Introduction by the Managing Directors of BDI
At BDI-BioEnergy International, we are aware of the importance of our mission: We are passionate about finding solutions for a greener future. We are a reliable partner for complex process engineering tasks and problems and take responsibility from the idea to the tailor-made industrial systems. We are proud of our tradition and stand for the highest ethical standards, integrity and social responsibility.
The Code of Conduct serves as a guideline for our daily actions and constitutes the binding foundation for our conduct towards customers, colleagues, business partners and society. It reflects our values and principles and ensures that we conduct BDI-BioEnergy International’s business in a fair, responsible and transparent manner.
This document sets out our expectations for conduct and ethics in a variety of business situations. It provides guidance and clear rules for compliance with legal regulations and for maintaining our reputation as a trustworthy company.
All of us, regardless of our position in the company, are responsible for respecting and implementing these principles. Our shared goal is to make a positive contribution to the environment and social cohesion by developing sustainable technologies while meeting the highest moral and ethical standards. Together we can ensure that BDI-BioEnergy International remains a company that we can be proud of.
Our principles and values
CUSTOMERS
Our concepts, complete systems and products are tailored to the specific needs of our customers.
COMPETENCE
We are a team of highly qualified employees.
PROGRESS
We are constantly developing our technologies and conducting intensive research into new ideas.
QUALITY
We stand for excellence in the conception and implementation of ideas, projects and products.
CERTIFICATIONS
We attach great importance to integrated management systems. Our in-house quality management therefore includes continuously optimized occupational health and safety management for the entire company.
RESPONSIBILITY, SOLIDARITY, TRUST
We develop trust and take responsibility.
TEAM SPIRIT, SAFE ENVIRONMENT, LOYALTY
We stand by our company and create a safe and socially stable environment.
RESPECT, EMPATHY, APPRECIATION
We treat each other with respect and tolerance, listen to one another, show empathy and communicate openly, clearly and transparently.
CLARITY, STAYING ON TRACK, FOCUS
We practice clarity and transparency in our goals and never lose sight of them.
FLEXIBILITY, PROACTIVITY, AGILITY
We enable flexibility within a secure framework and provide our employees with the necessary decision making powers.
Who does this Code of Conduct apply to?
This Code of Conduct applies to all employees of the BDI-BioEnergy International GmbH regardless of
position, area of responsibility, position in company hierarchy or location.
In addition, we ensure that everyone who performs services for us or on our behalf adheres to high ethical
standards. We expect our business partners, customers and suppliers, in particular, to adhere to the same
principles and policies and to comply with all laws, rules, regulations and, in particular, human rights.
Working environment
The transparency and high quality of our corporate communications are an important part of our corporate
governance. We take responsibility and do not shy away from questioning our own decisions and actions.
At the same time, we create a working environment characterized by respect. We treat all employees
equally and treat one other with trust, empathy and consideration. Our aim is to ensure that we maximize
diversity in our teams and promote all employees according to their aptitude and offer them an opportunity
for further development. We support our employees by offering them a good work-life balance.
Health and safety of our employees
Protecting the health and safety of our employees is an important issue. Applicable regulations must be
strictly adhered to in order to prevent work-related illnesses and injuries. We therefore strive to provide the
best possible and safest working conditions, prepare for emergency situations, ensure that employees
receive appropriate training on health and safety issues and promote a continuous improvement process.
Environmental protection
Our environment matters a great deal to us, which is why climate and environmental protection as well as
resource efficiency are important issues for us. We have many years of international experience in the sustainable use of raw materials, in the reduction and optimization of waste streams and in chemical and bio-
chemical synthesis. When developing new projects and building new facilities, we also ensure that natural
resources are treated with care.
We comply with all applicable laws and local regulations regarding environmental impact and protection,
particularly with regard to energy, greenhouse gas emissions, waste and water.
We strive to source products and services in a responsible and sustainable manner and to continuously
reduce any kind of negative environmental impact. Causing harmful soil changes, water pollution, air pollution, harmful noise emissions or excessive water consumption that impacts natural food resources, denies
local access to clean drinking water or sanitation or affects people’s health must be avoided. Environmental
awareness and appropriate training within the company are actively promoted.
