APC 2007 Annual Report Download - page 92

90
The Schneider Electric Foundation also provides assis-
tance to people affected by natural disasters, such as the
unprecedented torrential rains in Mexico’s Tabasco state in
November 2007 that flooded out more than one million res-
idents. In response, the Foundation set up emergency ac-
tion plans and participated in re-building projects.
In partnership with local teams, the Foundation will sup-
port educational projects, such as the re-building of a tech-
nical school, and restoration work to fix damaged electrical
installations.
Lastly, the Foundation carried out its seventh annual Luli
international mobilization campaign in 2007 to involve
Schneider Electric employees in local projects for disad-
vantaged youth. In keeping with the Foundation’s new
focus, these projects are increasingly centered on training
young people in the Group’s professions. Examples in-
clude working with training organizations, seconding em-
ployees as teachers, participating in the construction of
training centers or professional high schools, promoting
student exchanges and equipping classrooms.
Facts and figures
2007 Luli campaign
200 representatives in 74 countries,
70 participating countries,
187 associations supported.
Square D Foundation
One of the Schneider Electric Foundation/Square D Foun-
dation’s flagship projects is the
matching gift program. In
2007, the Foundation matched 1,780 employee donations
to associations of their choice in North America.
Long-term commitments
The Schneider Electric Foundation is also involved in long-
term youth training programs.
Examples in 2007
Chile: In partnership with Schneider Electric Chile, the
Education Ministry of France, the Education Ministry of
Chile and Catholic University of northern Chile, the Group
opened a Schneider Electric center of excellence in Chile
to train young people in the maintenance of industrial au-
tomated systems.
Located in Antofagasta, some 1,000 kilometers north of
Santiago, the center will open its doors in March 2008 to 30
students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Ecole Paul Louis Merlin in France: Within the Sus-
tainable Development Department, Ecole Paul Louis Mer-
lin offers an educational setting and approach designed to
get underperforming students back on track. The school’s
main challenges are to restore pride in working hard, suc-
ceeding and doing a good job; re-introduce the concepts
of politeness and respect for adults and others; and nur-
ture self-esteem and confidence in one’s abilities.
In 2007:
- All of the students taking the French
Baccalauréat and
professional studies certificate (BEP) exams passed (with
honors for 73% of the
Baccalauréat candidates).
- A pre-qualification session was set up.
Compliance with international
law and other commitments
New in 2007
In 2007, Schneider Electric confirmed its commitment to
and participation in society-wide efforts to promote sus-
tainable development.
Nicolas Hulot’s pact for the environment
The Group was the first industrial company to sign French
environmentalist Nicolas Hulot’s pact for the environment,
with the firm intention of integrating the majority of the
pact’s ten objectives in its corporate strategy.
Clinton Climate Initiative
During the year, Schneider Electric also joined the Clin-
ton Climate Initiative. This international initiative is de-
signed to help the world’s forty largest cities reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions by managing energy con-
sumption in buildings more effectively.
Bali Climate Change Conference
Lastly, the Group participated as a signatory in the interna-
tional climate change conference held in Bali in December
2007. Representatives from 190 countries attended the
conference, for a total audience of more than 10,000.
French environmental summit
In 2007, France organized a national environmental sum-
mit that brought together all stakeholders to address
today’s environmental challenges. Schneider Electric was
involved in discussions on promoting energy efficiency.
Global Compact
Launched in 1999 by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan,
the Global Compact brings companies and non-govern-
mental organizations together under the aegis of the
United Nations to "unite the power of market with the au-
thority of universal ideals".
Signatories are expected to embrace, support and enact
ten principles in the areas of human rights, labor rights and
the environment. Schneider Electric publicly expressed its
support for universal values by joining the Compact in De-
cember 2002. The Group has primarily worked to share
this commitment with its partners since 2003.
Community
Improvement plans –
Planet & Society Barometer
Donate 1 million worth of Schneider Electric
equipment
2005 2006 2007
Ensure that 90% of our sites have a lasting
commitment with the Schneider Electric Foundations
in the area of youth opportunities
2005 2006 2007
Rating 7/10 7/10 7/10
Rating 3/10 10/10 10/10