EcoloBlue's Communication on Progress

Participant
Published
  • 10-Feb-2016
Time period
  • February 2015  –  February 2016
Format
  • Stand alone document – Basic COP Template
Differentiation Level
  • This COP qualifies for the Global Compact Active level
Self-assessment
  • Includes a CEO statement of continued support for the UN Global Compact and its ten principles
  • Description of actions or relevant policies related to Human Rights
  • Description of actions or relevant policies related to Labour
  • Description of actions or relevant policies related to Environment
  • Description of actions or relevant policies related to Anti-Corruption
  • Includes a measurement of outcomes
 
  • Statement of continued support by the Chief Executive Officer
  • Statement of the company's chief executive (CEO or equivalent) expressing continued support for the Global Compact and renewing the company's ongoing commitment to the initiative and its principles.

  • Jan 26, 2016

    To our stakeholders:

    I am pleased to confirm that EcoloBlue, Inc reaffirms its support of the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact in the areas of Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-Corruption.

    In this annual Communication on Progress, we describe our actions to continually improve the integration of the Global Compact and its principles into our business strategy, culture and daily operations. We also commit to share this information with our stakeholders using our primary channels of communication.

    Sincerely yours,

    Wayne Ferreira
    
President and Owner

Human Rights
  • Assessment, policy and goals
  • Description of the relevance of human rights for the company (i.e. human rights risk-assessment). Description of policies, public commitments and company goals on Human Rights.

  • Below are 3 areas of our employee handbook, that describe our policies against harassment.

    4.7 Harassment Policy - EcoloBlue, Inc. does not tolerate workplace harassment. Workplace harassment can take many forms. It may be, but is not limited to, words, signs, offensive jokes, cartoons, pictures, posters, e-mail jokes or statements, pranks, intimidation, physical assaults or contact, or violence.

    4.8 Sexual Harassment Policy - EcoloBlue, Inc. does not tolerate sexual harassment Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other unwelcome verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature when such conduct creates an offensive, hostile, and intimidating working environment and prevents an individual from effectively performing the duties of their position.

    4.9 Violence in the Workplace - EcoloBlue, Inc. has adopted a policy prohibiting workplace violence. Consistent with this policy, acts or threats of physical violence, including intimidation, harassment, and/or coercion, which involve or affect EcoloBlue.

    EcoloBlue plans to uphold it's policies for new and existing employees, for the safety and welfare of everyone. On a global scale, the corporate mission is to bring our solutions to those without safe, clean water. We already supply homes with our technology in the U.S. and globally. Water is the most basic human right.

    EcoloBlue also plans to implement a program, where each of our new Dealers and Distributors sign a contract, also agreeing to uphold the principles of the Global Compact.

  • Implementation
  • Description of concrete actions to implement Human Rights policies, address Human Rights risks and respond to Human Rights violations.

  • EcoloBlue has an open door policy. Employees are free to speak their minds to discuss policies, suggestions for the company, or individual issues without fear of repercussions. As EcoloBlue is a global company, with business dealings all over the world, we remain aware, and respect the customs of these different nations in order to keep a respectful working relationship.

    9.1 Open Communication
    EcoloBlue, Inc. encourages employees to discuss any issues they may have with a co-worker directly with that person. If a resolution is not reached, employees should arrange a meeting with their direct supervisor. If the concern, problem, or issue is not properly addressed, employees should contact the Human Resources Department. Any information discussed in an Open Communication meeting is considered confidential, to the extent possible while still allowing management to respond to the problem. Retaliation against any employee for appropriate usage of Open Communication channels is unacceptable.

  • Measurement of outcomes
  • Description of how the company monitors and evaluates performance.

  • EcoloBlue performs performance reviews annually. However, employees and managers meet quite often to discuss any current topics that need to be brainstormed or reviewed. Any employee issues are handled as quickly as possible, and the employee, manager, and sometimes upper management work together on a solution. Any human rights violations will be handled swiftly.

Labour
  • Assessment, policy and goals
  • Description of the relevance of labour rights for the company (i.e. labour rights-related risks and opportunities). Description of written policies, public commitments and company goals on labour rights.

  • Below are 3 policies in our employee handbook in regards to discrimination.

