ESG Approach

ESG

Our Approach

Sustainability Principles

The principles of sustainability are designed into the way we do business, integrating our social impact and environmental awareness along with our financial goals.

We make sustainability at the centre of what we do by:

  • Remaining aware that the manufacturing of batteries is an energy intensive process, using substantial quantities of water.
  • Responsibly managing the lead in these batteries because we know it can have a significant environmental and social impact.
    Knowing that our batteries have a significant role to play in the automotive industry’s commitment to reduce emissions, and as part of alternative power solutions including solar energy.
  • Optimising the efficient use of scarce natural resources, minimising waste produced and maximising the use of recycled lead in our manufacturing processes.

Our approach to sustainability is guided by local and international legislation and frameworks including:


  • King IV
  • The JSE Listings Requirements
  • IIRC Integrated Reporting Framework
  • The UN Global Compact
  • The Global Reporting Initiative

Analysis

Customers (existing and potential)

Employees

Suppliers and Trading partners

Business Partners (JVs and associated)​

Government Regulators

Industrial Bodies (NAACM, NAAMSA)​

Media

Consultant and service providers​

Archives
Environment
corner block

Primary concerns: Acceptable return on invested capital, sustainability of the business, access to management.

How we address these concerns: Management engages with analysts frequently to understand their needs and to meet their disclosure requirements where possible. We also participate in industry forums. 

Primary concerns: Product quality, delivery standards, cost competitiveness, brand strength, sustainability of our business, B-BBEE and transformation.

How we address these concerns: Our strategic focus on manufacturing excellence, marketing excellence and cost efficiencies aligns with our customers’ needs. We’re committed to delivering flawless model launches, zero quality incidents and to continue to produce innovative products. We participate in industry forums to better understand our customers’ needs and to represent the interests of automotive component and energy storage manufacturers. Our strategy includes effective management of ESG concerns, transformation and quality production, supported by external verification of sustainability reporting, B-BBEE status and ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949 accreditation. 

Primary concerns: Minimum wage demands, health and safety, transformation, shareholding participation expectation, banning of labour brokers, equal work, equal pay demands, preferred procurement from BEE accredited parties, education, training and skills development demands, company involvement in secondary and tertiary education in communities, rural area economic development expectation, deliverable and sustainable corporate social investment programs, anti-internationalisation and globalisation demands for South African businesses. 

How we address these concerns: We take an ethical approach to doing business, including fair treatment and remuneration of our workers, and a focus on health and safety standards and procedures. Our operations ensure that working conditions are acceptable, including work stations, canteen facilities, ablution facilities and meeting areas. We make a substantial investment in skills development and aim to maintain good relationships with unions as representatives of our employees. We provide fair remuneration through processes including salary benchmarking and formal job grading. We’re committed to transformation, and our CSI projects focus on supporting schools, clinics, NGOs and any other feasible projects or entities. 

Primary concerns: Fair payment terms, fair treatment and sustainability. 

How we address these concerns: We take an ethical approach to doing business and our payment terms align with industry norms. We participate in industry forums to better understand the concerns of suppliers. 

Primary concerns: Financial performance, fair treatment and quality of management. 

How we address these concerns: We’re committed to ethical business practices and respect the interests of our business partners. We also address this through implementation of our strategy. 

Primary concerns: Transformation, health and safety, environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, sustainable employment, corporate social responsibility. 

How we address these concerns: Our commitment to custodianship and ethical business practices supports social and environmental responsibility. We invest in employee development and take a responsible, sensitive approach in line with all regulatory requirements where adjustments are required to employment levels. Our CSI projects promote socio-economic development in our host communities. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. 

Primary concerns: Good corporate conduct, support in engaging government and regulators on industry matters. 

How we address these concerns: We take an ethical approach to doing business and engage with regulators and government to further the interests of the company and broader industry. 

Primary concerns: Access to management. 

How we address these concerns: Management does their best to be accessible to the media, working within any business and time constraints. 

Primary concerns: Fair payment terms, fair treatment and fair contractual responsibility. 

How we address these concerns: We take an ethical approach to doing business, and our payment terms align with industry norms.