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SUSTAINABILITY : ROOTED IN SCIENCE 2014 Sustainability Report
SUSTAINABILITY: ROOTED IN SCIENCE2014 Sustainability Report
2 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
ContentsA Letter from our CEO ...........................................................................3
About this Report ...................................................................................4
Company Profile .....................................................................................5
Sustainability Vision and 2015 Sustainability Goals ...........................8
Governance, Ethics & Values .................................................................9
People ....................................................................................................10
Health & Safety............................................................................... 11
Associate Development ................................................................. 12
Community Engagement ............................................................... 13
Planet .....................................................................................................14
Energy & Emissions ......................................................................... 15
Water ...............................................................................................18
Waste & Recycling ..........................................................................18
Packaging & Transport ...................................................................19
Performance ..........................................................................................20
Sustainable Products .....................................................................21
Procurement ...................................................................................22
Continual Improvement .................................................................22
Sustainability Performance Summary ................................................24
GRI Content Index ................................................................................25
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 3
A Letter from our CEOFor over 160 years VWR has been collaborating and encouraging innovation with our customers. We are focused on enabling science by maximizing the collective knowledge and experience of our people to serve our customers’ needs. With over 8,000 associates, in 35 countries, VWR blends its global reach with small company ingenuity proving it is much more than a distribution company.
However, a number of the industries that we serve face challenges and we need to be agile and ready to support the evolving needs of these customers. We know we can accomplish this by staying true to our value proposition of providing product choice, operational excellence and differentiated services to drive accelerated scientific innovation.
Sustainability plays an active role in every aspect of our value proposition. Now in our fourth year of measuring key metrics and third year of publicly reporting, we have seen steady improvements in key areas as well as opportunities in others. We will continue to focus on our Sustainability efforts to do what’s best for our company, customers, and the communities in which we work and live.
Challenges:In 2013, we did not make the progress we expected toward some of our targets. For example, we saw an increase in our absolute greenhouse gas emissions for the first time since tracking began in 2010. We attribute this in large part to the unseasonably cold winter we recently had and suspect that this could also influence our 2014 numbers as well. We will continue to invest in energy efficiency projects in our global facilities to drive down energy use and reduce emissions.
The company also stopped making an annual donation to help build the VWR Foundation endowment. Moving forward the VWR Foundation will be sustained by the VWR Collection and VWR Matching programs. While this is a positive milestone for the VWR Foundation, this reflects a decrease in the company’s overall giving dollars.
Successes: We met one of our 2015 milestones in 2013. Our goal was to engage 15% of the total associate population in VWR-spon-sored community events. This year, 22% of our global associate population participated in community events ranging from walks and runs to volunteering at local non-profits.
VWR has consistently improved upon its wellness goals. We are trending well to meet our overall 2015 goal of providing access to at least two wellness programs to all associates globally. At the end of 2013, we provided two wellness programs to 65% of our total associate population which is an 18% increase over 2012.
The Pipet Tip Box Recycling program continues to be a success. In 2013, we collected over 97,000 tip boxes which previously would have gone into landfills.
In closing, I would like to thank VWR’s associates worldwide for their dedication to these programs and to supporting our customers. Through their hard work, we are able to support scientific innovation and achieve our vision of enabling science.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Manuel Brocke-Benz President and CEO
4 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
About this ReportThis is the third year that VWR International, LLC
(VWR) has reported on its sustainability efforts. Our
last sustainability report covering 2012 results was
published in October 2013. This annual publication
details the progress made in each of our focus areas:
People, Planet and Performance.
Our goal is to provide a transparent overview of our
activities, successes and challenges, and our long-term
sustainability vision. This report is self-declared as
meeting Application Level C of the Global Reporting
Initiative (GRI) G3.1 guidelines. This is VWR’s second
GRI-compliant report and the GRI Content Index can
be found at the end of the report.