    3.1 Equal Employment Opportunity - EcoloBlue, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, weight, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.

    3.2 Affirmative Action/Diversity - EcoloBlue, Inc. is committed to affirmative actions that will build on the strengths of our current workforce and continually enhance the diversity of our organization.

    3.3 Americans with Disabilities Act - It is the policy of EcoloBlue, Inc. to comply with all the relevant and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). EcoloBlue, Inc. will not discriminate against any qualified employee or job applicant with respect to any terms, privileges, or conditions of employment because of a person’s physical or mental disability.

    EcoloBlue also clearly states it's policies on work schedule, lunch and breaks, compensation, safety in the workplace, benefits, and others. EcoloBlue upholds these policies in compliance with the State of California. EcoloBlue also offers flexible work hours and telecommuting.

  • Implementation
  • Description of concrete actions taken by the company to implement labour policies, address labour risks and respond to labour violations.

  • EcoloBlue displays all appropriate labor law posters so that the employees can be apprised of their rights at all times. Management consistently assesses all situations to ensure the employees are working in a safe area, and using safe practices in their work. Additional training in safety, work-life balance, and other workplace topics will be conducted in 2016.

  • Measurement of outcomes
  • Description of how the company monitors and evaluates performance.

  • As EcoloBlue is a global company, we have employees as well as distributors, in numerous countries, of various ages, genders and ethnicities. Fortunately we have not been exposed to any violations of the Global Compact to date, therefore we have not had to address this. However, any violations will be handled swiftly and appropriately.

Environment
  • Assessment, policy and goals
  • Description of the relevance of environmental protection for the company (i.e. environmental risks and opportunities). Description of policies, public commitments and company goals on environmental protection.

  • We believe that everyone on earth deserves the opportunity to have a pure, affordable and sustainable water solution. We do that by pioneering the most technologically advanced, and most sustainable Atmospheric Water Generators (AWG’s) in the World. Our company mission is to provide fresh drinking water to anyone on the planet that is need of it.

    EcoloBlue also plans to implement a program, where each of our new Dealers and Distributors sign a contract, also agreeing to uphold the principles of the Global Compact.

  • Implementation
  • Description of concrete actions to implement environmental policies, address environmental risks and respond to environmental incidents.

  • EcoloBlue manufactures atmospheric water generators that create water from the air. EcoloBlue's main objective is to provide safe drinking water to the planet, and reduce plastic bottle waste in our landfills. We also promote the use of wind and solar technology in conjunction with our products, as it is better for the environment. The planet is experiencing global crises from drought, water contamination, and water related deaths. It is the goal of each employee to promote awareness in the company, to the end goal of bettering the planet.

  • Measurement of outcomes
  • Description of how the company monitors and evaluates environmental performance.

  • We strive every day to make a global impact. However, we also have our own product in use in our office, and provide 99.9% pure water to our employees every day for their health. We are also very concerned with plastic waste, and try to only use reusable cups in our office environment.

    As we have a small staff, it is easy to monitor daily and uphold our internal practices when it comes to the environment.

Anti-Corruption
  • Assessment, policy and goals
  • Description of the relevance of anti-corruption for the company (i.e. anti-corruption risk-assessment). Description of policies, public commitments and company goals on anti-corruption.

  • 4.11 Ethical Standards - EcoloBlue, Inc. insists on the highest ethical standards in conducting its business. Doing the right thing and acting with integrity are the two driving forces behind EcoloBlue’s great success story. When faced with ethical issues, employees are expected to make the right professional decision consistent with EcoloBlue, Inc.’s principles and standards.

    EcoloBlue's policies do not specifically address corruption, bribery and extortion. However, we would have a zero tolerance for any of these crimes. We will review information on these topics, to educate our employees more on these issues and how to handle them.

  • Implementation
  • Description of concrete actions to implement anti-corruption policies, address anti-corruption risks and respond to incidents.

  • Our accounting department and owners, ensure the company's assets are continually audited. All employees are empowered to inform them of any activities deemed unethical.

  • Measurement of outcomes
  • Description of how the company monitors and evaluates anti-corruption performance.

  • EcoloBlue has not had to handle any instances of corruption. As we are a company with global dealings, assurances are made to scrutinize orders and transactions for validity.