In late 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 sustainable development goals, which build on the preceding Millennium Development Goals and seek to tackle the world’s economic, social and environmental issues by 2030.
Achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) will require action by governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. Companies can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs by reducing the negative impact of their operations and seeking to contribute positively to the environments and communities in which they operate. As a responsible corporate citizen, KMG International is committed to leave its mark, by harmonizing the 2030 Agenda principles with its long-term sustainable development strategy. The goals highlighted below are closely related to the topics that were identified as most relevant or prominent for KMG International in 2019 and 2020, capturing the specific of our activities, operation principles and locations.
GOAL 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Health and well-being represent top priorities for KMG International, with regard to both employees and the communities we operate in. Not only do we have strict health and safety work procedures in place, but we also carry out customized internal well-being programs addressing emotional and social, physical, and financial well-being. Furthermore, KMG International has been actively involved in supporting the Romanian healthcare system, through its long-standing partnership with the Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication (SMURD) & the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (ISU), as well as through its consistent investments in healthcare-related projects across the country.
GOAL 4: QUALITY EDUCATION
Investing in education, personal and professional development is embedded into our business strategy and part of our mission to nurture the growth of our employees and communities. Beyond our annual internship program, which has been running for more than a decade, we support organizational growth through dedicated development, life-long learning, and career progression programs, along with investments and sponsorships addressing community education needs.
GOAL 6: CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
Our sustainable development plans place high emphasis on preserving water and managing its use in a responsible and sustainable way. We invest in new technologies and constantly improve our processes to use this valuable resource more efficiently. Reducing water consumption, wastewater outputs and discharge, is an important part of our environmental standards.
GOAL 7: ENSURE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE, SUSTAINABLE AND MODERN ENERGY
By environmental policy, we undertake reducing consumption of resources by using them in an effective way and by changing old, high energy consumption equipment with modern low-power equipment. Moreover, we have taken on implementing new lower-carbon technologies and sources of green energy (electrical car charging points in gas stations and photovoltaic panels).
GOAL 8: DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Our activities create jobs, use local suppliers, and support local communities. We contribute to economic growth through investments and by paying taxes to local governments. We assess those we work with to ensure they adhere to principles laid out in our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.
GOAL 9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE
KMG International is constantly investing in the development of the Group’s operations, in view of building resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Under KMG International ownership, Petromidia Refinery has become one of the most modern refineries in Eastern Europe, accounting for more than 40% of Romania’s current refining capacity.
GOAL 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
We have codes, policies, and assurance processes to help define how we can protect the environment, respect our stakeholders and communities and cause no harm to people. Energy efficiency is carefully considered in the life cycle of our products, from managing energy consumption in their production to providing customer advice on optimum fuel efficiency.
GOAL 13: CLIMATE ACTION
We continue to work to manage greenhouse gas emissions from our operations, in strict compliance with national and international regulations. Our efforts are focused on reducing our environmental footprint year on year.
GOAL 14: LIFE BELOW WATER & GOAL 15: LIFE ON LAND
Being aware of our responsibility when it comes to preserving biodiversity, the Group gives special attention to the Black Sea region, where Petromidia Refinery is situated, and cares about the very active wildlife populating the area. For each new project, the impact of the refining activity on biodiversity is analyzed and assessed thoroughly.
GOAL 17: PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
The principles for sustainable development set in the 2030 Agenda have been undertaken by the Group and they are embedded into its business principles and strategy. Moreover, KMG International is one of the founding members of the United Nations Global Compact local network, whose president for a two-year term, staring 2017, is the Group’s Sustainability & Communications Manager.