Reporting Scope and BoundaryThe data in this report represents all owned and
leased facilities under VWR and its subsidiaries in
North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. It does not
include acquisitions made in 2011, 2012 or 2013. An
operational control boundary1 is being used in this
report. Reported greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
include Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions2 from VWR
facilities and have been calculated using the
Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology. Partial
Scope 3 emissions from associate business travel and
transportation of product are being reported for the
first time as well. All global warming potentials used
to calculate emissions were sourced from the IPCC3
Second Assessment (100 year) Report. The environ-
mental metrics reported under the Planet section
represent a subset of 32 global facilities across 17
countries that have been chosen based on size and
strategic location. The sites chosen represent the
regions in which VWR operates and also represent a
majority of our operational footprint. Information in
this report highlights our efforts during the 2013
calendar year and the quantitative metrics cover the
period from January 2013 through December 2013 as
well. The People and Performance metrics have
varying scopes which are clearly identified. Some
represent North America only; others represent all of
our global facilities within VWR and our subsidiaries;
but all cover the same timeframe of January 2013
through December 2013. VWR’s historic emissions
and non-hazardous waste generation have changed
slightly because of improved internal data accuracy in
2013. Finally, all financial information is provided in
United States Dollars (USD).
This report is available online at
www.vwr.com/sustainability and
was published in May of 2014.
Questions or feedback can be sent
1Companies can use a financial or operational control approach to set the boundary around what facilities to include when reporting GHG emissions. VWR is using an operational control approach to calculate greenhouse gas emissions. Operational control means that the Company has the ability to introduce and implement its operating policies at the operation. See WRI and WBCSD, The GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, 2004. 2GHG emissions are divided into various Scopes. Scope 1 emissions are categorized as direct emissions from owned or controlled sources and include emissions from energy generated on site at a Company operation, through the use of natural gas, oil, diesel, etc. Scope 2 emissions are categorized as indirect emissions from purchased electricity. Scope 3 emissions include emissions along the supply chain, associate travel, transportation of goods by third party carriers, etc. and will be partially included in this report.3Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 5
Company ProfileVWR, headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, is a
global solutions provider of laboratory supplies,
equipment and services with worldwide sales in
excess of $4.1 billion in 2013. VWR enables the
advancement of the world’s most critical research by
providing product and service solutions to laborato-
ries and production facilities in the pharmaceutical,
biotech, industrial, educational, governmental and
healthcare industries. With over 160 years of industry
experience, VWR offers a well-established network
that reaches thousands of specialized labs and
facilities spanning the globe. VWR has over 8,000
associates around the world working to streamline
the way scientists, researchers, medical professionals
and engineers across the Americas, Europe and Asia
Pacific stock and maintain their facilities. In addition,
VWR further supports its customers by providing
on-site services, storeroom management, product
procurement, supply chain systems integration,
cleanroom services, scientific services, and technical
services. VWR is a privately held corporation. For
more information on VWR, visit www.vwr.com.
We are an open, performance-driven collaborative culture based on integrity, respect and recognition, where people enjoy working and are proud to be a part of VWR.
VWR's values are embedded in our Culture and our Competencies.
We act with Integrity. We drive for results by delivering service excellence. And we are successful by working as a team in an open and collaborative environment.
Our Mission is to enable the advancement of science throughout the world. We use process excellence to deliver what we promise to accelerate discovery, improve productivity for our customers
and suppliers, and encourage innovation through collaboration.
Competencies support VWR’s entire talent lifecycle from
recruitment to development (includes Performance Management
Process). Our competencies are the behaviors aligned with our strategy which focus on:
� Critical Thinking� Driving Results� Customer Focus� Developing People� Collaboration & Teamwork� Continual Improvement
and Innovation
VISION
VALUES
MISSIONCULTURE
COMPETENCIES
6 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Company Profile
Net Sales by Segment
Americas - 56%
EMEA - APAC - 44%
Net Sales by Product
Other Consumables - 52%
Equipment & Instrumentation - 20%
Chemicals - 25%
Services - 3%
Customer Mix
Industrial & Other - 40%
Bio Pharma - 38%
Education - 16%
Government - 6%
VWR continues to expand its global footprint. In 2013, VWR made acquisitions in Turkey, the United Kingdom,
and the United States.
