Sustainability: GRI list 2011

Strategy & analysis

See also the Statement of Corporate Intent 1010-16 and Statement of Corporate Intent 2010/11

Refer to our Annual Report 2011 Part 1.

Also refer to Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements

Organisational profile

Refer to the ABOUT US section of our website for more information: about Landcare Research, our Guiding Philosophy, Statement of Core Purpose, company structure, contacts and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Landcare Research is in an unusual position in that the focus of our work is sustainability. Hence virtually all of our science is relevant.

We have a strong focus on collaborative research, partnerships & networks.

Refer to our Annual Report 2011 Part 1.

Landcare Research site locations

Also refer to Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements

Also refer to the ABOUT US section of our website for more information: About the company.

Refer to our Annual Report 2011 Part 1.

Also refer to Collaborations, partnerships & networks for more information and to our Statement of Corporate Intent 2011-16.

Refer to Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements

More information about Landcare Research, our philosophy and values, company structure, locations and contact details can be found on our website under the ABOUT US section.

Also refer to the ABOUT US section on our website for more information: About the company

Landcare Research is principally New Zealand based and overseas revenues/ sales / employees are less than 5% of totals.

However for Sirtrack Ltd, over 80% of their sales are to overseas agencies.

Point 1: There were no significant changes to report re changes in operations, facility openings, closings and expansions.

Point 2: Refer to Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Report parameters

No significant changes from last year regarding scope, boundary or measurement methods applied. Minor changes are noted in the relevant sections.

GRI

The applicable GRI indicators are linked to the relevant text. A complete list of all the GRI indicators is available from the navigation bar above, or by clicking on any one of the GRI indicators, then clicking on the All GRI Indicators button in the right hand column. Explanations for indicators not covered (not material) can be found in the notes attached to each indicator.

See external certifications & also the emissions & offsets section.

For an explanation of our approach to external verification, also see Corporate social responsibility and Summary tables of non-financial performance in ourAnnual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Governance, communities & engagement

Refer to the Directors’ report inAnnual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Also refer to the ABOUT US section. on our website for more information: About the company: Ownership & governance.

Refer to the Directors’ report in Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Also refer to the ABOUT US section. on our website for more information: About the company: Ownership & governance.

Refer to the Directors’ report inAnnual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Also refer to the ABOUT US section. on our website for more information: About the company: Ownership & governance.

Refer to the Directors’ report in Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Also refer to the ABOUT US section on our website for more information: About the company: Ownership & governance.

Also refer to the Statement of Corporate Intent 2011-16.

The only shareholders are the two Government Ministers: Minister of Finance and Minister for Research, Science and Technology.

Refer to the ABOUT US section on our website for more information: About the company: Ownership & governance.

Refer to the Directors’ report in Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Refer to the Directors’ report in Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Also refer to the ABOUT US section on our website for more information: About the company: Ownership & governance.

In addition, we have specific policies, standard operating procedures and guidelines on out intranet staffroom.

Refer to the Directors’ report in Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Directors are appointed by the shareholding Ministers.

Refer to the ABOUT US section on our website for more information: Our principles: Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethics, Sustainability policy, Statement of Corporate Intent 2011-16. These policies apply to all staff, including Directors.

This year, we reviewed and revised our Vision statement. All staff were invited to contribute thoughts and ideas through a ‘rapid fire’ Yammer session across all sites; these ideas influenced the Vision statement.

Refer to the Directors’ report in Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Also refer to the ABOUT US section on our website for more information: About the company: Ownership & governance.

Summary information is reviewed by the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Directors every month.

Also refer to the Statement of Corporate Intent 2011-16.

Refer to the Directors’ report in Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Also refer to the ABOUT US section on our website for more information: About the company: Ownership & governance.

Refer to the Directors’ report in Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Also refer to the ABOUT US section on our website for more information: About the company: Ownership & governance.

In addition, a number of our staff hold positions in governance bodies (directorships and board memberships) and advisory groups. However, we do not provide substantive funding beyond routine membership dues.

Also refer to COMU and Landcare Research indicators.

Our stakeholders are also acknowledged throughout our reporting of research highlights.

Also refer to the Statement of Corporate Intent 2011-16.

Also refer to the Statement of Corporate Intent 2011-16.

For the past four years Landcare Research has conducted an annual Client Review. This survey has been carried out to provide independent feedback on our client perceptions to drive improved performance, and because COMU (and now MSI) require us to report on the quality of our relationships with our largest commercial customers.

