July, 30, 2020 — Building Responsibly, a group of the world’s leading engineering and construction companies dedicated to rights and welfare of workers across the industry, has unanimously approved a new Operating Charter.
The Operating Charter establishes a three-tiered membership to enable participation from engineering and construction companies of different sizes, industry trade associations, clients, subcontractors, as well as stakeholders from outside the industry.
Collectively, Building Responsibly members employ over 573,000 people in over 100 countries. In broadening participation, the group recognizes the vital importance of smaller engineering and construction companies and external actors in its efforts to adopt the Building Responsibly Principles and support the rights and welfare of workers in the industry.
The new governance structure will enable Building Responsibly to connect with a broader range of companies and organizations, leverage external expertise and strengthen its network of stakeholders. Applicants will be invited to join Building Responsibly as Board Members, Associate Members and Supporters. The first two membership categories are open to companies for whom engineering and/or construction constitutes a significant business activity. Companies and organizations outside the sector – including clients, industry associations, NGOs and international organizations – can participate as Supporters.
Philip Vaughn, Executive Director, International Government Relations at Fluor, and Chair of Building Responsibly, said: “The new Operating Charter provides an excellent springboard to the next chapter in Building Responsibly’s activities. We have an important opportunity to bring a new set of perspectives to the group, to enhance collaboration on worker welfare issues across the industry and to promote a greater acceptance of Building Responsibly’s Principles and tools. This is a key step forward for the group and workers across the engineering and construction industry.”
Jess Verdon, Social Sustainability Manager at Multiplex, and Co-Chair of Building Responsibly, said: “The participation of smaller engineering and construction companies as well as external stakeholders is crucial to achieving systemic change to improve the lives and well-being of workers around the world. The new Governance Charter recognizes the invaluable contribution of these actors and the critical role they play. We look forward to welcoming new members to Building Responsibly.”
Contact
Building Responsibly Secretariat:
Jean-Baptiste Andrieu, Project Advisor jbandrieu@beyond-respect.com
Alice Pease, Project Manager apease@bsr.org
Luciana Busian, Project Manager lbusian@bsr.org
About Building Responsibly
Building Responsibly is a group of leading engineering and construction companies working together to raise the bar in promoting the rights and welfare of workers across the industry. We advance our programs by adopting common principles and practices; developing tools; engaging workers, clients, governments, civil society, and international organizations; and driving innovation and continuous improvement. Learn more about Building Responsibly.
About BSR
BSR is a global nonprofit organization that works with its network of more than 250 member companies and other partners to build a just and sustainable world. From its offices in Asia, Europe, and North America, BSR develops sustainable business strategies and solutions through consulting, research, and cross-sector collaboration. Learn more about BSR’s 25 years of leadership in sustainability.