In 2006, Dow launched its 2015 Sustainability Goals, inspired in part by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and in part by our success in achieving the majority of targets against our last set of 10 year goals – our 2005 Environment, Health & Safety Goals.
Our approach to sustainability is to set clear and challenging goals, measure rigorously, and report regularly. This is fearless accountability, and it’s what inspires innovation in our company and pride in our work.
These goals are the basis of one of Dow’s four strategic corporate themes: “Setting the Standard for Sustainability”. Success on the 2015 goals shows progress against executing Dow’s long-term corporate strategy and will result in successful achievement of our overall vision:
“To be the largest, most profitable, most respected chemical company in the world." We aspire to gain the respect of all our stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers and the communities in which we operate.
Collaborate, Innovate and Act – with the Power of the Human Element
Behind our 2015 Sustainability Goals stands the power of the Human Element and our relationships with others. The key to success in sustainability lies in our ability to collaborate with all stakeholders, bring different perspectives together, think creatively and take action on potential solutions.
We are already making progress on our “community success” goal through collaboration on setting meaningful goals for each community where we operate. In 2006, and the first part of 2007, we have been piloting innovative community sustainability assessments at a few of our sites and are using the feedback from these assessments to develop meaningful community success plans. Our overall plan calls for all of our larger sites to have community assessments completed and a community success plan in place — by the end of 2008. Together, we can make a sustainable contribution to both the environment and the life of each community where Dow has a presence.
Second, we will continue our strong commitment to product stewardship and innovation – providing technology and information that benefits society, while reducing the impact on human health and the environment. We will also proactively seek to improve confidence that our products are responsibly managed throughout their life cycle and to innovate, creating new products that will make a lasting, positive impact on the world.
Finally, we are committed to be an active part of the solution on issues that challenge our world, such as energy and climate change, affordable housing and clean water – to name a few. We invite you to explore our 2015 goals in depth, and to follow our progress in the months and years ahead.