VWR Warehouse OperationsArgentinaAustralia AustriaBelgiumBrazilCanadaChileChinaCosta RicaCzech RepublicDenmarkFinland
FranceGermanyHungaryIndiaIrelandItalyMalaysiaMauritiusMexicoNetherlandsNew ZealandNorway
PolandPortugalPuerto RicoSingaporeSlovakiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandTurkeyUKUSA
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 7
Company Profile
VWR has developed a program focused on the social, environmental
and economic performance of its global operations. By addressing
People, Planet and Performance, VWR can create more efficient
processes, develop a more productive and engaged workforce and
better meet the needs of its stakeholders.
Nine key areas of focus have been identified within People, Planet and
Performance. VWR is focusing its efforts to develop and expand
initiatives in each of these key areas.
Awards, Achievements and MembershipsVWR was awarded the Supplier Sustainability Award
for 2012/2013 by Johnson & Johnson in recognition
of the company’s sustainability progress and achieve-
ments. VWR is honored to receive this award and will
continue to improve its sustainability offerings to
collaborate with and support our customers goals.
VWR was also recognized by a major pharmaceutical
customer for our pipet tip box recycling program in
2013. Our partnership with this customer to coordi-
nate recycling on its campus allowed it to divert more
waste internally from the landfill.
To stay connected with trends in the industry, VWR
also holds memberships to various organizations.
Planet(Environmental Protection)
Performance(Economic Growth)
Metri
cs & Goals Governan
ce
Tran
sparency Collabora
tion
People(Social Impact)
People
• Health & Safety
• Associate Development
• Community Engagement
Planet
• Energy & Emissions
• Waste & Recycling
• Packaging & Transport
Performance
• Sustainable Products
• Procurement
• Continual Improvement
8 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
PeopleGoal ProgressProvide access to at least 2 wellness programs to 100% of VWR’s associates.
By the end of 2013, more than 5,300 VWR associates had access to at least 2 wellness programs. This represents 65% of our associate population, an 18% increase over 2012.
Increase the percentage of eligible associates participating in VWR on the Move, a team based step, exercise and weight loss program, by 40% over 2011 participation.
In 2013, we had 1,535 associates participate in VWR on the Move, which was 36% of eligible associates. This was a 21% increase in eligible associates participating over 2011.
Achieve and maintain injury rates that are less than 50% of the industry average.
We have achieved superior safety scores, as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), making us one of the top safety performers in our industry for 5 consecutive years. The industry average, as published by the BLS, is an Injury Rate of 4.4 and a Lost-Time Injury Rate of 1.6. At the end of 2013, VWR had achieved an Injury Rate of 1.1 and a Lost-Time Injury Rate of 0.4.
100% of associates participate in Sustainability training. Sustainability training was first introduced in Q4 2012. Over 4,000 associates were given access to this training in North America and more than 3,000 associates have been trained.
Increase participation in the Associate Engagement Survey by 5% over 2012 participation.
We distributed our first Associate Engagement Survey in June 2012. After completing focus groups, the company distributed our second Engagement Survey in December 2013.
Implement a global tracking system for volunteerism. We are still assessing existing platforms to meet our needs.
Engage 15% of associates in VWR-sponsored community events. In 2013, we engaged about 22% of associates in VWR-sponsored community events, already meeting and surpassing our 2015 goal.
Increase dollars donated by VWR for charitable giving by 10% over 2010.
To date, total giving has declined by 15.5% compared to 2010 giving. This is because the company stopped making an annual donation to help build the VWR Foundation endowment.
PlanetGoal ProgressReduce energy use by 5% per associate over 2010 use. In 2013, energy use per associate decreased 2.2% compared to
2010 use.
Divert 100% of packaging waste from landfill in Europe. Europe continues to divert 100% of their packaging waste from the landfill. U.S. diversion goal was set in January 2014 and is being tracked.
PerformanceGoal ProgressImprove and increase sustainable product offerings & innovation In conjunction with TerraCycle®, VWR has collected over 17,000 lbs.
of tip box material from customers since launching the tip box recycling program in 2012. That equates to more than 97,000 tip boxes diverted from landfills.
