BRUSSELS, Belgium, April 29, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Fortis has today published its first sustainability report. This report underscores Fortis's belief that corporate sustainability and operational success go hand in hand. The report refers to the formulation of plans and initiatives to enhance Fortis's corporate sustainability even further.Jean-Paul Votron, CEO of Fortis says: 'This report is a first step in a process that will continue in the years ahead and will lead to better results. This is not a solitary process for Fortis, but one which we are undertaking together with our stakeholders, involved in and committed to our company.'
To Fortis, corporate sustainability means conducting business in a responsible manner, that is achieving sustainable economic growth, while anticipating the legitimate interests of our stakeholders and taking social and environmental responsibility.
Mr Votron goes on: 'Developing relationships within and outside Fortis to create an inspired community is perhaps the greatest opportunity that corporate sustainability offers us.'
Agenda 2006 -- the roadmap for sustainability -- is a plan for improving Fortis's corporate sustainability performance. It defines the aspirations, priorities and proposed activities. Fortis aims at achieving a higher and more visible sustainability profile by the end of 2006. Fortis has already succeeded in this in some areas and is even a driving force in certain cases.
Fortis Bank's Energy Desk, for example, is the leading service provider in the market for CO2 emission allowances. Its success in this field demonstrates the market's receptiveness to corporate sustainability initiatives. In the reporting year, Fortis Bank received the 'Carbon Trade of the Year Award' for the first-ever trade of European Union Emission Allowances based on the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA)'s Master Agreement.
Fortis Venturing -- an internal unit where the innovative ideas of Fortis staff are developed and put into effect -- is regarded internationally as a model operation for discovering new sources of corporate growth. The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne has created a major case study of Fortis Venturing.
Through the Fortis Foundations in Belgium and the Netherlands, thousands of Fortis employees put their knowledge and skills at the disposal of community organisations. The foundations are frequently emulated by other companies in both countries.
In the context of Agenda 2006, a Fortis-wide policy on doing business with the defence industry was formulated last year. This policy was finalised after thorough internal and external review. Fortis does not wish to finance or invest in any business that is directly involved in the production or trade of controversial weapons, or any other related activity. Please see our website for more information.
The corporate sustainability report is available on www.fortis.com as from Friday, 29 April. It is published in three languages (Dutch, English and French). A concise view on Fortis's ambitions and activities will be issued in hard copy on 25 May.
Fortis is an integrated financial services provider active in the fields of banking and insurance. With a market capitalization of EUR 28.6 billion (31/03/2005) and around 51,000 employees, Fortis ranks in the top 20 of European financial institutions. In its home market, the Benelux countries, Fortis occupies a leading position which it aims to develop and bolster. Fortis is drawing on the expertise it has acquired in its home market to realize its European ambitions via growth platforms. Fortis also operates successfully worldwide in selected activities. In specific countries in Europe and Asia it effectively exploits its know-how and experience in bancassurance. Fortis is listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg and has a sponsored ADR programme in the United States. More information is available on www.fortis.com
Fortis Corporate Sustainability Report (English) http://hugin.info/134212/R/992085/149662.pdf