Corporate Accountability
Corporate Accountability or Corporate social responsibility (CSR) receives a great deal of public attention. SOMO conducts research and stimulates activities that promote CSR. In addition, SOMO evaluates the effectiveness of CSR initiatives and the degree to which
initiatives, policy and norms actually contribute to sustainable economic
development and responsible corporate codes. This research is the basis of
SOMO’s proposals to introduce binding regulations.
News Corporate Accountability
Procure IT Fair launches company monitor
18-09-2009
Today, the Procure IT Fair campaign launches its IT Company Monitor. This online tool publishes news items available online that deal with the environment, working conditions and human rights throughout the supply chains of the large computer brands.
SOMO publishes Dutch buyers guide
17-09-2009
SOMO, the Dutch partner of Procure IT Fair, publishes the Dutch version of the buyers’ guide today. The guide, which was already published in German and English is now also available for public buyers in The Netherlands.
OECD Guidelines as possibility to increase supply chain transparency
29-04-2009
The Dutch government doubts that a law on the International Consumer Right To Know will lead to more sustainability. However, the OECD Guidelines for MNEs are specifically mentioned as possibility for consumers to request information from companies. How this works out in practice is not elaborated upon.
VBDO advises: hold directors liable for sustainability policy
26-03-2009
In 2009, SOMO will again be drawing up a company profile for ten Dutch stock-exchange listed companies. The Association of Investors for Sustainable Development (Vereniging van Beleggers voor Duurzame Ontwikkeling - VBDO) bases its voting advice for investors on this. A key point in the advice is the liability of directors for sustainable policy.
Socially responsible investment
02-02-2009
The financial world is in the middle of a crisis. In recent years, banks took irresponsible financial risks with far-reaching negative consequences for confidence with the financial sector itself as well as among consumers. Apart from financial risks, banks are also faced with environmental, socio-economic and political risks. New research by SOMO into the investments of the five biggest Dutch retail banks and two sustainable banks shows that, despite the large-scale sustainability reports and the wide choice of sustainable investment products, socially responsible investment is still in its infancy at the major Dutch banks.