Expand ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 Certification Program
We continue to expand our ISO certification program globally. VWR’s Bridgeport, New Jersey facility successfully completed the ISO 14001 audit process and achieved certification in February 2014.
Sustainability Vision and 2015 Sustainability Goals
Wel
lnes
sSa
fety
Ass
ocia
te
Dev
elop
men
tCo
mm
unit
y En
gag
men
tEn
ergy
&
Emis
sion
sW
aste
&
Recy
clin
gSu
stai
nabl
e Ro
duct
sCo
ntin
ual
Impr
ovem
ent
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 9
Governance, Ethics & ValuesVWR is a matrix organization that encourages collabo-
ration and team work among various departments,
functions, and geographies. Sustainability continues
to be communicated and discussed at various levels of
the organization. VWR provides resources to encourage
associates, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders
to get engaged including:
• Public sustainability email box at
• Public sustainability website at
www.vwr.com/sustainability
• Internal sustainability Intranet page
• Suggestion boxes at distribution centers
• Townhall Meetings/Associate Forums with
management
• Associate Engagement Survey, Action Planning
and Focus Groups
• Open door policy within the organization
• Customer Advisory Board (CAB) meetings held
annually to get feedback from key customers
• Engagement with local authorities to review our
operations and create events within our local
communities
• Associate Hotline
VWR’s Code of Ethics and Conduct guides VWR
associates on how to do business and creates a
company culture focused on integrity, ethics, and
responsibility. We pride ourselves on creating a work
environment that promotes the fair treatment and
respect of every VWR associate. Every VWR associate
is expected to participate in training annually in their
local language on ethics and corporate standards to
demonstrate understanding of the Code of Ethics
and Conduct. In 2013, approximately 87.5% of
associates globally participated in the Code of Ethics
and Conduct training.
VWR’s 24-hour associate hotline is available to all
associates globally to report complaints and con-
cerns. Associates are encouraged to share concerns
with their Supervisor, Facility Manager or Human
Resources Business Partner as well. The VWR Code of
Ethics and Conduct can be found online and was last
updated in January 2013.
Most associates also receive additional training
related to ethics and compliance including anti-
harassment, social media, anti-corruption and data
privacy training. VWR’s sustainability e-learning
module is required of all North American associates
with access to a computer and has already been
taken by more than 2,400 associates across North
America. On-the-ground sustainability training has
also been provided to warehouse associates. More
than 3,000 VWR associates in total have been
reached though these sustainability trainings.
10 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
VWR’s associates make us who we are as an
organization. Because of this, we are committed
to providing them the tools needed to be
successful in their personal and professional
lives. VWR supports its associates with a variety
of wellness and safety programs, higher education
support, and skills and management develop-
ment. These opportunities allow associates to
have a more rewarding and engaging experience
at VWR. Our associates are also encouraged to give back. By participating in local
science fairs, sponsoring orphanages, and participating in charity events, VWR asso-
ciates make a big impact on their local communities.
People
2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
WellnessEngaged 65% of VWR associates in wellness programs
Safety20 facilities achieved 500 days or more without an injury
GivingDonated $637,000 to deserving non-profits
QUICK FACTS: SOCIAL IMPACT
Social Indicators 2011 2012 2013
Injury & Illness Rate1 0.8 1.4 1.1
Lost Day Case Rate2 0.5 0.6 0.4
Associates with Access to Wellness Programs
17% 47% 65%
VWR Charitable Giving3 778,764 807,361 637,9001This is a global metric that includes all VWR associates and acquisitions and is a rate reflecting the number of injuries per 100 equivalent full-time associates.
2This is a global metric that includes all VWR associates and acquisitions and is a rate reflecting the number of injuries that result in lost work days per 100 equivalent full-time associates.
3Charitable giving is a North American metric. Numbers listed show cash donations and include the VWR Collection program.
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 11
People
Health & SafetyWellness:
VWR continues to be committed to the total health
and wellness of each individual associate for the
betterment of our overall community so we can focus
on our vision to enable science. To support this, the
Company offers a number of wellness programs,
tools and resources to our associates, and in many
instances, to their families.