The survey questions are designed to demonstrate the depth of the relationship, for example:

• To what extent (on high/low scale of 1-5, including ‘don’t know’) has Landcare Research provided input into your <the client’s> corporate, research or product development strategy;
• How integrated or aligned is Landcare Research’s strategy with your <the client’s> strategy (on a scale of 1-5, including ‘don’t know’);
• How relevant to your <the client’s> strategy is the research conducted by Landcare Research (on a scale of 1-5, including ‘don’t know’).

Also refer to the Statement of Corporate Intent 2011-16.

Environmental

Management disclosure approach

Our environmental performance

Except where rainwater harvesting is stated, all our water is drawn from reticulated municipal supplies.

Not material in that our operations have minimal impact.

We are not significant users of water compared to primary producers or manufacturers. No water resources are significantly affected by our water consumption. Never-the-less, improving efficiency of water use and stormwater management is an important issue in our research and our operations.

However, our research contributes significantly to the water efficiency of other sectors.

We are able to report on this for our Auckland facilities that are also part of our research into low impact urban technologies.

Rainwater harvesting has also been included in the refurbishment of the Sirtrack building, Invertebrate Containment Facility and the new greenhouse gas facility at Lincoln.

We own and lease relatively little land and have no adverse impact on biodiversity. Most of the gardens around our buildings are planted in native species, some of which are rare or have special biodiversity interest. The national flax and cabbage tree (native species of cultural significance) living collections are at our Lincoln site.

At least a third of our research directly benefits biodiversity. Our work covers all aspects of genetic, species, community and ecosystem diversity; it also includes below-ground, above ground and freshwater biodiversity.

We have a number of research programmes focused on protecting and restoring natural, productive and urban habitats. Our preferred source of carbon credits for offsetting our greenhouse gas emissions is from natural regeneration of forest on marginal hill country (EBEX21 credits).

Much of our research is focused on managing and restoring biodiversity.

Not material.

Our research benefits endangered species. While we report on the number of native species accidentally killed as bycatch, none of these species are endangered & we have put considerable effort into field techniques that minimise accidental bycatch.

We follow carboNZero programme processes for measuring GHG emissions. Our processes and data are externally verified by Telarc.

Our business travel data is sourced through the agency that manages our travel. We have worked closely with them to develop monitoring and reporting systems to meet our needs. We do not report on emissions associated with staff commuting to work although we are conscious of this issue. We support car-pooling and biking, and work with public transport agencies to improve public transport options for commuting to work.

Refer to ‘Branded commercial services’ in the ‘Knowledge & technology transfer’ section of ourAnnual Report 2011 Part 1.

We produce minimal ozone depleting substances. However, for the last two years, we have had two undetected refrigerant leaks at our Auckland facilities. The global warming potential of this leak was entirely offset with additional carbon credits.

Not material to the impact of our operations.

We produce minimal other air emissions. Part of our research is focused on reducing and mitigating NO_x emissions associated with pastoral farming, especially dairying.

We now monitor water consumption across our 5 main sites that contain all laboratories and 95% of staff.

Our water discharges are not significant.

We monitor wastewater discharges at our Auckland facilities, as part of low impact urban design research, but not our other sites.

Our goal is to send zero compostable, recyclable or reusable waste to landfill.

Not material and not reported.

We had no spills. If a spill had occurred, it would have been covered in our environmental performance and compliance reporting.

Not material and not reported.

We do use minimal quantities of some hazardous substances and these are disposed off in a safe and proper manner. This is part of our ISO 14001 audit and part of the ACC’s Workplace Safety Management Practices tertiary accreditation.

In 2012 CRI Procurement Forum will be negotiating a new, pan-CRI hazardous waste contract to improve our collective capability and cost-effectiveness in managing this waste stream.

Not Material.

Our water discharges cause no adverse affects. Part of our research is focused on low impact technologies that help prevent water bodies being contaminated by stormwater runoff. Another part of our research assesses the biological impacts of discharges and contaminants, and seeks ways to reduce and mitigate these to improve the health of receiving waters.

Refer to ‘Branded commercial services’ in the ‘Knowledge & technology transfer’ section of ourAnnual Report 2011 Part 1.

Not Material. 

Landcare Research is a scientific research organisation and does not manufacture or sell packaged products.

Minimising packaging is a consideration on our procurement policies.

Reports to clients on contracted research results are sent electronically where possible or presented on recycled paper when printed copies are required.

