The need for electricity, fresh water and heating touches every area of modern life – this gives us considerable reach and global impact in people’s lives. We, in turn, accept a reciprocal responsibility to conduct our business with a proper concern for the world around us, particularly in the spheres upon which we have direct effects. Community support is a major focus of International Power’s corporate activities.
We play a positive role in the communities in which we operate, not because we have to but because we want to. We work hard to build long-term sustainable partnerships in the communities in which we operate.We aim to provide local employment; support the local economy; act as a responsible neighbour and employer and contribute towards the improvement of local health and education services. The Charities and Donations Committee oversees the Group’s charitable giving. The Committee is also responsible for International Power’s Flagship Award which provides annual funding for community-based projects. These projects are nominated by staff. In addition, at a local level each of our assets has an annual fund for charitable projects in their area.
During 2010 International Power and its subsidiaries contributed £1,251,000 to charitable causes and other community projects. Companies in which we have a minority shareholding (associates and joint ventures) contributed a further £1,256,000.
Many of our employees demonstrate personal commitment to local community initiatives through voluntary work. The ways in which our employees contribute to these initiatives differ widely including donations of time, cash, equipment or facilities. However, each has the same aim: to make the world a better place. Where fund-raising forms part of these initiatives, employees are able to apply to the company to match any money they have raised for good causes.
We are listed in the FTSE4GOOD index, and have been since 2004. The selection criteria for this prestigious index include environmental sustainability, stakeholder relationships and upholding and supporting universal human rights. We are pleased to continue to be included within the FTSE4GOOD index, which identifies companies that meet globally-recognised corporate responsibility standards. For more information, please see the FTSE4GOOD website.