Information security
Data protection is a fundamental right for companies and individuals. Sensitive data and business documents of our customers are treated confidentially and appropriately protected from access and exposure
to colleagues and other third parties who are not involved. Personal data, in particular from employees,
customers and suppliers, is not collected or processed without the consent of the data subjects or without
being legally permitted.
Compliance with the law
We perform our tasks professionally and in full compliance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations both in Austria and in all other countries in which we operate.
Our employees are duty-bound to inform themselves about the regulations that apply to their tasks, which is made much easier for them through a comprehensive range of internal and external training courses.
Our books, annual reports and regulatory reporting comply with the applicable laws and accounting principles.
In our business activities, we comply with applicable tax laws and by paying taxes we contribute to the economies of the countries in which we do business. Our employees are duty-bound to avoid any practices that involve unlawful tax avoidance.
We are committed to a free and competitive market and observe all rules for fair competition as well as the rules on market conduct at international level.
Our employees are encouraged to resist attempts at bribery or unlawful gratuities. Acts of bribery or corruption and fraudulent acts such as embezzlement, misappropriation, fraud or theft by our employees, suppliers or third parties with whom we do business or who act on our behalf are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Officials may also not be offered or granted any incentives.
We comply with all laws to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism, and do not participate in
money laundering activities.
We do not do business with companies that trade in certain goods and technologies that are subject to sanctions or embargoes.
We respect the intellectual property of our business partners and require them, including their subsidiaries
and affiliates, regardless of their legal system, to respect all intellectual property of the BDI-BioEnergy International and third parties, in particular trademarks, patents, designs, domain names and copyrights as well as know-how and trade secrets, and to comply with applicable intellectual property and trade secret laws.
Without written permission, we do not use our business partners’ intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, designs, domain names or copyrights nor allow our business partners to use our intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, designs, domain names or copyrights.
We comply with the relevant customs import and export regulations applicable to our business relationship as well as the applicable international sanctions and export control restrictions.
Human rights and working conditions
We respect and support the protection of human rights as enshrined in the European Convention on Hu-
man Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
We strictly reject all forms of forced and child labor. We believe it is our duty to comply with regulations
prohibiting human trafficking, particularly with regard to modern slavery and forced labor. Forced and involuntary labor are prohibited. This applies to any form of forced labor that is demanded of a person under threat of punishment (e.g. by withholding identification documents). An employee’s service must be voluntary. Written employment contracts must comply with international regulations, with employees having the right to terminate their contract by giving reasonable notice. We also do not tolerate any form of physical or psychological punishment, torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment. Threats or acts of violence, whether in the workplace or in other work-related circumstances, will not be tolerated and must be reported immediately.
The exploitation of children and child labor are prohibited. The minimum working age is 15 years. If national laws require a higher age, this will apply. We ensure that the rights of young employees are protected in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In principle, young people under the age of 18 are not allowed to work for a period of at least twelve consecutive hours, especially between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. We consistently ensure that young people under the age of 18 are not admitted to any employment or work that may endanger health, safety or morals due to the nature or circumstances in which it is carried out.
We do not tolerate or excuse any type of discrimination (e.g., based on age, ethnicity, race or color, national origin, religion or belief, political or other opinion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital or family status, pregnancy or other physical characteristics), violence, harassment, bullying or intimidation in the workplace. This applies in particular to employment, remuneration, access to further training, promotion, termination of employment or retirement.
Working hours must comply with the applicable laws, regulations and collective agreements. Overtime and maximum working hours may not exceed the extent permitted by law, taking the needs of employees into account. Business trips must be carried out in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. The daily and weekly rest periods and holiday rest periods prescribed by law must be strictly observed.
Appropriate leave entitlement and maternity leave are granted in accordance with the statutory provisions.
Remuneration of our employees
Remuneration for regular working hours and overtime must comply with applicable laws and current industry standards. Remuneration and benefits must be based on work performance in a non-discriminatory manner and remuneration must be reviewed regularly.
Unauthorized deductions or deductions from remuneration as a disciplinary measure are prohibited. Employees must receive all remuneration prescribed by law, as well as transparent, detailed and regular information on the calculation of their remuneration. Remuneration must be paid on time, at regular intervals (at least monthly) and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Violations of this Code of Conduct
In the event of a breach of this Code of Conduct, we will ensure that the situation is resolved immediately (e.g. by terminating the employment of the person concerned or the business relationship with the respective business partner).
