As explained in figure 1.1 in Section-1 the following information is generated by stakeholder consultation/ engagement;.

3.12 Integrating stakeholder information into strategic planning

The feedback received from stakeholders forms one of the significant inputs to the strategic plan development and the consequent strategic objective setting, as is evident in Tata Steel’s strategic objectives and plan outlined in Figure 1.1 in Section 1, MD’s Balance Score Card (Figure#3.7). The relationship of nature of information generated and the issues identified by Tata Steel and consequently the strategic objectives derived from the same have been delineated at Figure 1.3 & 1.5 in Section 1. The use of information to develop sustainability programmes is listed below.

3.13 Following the path of precautionary approach

Precautionary approach is the underlying spirit of every policy or guideline formulated at Tata Steel. This is indicated in the Tata Code of Conduct, which states under National Interest (Clause#1) that “it shall not undertake any project or activity to the detriment of the Nation’s interest or those that will have any adverse impact on the social and cultural life patterns of its citizens”

Further, Tata Steel commits itself to providing a safe and healthy working environment and preservation of the environment of the territory it operates in. It shall be committed to prevent the wasteful use of natural resources and minimise any hazardous impact of the development, production, use and disposal of any of its products and services on the ecological environment. The essence of these policies is that the merit of every activity, project or process proposed is evaluated besides its financial performance, on environmental and social performance also before adoption (EIA for all projects, carrying capacity of the region, implementation of EMS and LCA). LCA is regularly carried out for integrated iron and steel making route. The outputs on emissions, discharges, resource usage and global warming are analysed, targets are taken for continual improvement under EMS. Hence, only those proposals are selected which ensure compliance with these policies, thereby perpetuating the precautionary principle. As an example the environmental impact assessments are carried out for all projects to be implemented and necessary environmental management plans are integrated in the project to internalise the cost (up-gradation of “F” Blast Furnace).

3.14 Respecting externally developed, voluntary charters, sets of principles

Tata Steel is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (in 1998) and abides by its principles. The principles of UN Global Compact address Human Rights, Labour Rights and Environment and have been included at Annexure- I. Tata Steel is also a signatory to the Tata Group’s Code of Conduct (in 1997). The salient clauses of the code of conduct pertaining to National Interest, Competition, Equal Opportunity Employment, Health, Safety and Environment, Quality of products and services, Corporate Citizenship, Public Representation, Ethical Conduct, Regulatory Compliance and political non-alignment have been included at Annexure – II.

Tata Steel is a signatory of CORE (Corporate Round Table on Environment and Sustainable Development) Charter initiated by the then Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) (in 1999), New Delhi based on the guidelines provided in International Chamber of Commerce Charter on Sustainable Development. Details of CORE Charter are given in Annexure-III. The requirements of these are integrated in business through various tools adopted by Tata Steel such as ISO-14001, ISO-9001, OSHAS-18001 (under implementation), Corporate Sustainability Management System and Tata Business Excellence Model and are reflected in MD’s Balance Score Card presented in Figure-3.7.