Corporate Responsibility

Aker ASA is an industrial investment company that creates value by exercising active ownership in well-run operating companies that deliver products and services in an environmentally friendly, ethical, and socially responsible manner.

The way in which we achieve growth and profitability is as important as the achievements themselves. Through constant awareness and responsiveness, Aker instills confidence among employees, investors, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we live and work.

At Aker ASA, active ownership means taking responsibility. A significant shareholder in several companies, Aker promotes sustainable, responsible businesses driven by solid profitability in an environment of good corporate citizenship.

The board of directors of each company in which Aker is an owner, is encouraged to establish and adhere to guidelines for corporate social responsibility — and monitor compliance with the company’s standards for ethical and socially responsible business conduct. A company’s impact on its community and various social issues is evaluated on an ongoing basis. Such assessments go beyond the fundamental condition of adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.

Aker’s most important contribution to society is its development of operating companies that create value. Our businesses and investments contribute to long-term economic, environmental, and social development. Employees promote success by exercising sound judgment and caution in their daily work.

Aker’s corporate culture is founded on commonly accepted business practices, honesty, and respect for all people. Other strong influences are internationally promulgated standards and guidelines such as the UN’s Global Compact, the Global Reporting Initiative™ (GRI), and OECD guidelines.

Aker realizes its commitment to people, the environment, integrity, and society at large as follows:

People 
Aker motivates and inspires people who work for and with companies that we own. All our efforts are guided by a commitment to protect human rights and individuals affected by our business activities.
Respect for people is demonstrated in a variety of ways, including how a company and its employees interact and shape each other. Aker has a long tradition of involving its employees and their elected representatives in key discussions and decision-making processes. Both human and financial capital are directly represented on the boards of directors of companies that Aker owns.

Environment 
Throughout Aker’s long history, the company has been closely associated with harvesting, extracting, and processing natural resources. Early on, we learned to preserve and protect natural resources so that they can support coming generations.

We work systematically to reduce emissions and minimize environmental stress. The greatest long-term service we can perform for the environment is to exercise proactive ownership that is deeply committed to sustainable harvesting of the ocean’s resources — and to develop and deliver the most environmentally responsible technologies, products, and solutions.

Integrity 
Aker’ success depends on a predictable and well-functioning business climate. Consequently, we strive to raise the bar with high ethical standards. We are trustworthy. Aker is continuously building a culture that values honesty, integrity, and transparency — and we expect our partners to adhere to the same standards.

The company’s core values help ensure integrity and adherence to high ethical standards. Potential ethical dilemmas are discussed regularly in different fora to sharpen awareness of our ethical guidelines and forge improvements.

Society 
Aker is shaped by the company’s history, its people, and society’s values and goals. Aker benefits from operating in open, well organized, and effectively regulated societies. Promoting such qualities benefits everyone.

We seek to maintain an open dialogue with society’s many participants and interest groups. We do not spend company resources on funding political parties or their supporters. All information provided by Aker is to be reliable and correct. We encourage everyone to report misconduct or violations of law, company guidelines, or ethical norms.