We must comply with a wide range of environmental regulations and laws. We had no instances of non-compliance.

BikeWise is a national event to encourage more sustainable commuting and recreational transport. The goal is to get the highest percentage of employees riding a bicycle during the month of the challenge. Landcare Research has won the national BikeWise Challenge for 3 consecutive years, and were well-placed to do so again in 2010/11. Unfortunately the highly damaging Christchurch earthquake occurred in BikeWise month affecting half of our staff. While robust bicycles were an excellent means of getting around severely damaged roads and bridges, the last thing on anyone’s mind was BikeWise. Despite this, Landcare Research came third.

All our research programmes are for environmental protection.

Labour practices and decent work

Management disclosure approach

Our people

Refer to VII Human Resources (page 48) in Annual Report 2011 Part 1.

Turnover by employment group is reported but not by age group and gender; all staff are within New Zealand.

Refer to VII Human Resources (page 48) in Annual Report 2011 Part 1.

Differences between temporary, part time and full time staff not discussed. Never-the-less we have an equitable approach to employment conditions for all staff.

Tier 3 managers are excluded from being part of the collective employment agreement.

Not material.

The series of severely damaging Canterbury earthquakes disrupted operations at our Lincoln site. Alas, the earthquakes gave us no warning whatsoever, but following each event, staff were kept as fully informed as possible.This year, our CEO resigned for another position, and a new CEO was appointed. As the new CEO was already Acting CEO and a Science GM, there were no material interruptions or changes in company operations.

Staff have been kept informed of the CRI Taskforce Review findings and potential implications.

However, in past years where there has been significant restructuring, there was extensive on-going consultation with staff, including the PSA (the only union that we have). Impacts of restructuring are included in our collective employment agreement and individual contracts.

Percentage of staff on health & safety committees (LCR indicator)

Refer to VII Human Resources (page 48) in Annual Report 2011 Part 1.

Union representation

The Public Service Association (PSA) is the only staff union in Landcare Research and 45% of the staff belong.

The PSA has member representatives on Site HSE Committees at Lincoln, Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, and Dunedin, with regular input into H&S objectives and management at these sites. The site HSE objectives are detailed in documents on the Landcare Research intranet and are reviewed at least annually by PSA member representatives. PSA delegates also have H&S input at a Corporate level through the site HSE Committees and the company-wide PSA Partnership Forum.

We report on $ investment in training, including a a proportion of the payroll. We do not report the hours spent on training.

We have a number of initiatives to assist staff in managing career endings including moving to part-time employment and becoming Research Associates. However we have not reported in detail.

All staff have an annual performance appraisal. Career development is a formal part of these appraisals.

Society

Management disclosure approach

Not material: Issues relating to the GRI’s G3 Society indicators are well covered in New Zealand legislation and we are fully compliant with the legislation. Where our research programmes may be relevant to local communities, we engage with them as stakeholders but we do not have an adverse impact on those communities. Our research is of public–good benefit. Our performance is closely scrutinised by the Government through COMU and MSI; as CRIs, we are not permitted to engage in political lobbying. Our financial accounts are audited by a Government–appointed auditor.

Not reported & Not material to the scale of our research programmes; if research programmes may be relevant to local communities, we engage them as stakeholders in our programmes so that any benefits (outcomes) persist after completion of the research.

Not reported & Not material.

Corruption is not a significant issue in New Zealand; our performance is scrutinised by our independent Board of Directors, and quarterly by the Government through CCMAU; and our financial statements undergo a comprehensive examination by an external Government-appointed auditor.

Not reported & Not material.

Corruption is not an issue.

Also refer to ABOUT US: Our principles: Ethics

Not reported & Not material

There were no incidents of corruption.

Not reported & Not material

Much of our research underpins policy development for environmental sustainability but we do not engage in lobbying.

Not reported & not material

We do not make contributions to political parties, etc.

Not reported & not material

No legal actions; we do not engage in these types of activities … indeed funding for research is fiercely competitive.

Not reported & not material

No legal actions; we do not engage in these types of activities … indeed funding for research is fiercely competitive.

Product responsibility

Management disclosure approach

Impacts & integrity of our research.

As described in the Aspects and Indicators, this part of the GRI framework is not particularly material to our reporting. However, we have provided an explanation of our approach to ensuring the impact & integrity of our research including issues such as ‘product’ responsibility in terms of research outputs and impartiality.

