This policy sets out AZ Global Consulting Limited’s approach to environmental, social and governance responsibilities. AZ Global is a Hong Kong registered information, research and consulting business focused primarily on the global aluminium industry.
As a specialist information business, AZ Global’s most material responsibilities relate to accurate reporting, responsible use of information, client confidentiality, ethical conduct, fair employment practices and prudent management of our own environmental footprint.
ESG responsibility is overseen by the Managing Director, with input from senior staff as required. AZ Global will review this policy periodically and update it when our business, systems, legal obligations or stakeholder expectations change.
All employees and contractors are expected to conduct AZ Global work in a manner consistent with this policy and with the company’s related policies, including privacy, information security, artificial intelligence use, editorial standards and client confidentiality.
AZ Global has a modest direct environmental footprint compared with industrial businesses, but we still seek to minimise unnecessary energy use, waste and travel. Staff are encouraged to make practical decisions that reduce avoidable electricity use, printing, paper consumption and waste, whether working from home, in an office or while travelling.
We use digital delivery wherever practical for reports, newsletters, client communications and administration. Business travel should be purposeful and commercially justified. Where remote meetings can achieve the same result, staff should consider them as an alternative to travel.
AZ Global reports on markets where climate policy, power supply, energy transition, carbon intensity and industrial development are commercially important. We may discuss ESG, climate, energy transition and sustainability issues in our reports and public commentary where they are relevant to the aluminium industry and our clients.
Our role is to provide accurate, practical and commercially useful analysis. We do not use ESG language as a substitute for evidence, and we seek to distinguish clearly between fact, forecast, market rumour and judgement.
AZ Global seeks to maintain a respectful, safe and professional working environment. We value competence, integrity, collaboration, reliability and clear communication.
We support equal opportunity and do not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying or retaliation. Recruitment, work allocation, promotion, compensation and professional development should be based on merit, role requirements, performance and business needs.
Compensation, leave, insurance and other benefits may vary by role, location, employment status and local legal requirements. AZ Global aims to treat employees fairly and to comply with applicable labour and employment laws.
Health and safety responsibilities apply whether staff work from home, in an office, at an event or while travelling for business. Employees should raise safety or wellbeing concerns promptly with management.
AZ Global respects internationally recognised human rights principles and expects its employees, contractors and business partners to act consistently with basic human dignity and lawful labour standards.
AZ Global does not tolerate slave labour, forced labour or child labour in its business or, to the extent reasonably within its control, in its supply chain. We respect the right of employees to be paid lawfully for work performed, including overtime or weekend work where applicable under local law.
Good governance is central to AZ Global’s value as an information business. We seek to comply with applicable laws, regulations and contractual obligations, and to conduct business honestly and fairly.
AZ Global’s reports, newsletters, presentations, social media posts and client communications should be accurate, fairly sourced, appropriately caveated and not misleading. We do not knowingly publish false or deceptive information. Where uncertainty exists, we should say so clearly.
Employees must protect confidential client information, commercially sensitive information, personal data, unpublished reports, customer lists, pricing information and source relationships. Information obtained through AZ Global work must be used only for proper business purposes.
Employees are encouraged to raise concerns if they believe AZ Global has not met this policy or any related policy. Concerns may be raised with the Managing Director or another appropriate senior person.
AZ Global will not tolerate retaliation against a person who raises a genuine concern in good faith.
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect AZ Global’s business practices, legal obligations and client expectations.
I confirm that I have read and understood this policy and agree to follow it when carrying out AZ Global work.
