HSE performance report 2012
How we report
The HSE data management system, data collection process and transparent reporting are important elements of corporate responsibility at Novartis.
Novartis reports its HSE performance following Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines for sustainability reporting. We publish a stand-alone GRI report each year. The Novartis GRI report uses the GRI G3 sustainability reporting guidelines at an application level of A+, checked and confirmed by the GRI.
Novartis generally sets HSE targets covering at least three years to allow better analysis, planning and implementation. Divisions are involved in target-setting, based on recommendations by functional experts. Progress is reviewed annually with each division.
Performance of operating units is monitored on a monthly basis. HSE performance data is collected, validated and consolidated with the Novartis HSE data management system. This system provides all management levels throughout the Group with necessary information to take early action if deviations from targets occur. Systems and processes are reviewed by third parties – in addition to corporate and divisional HSE audits – to ensure compliance with legal and Novartis HSE standards.
The 2012 environmental and resource data published in the Novartis Annual Report are actual data for the period from January through September and best estimates for the period from October through December; 2012 data on employees and health/safety are actual from January through December. This section will be updated with finalized data for 2012 in the first quarter of 2013 and significant deviations from the Annual Report will be explained.
Restatement of 2012 data
The restatement process described above has now been applied to the 2012 Novartis HSE dataset. All forecast values published in the 2012 Annual Report and on this website have been compared with the actual figures for the period 2012.
The majority of updates were minor in nature, with the exception of SO2 emissions. One of our sites in India had to use heating oil with a high sulfur content due to the unavailability of low sulfur oil. This resulted in higher than expected SO2 emissions in Q4 2012, which is reflected in the restated data.
The actual 2012 HSE figures are summarized in the downloadable data table below and will be published in the 2013 Annual Report.
