Environmental and Social Policy & Guidelines
We believe that economic growth and sustainability go hand in hand and that taking environmental and social aspects into account is consistent with sound economic policy. We assess the environmental and social impacts of all potential projects as an integrated part of the project identification and screening procedure.
Before a financing decision is made, all projects must be in compliance with the environmental and social policy and guidelines. NDF recognises that adverse environmental and social impacts cannot be avoided in all projects but these risks must be appropriately reduced, mitigated or compensated for. Further, NDF has an exclusion list with activities not eligible for financing.
A major aspect of human rights is the principle of non-discrimination. NDF does not accept discrimination based on gender, race, nationality, language, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or political or other opinion. Further, NDF acknowledges all humans have the right to liberty, security, a fair trial, no punishment without law, freedom of belief, religion and expression, freedom of assembly and association and protection from discrimination in respect of these rights and freedoms.
Transparency, accountability and integrity are key principles for achieving sustainable development. NDF is committed to promoting openness and good governance in all its operations and to maintaining an open dialogue with its stakeholders. NDF is also committed to its business ethics and to fight fraud and corruption in all its activities. Details of our commitments are detailed in separate policy documents.
NDF also commits itself to act as a good corporate citizen and will pursue improvements on a permanent basis in its operations and in applying best practices in environmental management in its internal operations (including energy and resource efficiency, waste reduction and recycling) and human resources management (such as equal opportunity, work/life balance, health and safety).
Photo credit: GOAL