“The year 2004 was a year in which we have made further progress in embedding sustainability throughout the company by setting clear targets,” said Gerard Kleisterlee, President and CEO of Royal Philips Electronics. “Sustainability is nothing new for Philips, it has been in our DNA since the company was founded. We see sustainability as our way of doing business, involving all levels of our own organization as well as including our suppliers,” Mr. Kleisterlee added.
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Embedded in the company strategy
Philips’ ‘embedded model’ aims to drive sustainability throughout the whole organization. As promised in the 2003 Sustainability Annual Report, in 2004 we established company-wide Sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in line with the GRI recommendations. Achieving top place in the DJSI in Cyclical Goods & Services for a second consecutive year confirms the company’s determination to meet its goals. In particular, it was noted for strengthening its sustainability governance and integrating sustainability management in all its businesses, regions and functions.
EcoVision program drives positive environmental performance results
Philips is constantly looking for ways to improve the production processes and product innovation from a sustainability perspective. In 2004 Philips launched 21 products that have achieved Green Flagship status, compared with eight in the previous year, adding to the more than 100 Green Flagships already on the market.
Examples of Green Flagships in 2004 are Philips Medical Systems’ iU22 ultrasound system for next generation, real-time 4D imaging. Compared with its predecessors, the iU22 weighs 22% less, eliminates 82% of the hazardous substance mercury, reduces energy consumption by 37%, uses 20% less packaging and offers a 30% improvement in total weight of recyclable material. Another example is CosmoPolis 6600 , an innovative luminaire for outdoor lighting. CosmoPolis Gold weighs 37% less, eliminates the less hazardous substance lead and is 29% more energy efficient than its predecessor.
New business opportunities
In addition to the environmental achievements, Philips has intensified its focus on new business opportunities with sustainability as a key driver at all levels of the economic pyramid. In terms of providing sustainable solutions for the base of the economic pyramid, the company is working on several pilot projects.
A typical example of such an initiative is the DISHA (Distance Healthcare Advancement) pilot project in India. Through DISHA high quality, low-cost diagnostics will be provided to those people in India who are not addressed by the existing healthcare system. Together with local partners, governments and NGOs, these people will have access to a customized ’teleclinical’ truck, equipped with diagnostic equipment, doctors and specialists providing free consultations.
Supplier involvement
Acting sustainable also requires having sustainable suppliers. Through its Supplier Sustainability Involvement Program, the initial group of key suppliers who received the Philips Declaration on Sustainability agreed to adhere to its principles. The document outlines the minimum expectations of behavior in the area of sustainability. This process is reviewed via supplier audits for which a team of 400 Philips auditors has been trained. Sustainability has also been integrated in the global supplier measurement and audit system.