Not reported & Not material

We are a research organisation, not a manufacturer or producer. We have an Ethics Committee for work on human subjects (attitude surveys, focus groups etc) as well as an Animal Ethics committee.

A relatively new area of life-cycle management involves working with industry to improve the carbon and water footprints of products e.g., fruit grown in NZ and exported to the Northern Hemisphere.

Not reported & Not material

We are a research organisation, not a manufacturer or producer.

Not reported & Not material

We are a research organisation, not a manufacturer or producer. However we take the integrity of our research and research outputs very seriously. We use peer review processes and external reviews.

Not reported & Not material

We are a research organisation, not a manufacturer or producer. We work with research clients and users to make sure any technologies or processes are fully compliant with all legislation.

Our carboNZero and Enviro-Mark®NZ programmes are certification schemes with a strong focus on the quality of external auditing and verification processes.

Client survey Annual Report 2011 Part 1: see page 8 and page 26.

In addition to the formal client survey, which is conducted by an independent company, we have regular meetings with customers at both senior manager and operational level staff. We are strong advocates for a partnership approach to research and have a number of client staff and research users in our research programmes.

Not reported & Not material

We are a research organisation, not a manufacturer or producer; we contribute a small amount of sponsorship to scientific conferences or local community events but this is not material to product responsibility. Our carboNZero and Enviro-Mark®NZ programmes engage in a limited amount of advertising but are fully compliant.

Landcare Research uses the certification marks (ISO 14001, ACC’s WPSM tertiary certification) for which we are fully compliant in some of our communications.

Not reported & Not material

We are a research organisation, not a manufacturer or producer. We have had no instances of non-compliance.

Not reported & Not material

We carry out research under contract to customers but respect all agreements; we have had no incidences or complaints regarding privacy breaches or loss of data, and are fully compliant with New Zealand laws on Privacy and Anti-Spam.

Not reported & Not material

We had no instances of non-compliance.

Economic

Management disclosure approach

Our business strategy

Also refer to Economic impacts, Our people, Science for sustainability, and our Annual Report 2011 Part 2: Directors’ Report and Financial Statements.

Good employer: Pension schemes.

Also refer to Socially responsible: insurances.

Good employer: Market relativities.

Organisational development

We report on the countries that our employees come from.

There is no discrimination for or against local employees; we seek the best person for the job.

We report on the countries that our employees come from.

Most of our research provides public benefit. Benefit to New Zealand is one of the requirements under the CRIs Act 1992.

Also refer to ourAnnual Report 2011 Part 1.

Also refer to our Annual Report 2011 Part 1.

Human rights

Management disclosure approach

Not material: Human Rights are well covered in New Zealand legislation and we are fully compliant with the legislation.  We have comprehensive management policies and monitoring systems covering all aspects of EEO, good employer and ethical responsibilities. These policies are available to our staff on our intranet.

Not material.

We do not have investment agreements where this situation could be of concern. We principally operate in New Zealand where human rights issues are covered by comprehensive legislation and high public awareness.

Not material.

The most material issue for us relates to our purchase of IT equipment. We use suppliers that advocate for corporate social responsibility and global citizenship, and use third party audits of suppliers.

We use Fair Trade tea and coffee.

Paper supplies are primarily manufactured in New Zealand.

Not material.

All staff must comply with EEO requirements as a matter of course. Similarly staff are expected to meet our responsibilities under the Treaty of Waitangi.

Some staff work in countries that have a less than ideal human rights record but their role in aid-funded projects is capacity building and training in sustainable land management and health to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihood of local people.

No instances of discrimination.

Not material.

We principally operate in New Zealand where human rights issues are covered by comprehensive legislation and high public awareness. Some staff work in countries that have a less than ideal human rights record but their role in (mostly aid-funded projects) is collaborative research, capacity building and training in sustainable land management to alleviate poverty, pest management and biodiversity conservation, and improve the livelihood of local people. Staff are not permitted to engage in politics. These projects form only a small part of our total research.

Not material.

The most material issue for us relates to our purchase of IT equipment. We use suppliers that advocate for corporate social responsibility and global citizenship, and who use third party audits of suppliers.

Not material.

The most material issue for us relates to our purchase of IT equipment. We use suppliers that advocate for corporate social responsibility and global citizenship, and who use third party audits of suppliers.

Not material.

While reputable private security companies are contracted to make periodic checks on our premises at night, human rights is not a significant issue for New Zealand.