| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
This list aims to answer questions on how to apply to be a full signatory or pledge member of the charter and what it entails. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Heather Allen (+32 2 661 31 90 email: heather.allen@uit.com) at UITP.
WE DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – CAN WE STILL SIGN THE CHARTER?
Yes, you can become a pledge signatory. This means that you will commit to the introduction of the three principles of sustainable development in your organisation with the view to fulfilling the criteria to become a full Charter signatory. Pledge signatories are required to demonstrate that they have set processes in place to work towards this in the time period between UITP World Congresses. This may vary as signatories may sign up at any time.
THE BENEFITS OF SIGNING THE CHARTER.
Your organization joins a dynamic international network of signatories to the charter. This brings support and added value to what your organization is doing and also to the people in your organization who are implementing the measures and policies.
In addition there are many opportunities to highlight examples of best practice. Signatories are invited to make short presentations at the UITP Sustainable Development Coaching and Training Workshops and examples from the signatories are collected and cited in the biannual report prepared for the World Congress.
In addition, UITP uses examples from signatories on specific issues in its international advocacy work and work with other international agencies such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) ; UN Commission of Sustainable Development (UNCSD) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
DOES THIS COST US ANYTHING?
There is no charge by UITP to take part in this initiative. However, any training, environmental management systems, reporting etc. that are committed to as parts of the charter are costs determined by and covered by the individual signatories.
Signatories are expected to attend at least one sustainable development workshop or meeting in the two year period.
UITP gives signatories support with its coaching and training workshops (dates available via the UITP web site); masterclasses (only available in English at the present time; and the AD Little module of management reporting training.
WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION CAN WE SEND IN TO SUPPORT OUR APPLICATION
The following (non-exhaustive list) is useful extra supporting information for full charter signatories to add to their application if available. Short descriptions of:
- Environmental management systems, pollution/energy control, waste management or other practises reducing environmental impact;
- Codes of conduct* or charters (with suppliers, employees and or passengers);
- Level of accessibility of system (preferably as a percentage with details – fleet, infrastructure etc);
- Equal opportunities and or diversity programmes;
- Environmental or social responsible practises or initiatives;
- Certification (ISO, EMAS, Global Compact etc.);
- Stakeholder dialogue.
* A Code of Conduct sets out the policies and practices that a Company has developed to deal responsibly with its internal and external stakeholders.
WE ARE ALREADY ISO 14000 COMPLIANT – IT IS A LONG AND RELATIVELY COMPLICATED PROCESS. DO WE HAVE TO MAKE MORE EFFORT TO SIGN THE UITP CHARTER?
ISO 14000 amply covers all environmental aspects but does not include social reporting. You may still already have enough social reporting or initiatives that supports the social aspect of sustainable development (it may be in your annual report or environmental health and safety report) to comply as a full signatory. Indicate clearly on your application your ISO certification (s) with their date.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORTING IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN OUR COUNTRY – DOES THIS MEAN THAT WE AUTOMATICALLY COMPLY?
It is very likely that you will comply but each case is still judged on its own merits in order for the Charter signatories to have, as far as possible, a common level of entry.
IF WE SIGN THE CHARTER AS A FULL SIGNATORY, DO WE HAVE TO TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTIONS?
One aim of this initiative is to have all Charter signatories continuously improve in their actions to contribute towards sustainable development and, in this context, to set out measurable actions for all charter signatories (full and pledge signatories) to be achieved or implemented over a two-year period. These are chosen on a voluntary basis but should be reported to UITP.
IF WE SIGN THE PLEDGE, WILL WE RECEIVE ANY SUPPORT TO MEET OUR COMMITMENT?
UITP organises a series of regional coaching and training workshops, toolkits and exchange of knowledge and experience by other signatories as part of the network. A mid term assessment meeting is held mid way between congresses to update and review the process. (see before).
HOW DO I KNOW WHO ELSE HAS SIGNED
An updated list of Charter signatories is posted on the UITP web site and a poster (updated on a six monthly basis) is visibly displayed at the UITP General Secretariat.
HOW CAN MY ORGANISATION BENEFIT FROM INCORPORATING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AS A STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE?
All companies and organisations are looking for ways of using resources more efficiently, to make the workplace safer, to enhance the skills and effectiveness of employees. All these activities return value in the form of lower costs, higher productivity, reduced risks, higher employee morale and corporate pride and a stronger corporate reputation and image.
The main benefits can be identified as
- Saving costs, conserving resources and improving productivity by reducing environmental impact and incorporating all stakeholder, including employee, concerns;
- Accessing new customers and markets through environmental improvements and benefits to the local economy and increasing demand for products and services;
- Reducing risk through engagement with stakeholders;
- Improving relations with communities, governments, NGOs and lobbyists
- Building reputation by increasing environmental efficiency and brand image;
- Developing human capital through better human resource management and enhancing ability to attract and retain high quality employees; and
- Improve access to resources through better governance
WHAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF STEPS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY AN ORGANISATION COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?
This is such an example:
- Comply with all relevant environmental laws and, in the absence of these, seek out and observe accepted best international practise as appropriate.
- Employ a company/corporate/organisation wide Environmental Management System
- Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments for all new projects, where required by law and suggested best practise, and implement the recommendations
- Ensure that contractors and partners implement any recommendations to achieve acceptable environmental standards, train and encourage all suppliers to adopt environmentally-acceptable practises in products and services supplied
- Educate, train and communicate regularly with staff on sustainable development and raise their awareness of the issues involved
- Educate and communicate with all stakeholders such as passengers, other customers, legislators, other opinion makers and even the general public where appropriate on sustainable development and the commitment of the organisation
- Set performance goals and if possible engage third party environmental/sustainable) audits, publishing the results with the aim of continuous improvement.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
A continuously updated list of web sites and information is available from the Sustainable Development section of the UITP web site (www.uitp.com).
Best practise and examples from other signatories can be found on the UITP electronic documentation library Mobi+. A password
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