In China, Ford is putting its commitment to sustainability into practice in a variety of ways, from robust environmental management systems to collaborative road safety initiatives to well-established community programs.
To integrate the Company's corporate-level sustainability vision into its on-the-ground operations, Ford China has developed its own corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. The strategy covers the full spectrum of CSR issues, with a particular emphasis on environment, road safety, education and health. Ford China has created a cross-functional, senior-level CSR Committee to oversee implementation. In addition, since 2003, Ford China has published a CSR report every three years detailing its activities across a range of issues.
To support the implementation of Ford's Code of Basic Working Conditions – which applies to all Ford operations and suppliers globally – Ford China conducts trainings for suppliers in China. The trainings help the suppliers understand Ford's expectations and requirements concerning working conditions. Since 2004, more than 100 managers from supplier companies have taken part in the sessions. Ford China also runs tailored general management and technology training courses for suppliers, with the aim of helping suppliers build and develop their businesses while ensuring that Ford maintains a strong and reliable supply base in China.
Ford China also undertakes a variety of efforts to engage with and contribute to the local community. The Company has an active employee volunteer program and makes cash and in-kind donations to a range of organizations. It also runs the annual Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants program. Now in its seventh year in China, the grants program aims to encourage environmental protection and education projects by nongovernmental organizations and individuals. The program has become the largest environmental grants program operated independently by a company in China and, to date, has awarded grants to more than 100 organizations and individuals.
Over the past year, Ford China has received several awards recognizing its community involvement and CSR programs. The Shanghai American Chamber of Commerce honored the Company with the first prize of "2006 Corporate Social Responsibility Award." The award was based on the Company's overall CSR performance in 2005, including on-going projects, in China mainland. Also in 2006, Guangming Daily, a prominent Chinese newspaper, selected Ford China as recipient of the Guangming Philanthropy Award, in recognition of the Company's environmental grants program.
This recognition followed Ford China's receipt of the "2005 Corporate Citizenship in Action Award" by the 21st Century Business Herald for its continuous efforts in corporate social responsibility – the second consecutive year that the Company received the award – as well as the "2005 Model Company for Outstanding Corporate Citizen in China" title by the China Charity Federation, the largest charity organization in China.
