A Way of Life
In 2016 we launched a new Sustainability Policy, which points out our definition for sustainability.
Truly sustainable architecture is ensured by incorporating sustainability from inception, throughout the design process and in the delivery of every project. Our Sustainable Architecture Model, including seven primary aspects, is most successfully adopted when the sustainability focus of a project is clearly defined; usually this takes place in workshops with our clients and other stakeholders. It is an iterative process; ideas are tested and evaluated, revised and evaluated again.
Our sustainability commitment aligns with the UN Global Compact's ten principles on Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-Corruption, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Six of the goals are in particular alignment with our business strategy and our daily work: ensuring sustainable energy, taking action to reduce climate change, making cities inclusive, safe and resilient, reducing the use of resources, protecting the ecosystems, working in partnerships.
Stakeholders engagement
By understanding and considering our stakeholders’ interests and opinions, we can develop ourselves and take responsibility within our sphere of influence. Our stakeholders are end-users, developers, real estate owners, consultants, contractors, municipalities, local communities, organisations, academy, media and our employees.
We involve our stakeholders in various ways; to ensure people's needs are met is fundamental to our projects. Therefore, we frequently begin projects with a workshop or other forms of civic or end-user dialogues. Our model for involvement is the White Innovation Process.
Every two years we conduct a brand survey and in every project we do a client survey for evaluating our work. Equally important is how our employees view their work situation which is captured in employee surveys of various kinds. Through social media channels, we have the ability to engage through dialogue and spread company news rapidly and widely. It is also a great way to simultaneously capture reactions to what we do.
Ethics & Anticorruption
Responsibility, respect for each other and ethical, democratic ethos are core values for White. We oppose corruption, strive for competition on equal terms, promote social responsibility in the value chain, and respect ownership.
All employees are required to act according to the ethical rules of the Swedish Construction Sector and Swedish Architects. We decline assignments and collaborations that we deem to be undemocratic, corrupt or where human rights are infringed.
We expect our business partners to act either according to the Swedish Construction Sector’s Ethical rules and/or the Global Compact principles. An evaluation is performed before an agreement is signed. Based on the analyses of Transparency International, we perform country based risk analyses for assignments outside of Scandinavia.
We have not been involved in any form of corruption.