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Purpose of our ESG Policy
Framed within the context of Sustainable Development Objectives, the Paris Agreement, and understanding the need for the business sector and the community to adopt new corporate models and practices that address current environmental and social challenges, at Berlitz we have defined new sustainability-focused objectives to redefine ourselves as a triple impact company.
Our mission, "Improving lives globally through language and culture," underscores our commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment. This mission, alongside our core values of Passion, Innovation, Openness, Teamwork, and Respect, guides our sustainability efforts.
We understand that beyond economic profit, organizations exist to fulfill a social mission, striving to create a better world and to be better for society and the environment. In this context, we recognize that, as Berlitz, we have a duty to our stakeholders and the environment to take on a series of commitments and responsibilities by adopting concrete and effective measures to reduce our negative environmental and social impacts and maximize the positives.
By adopting this ESG Policy, all Berlitz employees become agents of positive change in the transition towards a sustainable economy and towards building a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Definitions of our ESG Policy
Refers to long-term changes in global climate patterns, such as rising temperatures, glacier melting, and extreme weather events. It is related to the accumulation of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
It refers to a set of criteria used to evaluate a company's performance and sustainability based on environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices.
In the context of sustainability, impacts refer to the effects or consequences that human activities, decisions, or policies have on the environment, society, and economy. These impacts can be positive, negative, or both, and they are typically assessed and managed to ensure sustainable practices and outcomes.
Any individual, group, or entity that is affected by or has an interest in the activities, decisions, or outcomes of a particular organization or project. Stakeholders can include employees, customers, investors, suppliers, government agencies, communities, and advocacy groups, among others.
It is the balance between economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. It seeks to meet current needs without compromising those of future generations.
It is the ability to maintain a healthy balance between economic, social, and environmental aspects. It involves making conscious decisions to preserve resources and long-term well-being.
They are a set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges worldwide, aiming for a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030.
ESG Committee
To ensure the fulfillment of the commitments made and the objectives and goals set out, we have created an interdisciplinary ESG committee responsible for overseeing the correct application of the contents of this document and all others related to sustainable issues.
- Ensure the correct implementation of the ESG Policy.
- Lead, coordinate, and develop initiatives, activities, or strategies into sustainable practices.
- Prepare periodic reports on the organization’s performance concerning ESG issues.
- Meet periodically to verify compliance with the various processes, commitments or objectives.
- Involve areas or process leaders when their intervention, expertise, or knowledge is necessary and assign roles or tasks as needed.
- Lead initiatives to increase environmental awareness among employees and foster a culture of sustainability within the company.
Materiality Analysis
In developing our sustainability strategy, we engaged stakeholders and applied the materiality methodology to pinpoint our key impacts on the economy, environment, and society. This approach helped identify the ESG issues most important to us and our stakeholders, focusing our efforts, resources, and reporting on critical sustainability areas.
This process was informed by global sustainability trends, sector-specific challenges, and key international frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2030, and the Paris Agreement, enhancing our strategy's effectiveness, decision-making, and transparency.
Our Materiality Impacts
1. Engage and actively involve stakeholders in certain decisions.
2. Implement transparency mechanisms(annual objectives, etc.)
3. Implement processes to ensure compliance with company policies and ethics
4. Ensure that employees are aligned with the company's mission, vision, objectives, and annual goals
1. Implement recycling programs and proper waste management practices along with the use of sustainable materials.
2. Implement processes to save energy and promote efficient usage.
1. Create training programs and workshops to foster personal and professional growth as well as increase awareness of sustainability practices.
2. Reduce salary gaps to ensure fairness and equality.
3. Expand health and wellness plans.
4. Create mechanisms for flexible work and remote work.
5. Create non-discrimination policies based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or group affiliation.
1. Establish partnerships with foundations to develop programs that address social and environmental issues.
Berlitz ESG Programs
After analyzing our material aspects, we have defined five Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's). These programs outline our objectives, goals, and activities that we will focus on over the next few years
Sustainability Strategy
Objectives
1. Engage the Berlitz team in sustainability issues so that there is a greater sense of belonging.
2. Enhance customer relationships by effectively communicating our sustainability policies, practices, and achievements, fostering transparency and trust in our commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
3. Establish strong partnerships and relationships with several foundations and organizations that we can partner with on these initiatives.
Ethics, Compliance and Transparency 1/2
Objectives:
1. Establish clear guidelines for the disclosure of company objectives in order to enhance stakeholder trust.
2. Foster a culture of integrity by implementing training and monitoring systems.
3. Implement regular communication so employees are aligned with Berlitz mission, vision and objectives.
Ethics, Compliance and Transparency 2/2
Compliance Practices:
1. Provide communication on annual financial objectives and goals to employees.
2. Implement compliance training for new employees.
3. Review and update policies to comply with changing regulations and provide access to such policies to employees.
Diversity and Inclusion
Objectives:
1. Prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion goals within Berlitz to improve employees wellbeing and engagement with the organization.
2. Continue disclosing and implementing our policies: Non-discrimination Policy (Employee Handbook) and Diversity and Inclusion and Equity (DEI) Policy.
Wellness
Objectives:
1. Continue working on our good practices of flexible work and remote work.
2. Improve and expand programs and benefits for health and wellness of our employees.
Environmental Practices
Objectives:
1. Implement recycling programs and proper waste management practices along with the use of sustainable materials.
2. Include environmental content in Berlitz Materials curriculum.
3. Train our staff in our ESG policy so that they are conscious of what we are doing and they can promote and keep up with our practices.
4. Become carbon neutral in the close future (2035).