global Compact Principles
- The IFC Performance Standards
- The Equator Principles
- The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
- The Organisation for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD) standards
- International conventions and standards such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Ramsar Convention, the World Heritage Convention, the International Bill of Rights and the ILO standards
- The UN Human Rights & Business Framework
- The UN Framework on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol

Aidenvironment respects and protects human rights in her daily operations. It is recognized that this responsibility extends beyond the organizations own activities and includes relationships with business partners, suppliers, and other non-State and State entities that are associated with Aidenvironment’s activities.

Internally, the Human Resource policy is being used as the guideline for these processes. In 2010, Aidenvironment has further developed the Human Resource Policy and supporting procedures. During staff meetings, the employees have been made aware of these.

Externally, the code of conduct of Aidenvironment describes how human rights should be safeguarded in regard of relationships with clients and partners.

Aidenvironment has received no complaints from employees, business partners or clients in relation to (potential) human rights violations, nor was the organization involved in any human rights incidences before or during the reporting period.

Furthermore, our organization has been active in promoting human rights within the activities of our business partners and clients by advising them on human rights issues and measures to respect, protect and promote human rights.

Because of the scope of our activities and the limited number of employees (30), an external audit on human rights performance is not required.

Aidenvironments’ revised Human Resource policy describes all required labor rights, including non-discrimination and equal opportunities, the freedom of association and right to collective bargaining, workplace health and safety, as well as conditions of employment and work (wages, working hours, leave, benefits etc).

In 2010, Aidenvironment has revised its Human Resource Policy in line with the UN Global Compact Principles. Specific procedures which have been further developed are the internal grievance mechanisms (for employees) and the institutionalization of an in house counseling procedure, if required by an employee. Furthermore, Aidenvironment has formalized the possibilities for employees to take part in life course saving schemes (levensloopregeling) and the annual bonus procedures allowing employees to share in the positive results of the organization.
As our consultants are our most important asset, we invest in our employees by providing on-the-job training and offering them opportunities to participate in training activities.

Aidenvironment has received no grievances or complaints from employees or others in relation to (potential) labor rights violations, nor was the organization involved in any labor rights incidences before or during the reporting period.

Furthermore, our organization has been active in promoting labor rights within the activities of our business partners and clients by advising them on human rights issues and measures to respect, protect and promote labor rights.

Because of the scope of our activities and the limited number of employees (30), an external audit on labor rights performance is not required.

In the environmental management plan, Aidenvironment has outlined a clear course of action in order to reduce the negative impacts of our organizations’ actions on the environment. Here, the conservation of natural resources, emissions of pollutants, environmental hazards and the conditions of a safe working environment are being described. The aim of the environmental management strategy is to continuously improve the environmental performance of the organization.
The environmental management is part of Aidenvironments’ daily practice. It is felt that it is integrated in the organizational structure and planning of activities, the responsibilities, practices and procedures. Furthermore, environmental management is central to the processes and resources used within the organization as well as in the development, implementation and review of our environmental policy.

The Environmental Management System (EMS) is built to both guide and monitor the environmental performance of the organization. The EMS is a continuous cycle of planning, implementation, reviewing and improving environmental performance. It is based upon national, EU and other relevant legislation, the principles of sustainable procurement and waste reduction.
Examples of how Aidenvironment reduces the negative environmental impacts are the procurement of goods and office supplies that bear certifications such as EKO, FSC, Max Havelaar etc. Waste is prevented through recycling efforts, while paper, water and energy is saved through raising the awareness of the employees.Furthermore, the organization stimulates the use of public transport and/or bicycles while carbon emissions for flights are being compensated.

The environmental performance is measured through setting responsibilities, objectives, operational procedures, training needs, monitoring and communication systems. All of these factors are taken into consideration during the internal monitoring efforts and audits. The results are communicated and when necessary awareness programs for employees initiated.

There are strict guidelines for personnel on how to act in case of bribery or extortion. Integrity is a vital part in the Human Resource policy as well as the Code of Conduct of Aidenvironment. The personnel of Aidenvironment cannot accept any form of corruption. Therefore, neither employees nor members of the management team accept remuneration outside of the agreed quotation unless it is formally agreed upon.

The organization does not engage with business partners and clients with a track record of corruption. Nevertheless, in our line of work we often work with companies with a negative track record. We only work with those organizations to improve their performance on these issues.

Aidenvironment has a thorough anti-corruption policy, based on the international standards.

The organization only accepts assignments which are within the range of our expertise and experience and are compatible with our vision and mission. Should an assignment move in a direction that is inconsistent with our vision and mission, we discuss this with the client and, if necessary, withdraw from the assignment.

Furthermore, employees are not permitted to accept payment for recommending the services of third parties to a client.

There have been no cases of corruption in the line of our work over the course of the organization’s existence.

If such a situation might arise, Aidenvironment’s Code of Conduct requires us to take appropriate action and ultimately withdraw from the assignment. The situation will be evaluated afterwards.