LONG-TERM VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITY – 2008 and Beyond
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is like an iceberg. Most of us know something about it, but there are many aspects hidden beneath the surface. Issues such as acid rain, deforestation, species extinction, Third World poverty, and climate change have captured public attention and shown the relationship between social well-being, environmental stewardship and economic activity.
These issues are only symptoms of a much larger need to re-examine the way we live on our planet and develop our society, called sustainable development. The most commonly used definition of sustainable development is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (UN Brundtland Commission, 1987).
Sustainability has presented the business community with huge challenges and, therefore, huge opportunities. Those companies that rise to the challenge will be the ones that still exist in the future. Those that do not may very well become extinct.
Our partnership with The Natural Step
To ensure that we live up to our Vision and Six Commitments for sustainability we need to take a systems approach. We need a shared understanding of the basic scientific principles that underlie a sustainable society, and describe the sustainable state, as well as a strategy to guide us there.
That’s why Rohm and Haas created a partnership in early 2008 with The Natural Step International. The Natural Step is a leading not-for-profit research, education and advisory organization dedicated to sustainability. In its 19-year history, The Natural Step has worked with hundreds of companies, municipalities, academic institutions and not-for-profit organizations to promote a science-based, systems approach to move toward sustainability.
Moving to a strategic, systems approach to sustainability
Rohm and Haas is committed to taking a strong leadership position in sustainability. To achieve this will require:- A clear, shared definition and understanding of sustainability
- A systems perspective to evaluate and address sustainability impacts and opportunities across our entire value chain
- Convening stakeholders from across sectors and disciplines working together to share, learn and create new sustainable solutions that could not have been realized independently
- Transparency about the current reality – identifying gaps and tracking progress toward our of sustainability
- Leadership—taking a broader leadership role in our industry and society
In rolling out its long-term sustainability platform, Rohm and Haas is committed to this bold leadership challenge.
Sustainability Vision and Six Commitments
Our sustainability journey is set out in our new long-term platform, comprised of a Vision statement and Six Commitments framed by clear scientific principles that define what is needed to achieve the end goal of sustainability. Our Vision and Six Commitments were developed through a comprehensive, participatory process with more than 200 global Rohm and Haas leaders representing all aspects of the Company’s operations.
Our Science-based, Sustainability Principles
To achieve the goal of a sustainable society, companies, communities and individuals must have an understanding of the basic scientific principles that underlie the concept of sustainability―in other words, a clear definition that describes the sustainable state.
Rohm and Haas has adopted The Natural Step’s four system conditions, which define the state of a sustainable society, as the scientific principles guiding our path moving forward
nature is not subject to systematically increeasing...
1...concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth's crust,and, in that society...
2...concentrations of substances produced by society,
3...degradation by physical meansk,
4...people are not subject to conditions that systematically undermine their capacity to meet their needs.
For more information about the sustainability principles, visit www.thenaturalstep.org/en/the-system-conditions.
Our Vision for sustainability
Together, the world is what we make it.
Rohm and Haas has always been dedicated to using science to make the world a better place. Today, we have six commitments to incorporate sustainability in everything we do, challenging us to deliver solutions for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Join Us. Together the world is what we make it.
Our Six Commitments for Sustainability
Our People
We are admired for our commitment to each other and to our work, which drives personal fulfillment and company success, as well as promotes a healthier society.
Innovation for Tomorrow
We contribute to the sustainability of society and our planet by developing innovative technologies for current and future markets.
Smart Solutions
Our technologies enable our customers, and their customers, to develop products and services for a more sustainable future.
Raw Materials for the Future
The materials we start with and benefit from are used safely and efficiently, as well as respect nature’s limits and support the development of society.
Partners for Change
We are leaders in advancing all aspects of sustainable development, openly collaborating with customers, suppliers, communities and governments.
Responsible Operations
Our infrastructure has a positive impact on our company, our communities and ourselves; our operations are a model for others, at home and abroad.