OREANDA-NEWS. On 29 April 2009 was announced, that SCM ranks first in the rating Gvardiya (Guard) of Socially Responsible Companies, which evaluates CSR openness and activities in 2008. The rating was developed by the national rating magazine Gvardiya.

"SCM's commitment to sustainable development remains the core aspect of our strategy. Our presence in strategic business areas is long-term and accompanied with big investment in their development. For this reason, we have a thorough and responsible approach to health and safety and environment protection. We also take an active part in development of the areas, where our businesses operate. All these issues are a part of the company's CSR strategy", said Jock Mendoza-Wilson, Director of International and Investor Relations at SCM.

SCM's CSR leadership is underpinned by consistent and systematic implementation of CSR principles and standards by every Group's enterprise in all areas of their operations. The company has developed Ukraine's first social report to GRI standards to evaluate effectiveness of SCM's performance in CSR. The report features approaches of the Group to priority CSR areas, eg corporate governance, employment (SCM Group invested in health and safety around UAH 300m only in the reporting period), environment protection (investment in environmental programmes exceeded UAH 1bn in 2007) and cooperation with local communities (In 2007, SCM invested over UAH 100m in social programmes).

The first social report of SCM Group was audited by Ernst &Young.

“We know that deeds say more than words. And so, we do. We know there's always room for improvements. We are much inspired by the appraisal of our CSR activity by the media and professionals as well as the support of our employees and the citizens in the areas of our presence throughout Ukraine", added Mr Mendoza-Wilson. "It signals that we are heading in the right direction and our performance is demanded and useful. We'll keep carrying out our CSR programmes and reporting on the results even during the global economic downturn. To this end, we've launched preparation of the Group's social report for 2008".

Also, DTEK, energy holding of SCM Group, ranks the second most socially responsible company in Ukraine according to Gvardiya magazine.