Sustainable Support to Communities: IWC wins the CFI.co Award for Best CSR, Switzerland, 2014
For close to 150 years, International Watch Company (IWC) has been the epitome of Swiss mechanical precision and stylish design. The Company’s comprehensive and continuous long-term attention to detail is recognised in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts of IWC and has been rewarded by the CFi.co Judging Panel’s decision in favour of this highly responsible company.
The Panel notes that, IWC’s CSR credentials include good citizenship and concerns over sustainability in its every aspect from the community to the environment – both locally in Schaffhausen and globally. IWC demonstrates that the amalgamation of sound values and superb products always makes for a winner.’
Locally, IWC supports its employees by championing environmentally sound practices (such as the use of public transport) as well as in manufacturing (e.g. LED, heat recovery from ground water and the use of rainwater). IWC’s employees from 45 countries enjoy a gender equality policy – and there is strong encouragement for employees to return to work after maternity leave.
Globally, IWC is focusing its commitment on supporting institutions that are either working with children and adolescents to promote sport and eradicate illiteracy, or are dedicated to climate and environmental protection. The long-term partnerships are the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry-d’Agay Foundation, the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Cousteau Society. When sourcing raw materials, IWC complies strictly with national and international norms and standards and is a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), an international non-profit organization that obliges its members to establish strict guidelines for ethical, social and environmental practices, and to guarantee the protection of human rights. They also ensure that the raw materials supplied, such as gold and diamonds, do not come from conflict regions. In short, IWC’s CSR is acknowledged for its very successful Swiss-style dedication to excellence in all its activities.
