The Foundation has developed a code of ethics which presents the guidelines governing its actions. It is based on social, environmental and business ethics principles.
Since 2011, the Foundation has also been ISO 9001:2015 certified for all its programming, selection and monitoring of research projects, guaranteeing a transparent and operational approach to its partners and beneficiaries.
The seven social principles considered refer to the standards defined by the International Labour Organization:
- The effective abolition of child labour
- The elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour
- The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
- Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
- Safety and health at work
- Respect of working time
- Equal pay
These principles focus on the following points:
- The preservation of natural resources:
- Production: reducing energy consumption and developing the use of renewable energies
- Transport: reducing fuel consumption
- Water: reducing water consumption
- Chemicals: reducing the use of chemicals and fertilisers, and banning the use of chemicals and fertilisers that are harmful to consumer health
- Climate change and greenhouse gases: working on a tool to measure direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions
- Environmental management: measuring and monitoring environmental risks, measuring transported, imported and hazardous waste, implementing an environmental management strategy recognised by the national and international authorities
- Compliance with the best ethical, moral and good practice standards
- Compliance with all legal and contractual obligations relating to activities
- Non-acceptance of practices (including by omission) that are illegal or violate such obligations