Associates across the U.S. have volunteered to be
Wellness Champions serving on local wellness
committees to help fellow associates eat better, move
more, and be healthy. These committees have
assisted in facilitating appropriate health interventions
and are important in helping VWR create a supportive
environment and a culture of wellness. The Wellness
Champions have engaged over 400 associates and
their family members to participate in community
race events, such as walks, 5K runs, triathlons, and
half marathons. They have coordinated educational
sessions such as Stress Management and Healthy
Eating for over 700 associates. They have also assisted
in coordinating Weight Watchers at Work programs
through which participating associates have lost
over 500 pounds.
VWR on the Move, a team based fitness challenge
competing in number of steps, exercise minutes or
weight loss percent, welcomed associates from
outside the U.S. (Australia, Canada, India, Ireland,
Mexico, New Zealand and Puerto Rico) in 2013. The
program reached over 1,500 associates and had
great success including participants losing over
2,100 pounds during the challenge.
Running for a CauseIn 2013, associates all around the world participated in runs and
walks to benefit charitable organizations. In Coimbatore, India, 500
associates participated in the Coimbatore Cancer Foundation
marathon and carried banners to promote breast cancer awareness.
In Suwanee, Georgia, associates also helped to promote breast
cancer awareness and research by participating in the Lace Up and
Livestrong event. And in Bridgeport, New Jersey, 73 associ-
ates and family members participated in Walk MS to benefit
the National MS Society. These events help to promote an
associate culture focused on wellness and community
engagement.
VWR associates participate in the Disney Half Marathon.
12 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Workplace Safety:
VWR's success with work-
place safety performance
can be attributed to our
senior leadership team's
commitment to continu-
ously improve and our
associates’ dedication to
preventing injuries. VWR
routinely ranks among the
best safety performers in
the industry. The Company’s
injury and illness rate and
lost day case rates were 75%
lower than the industry
averages published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics for 2012. The 2013 lost day case rate was
also the lowest achieved in company history.
At VWR we track our progress towards achieving
safety milestones and we celebrate our successes
regularly. In 2013 we had five locations achieve 500
days without an injury (Edmonton, Ireland, Missis-
sauga, Portugal, and Spain), six locations achieve
1,000 days without an injury (Denver, Finland,
Franklin, Hungary, Netherlands, and United
Kingdom), five locations achieve 2,000 days
without an injury (Coimbatore, Italy, Norway,
Sweden, and Tualatin), three locations achieve
3,000 days without an injury (Bangalore, Mumbai,
and Shanghai), and one location achieve 7,000 days
without an injury (Eagan).
Associate DevelopmentAssociates at VWR have access to training and
development opportunities through an online
Learning Management System (LMS) at VWR. The
training is available to non-computer users through
kiosks and computer labs at VWR Distribution
Centers. VWR has over 200 personal development
courses which align to our organization’s compe-
tency model. The VWR competencies are behaviors
aligned to the organization’s strategy and organized
by individual contributor, manager/director and
executive. The competencies are: Developing
People, Customer Focus, Analytical and Critical
Thinking, Continual Improvement and Innovation,
Collaboration, and Driving Results. Associates can
search the LMS for course topics by subject/title and
by the 6 VWR competencies.
In addition, associates can plan for their development
and set development goals based upon their indi-
vidual career goals. Associates and managers have
access to a career development training program and
individual development plan in the LMS. VWR also
offers tuition reimbursement to further encourage
the development and success of its associates.
People
The Bridgeport, NJ facility initiated a safety signage upgrade to increase awareness for associates and visitors.
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 13
People
Community EngagementIn 2009 VWR created the VWR Foundation as a way
to give back to the communities where we work and
live. To help support the creation of the VWR Foun-
dation, VWR made an annual donation of $250,000
from 2009 to 2012. In 2013, it was determined that
the VWR Collection Program and VWR Matching
Program were enough to sustain the well-established
VWR Foundation. Readers will note that the decline
in donations from 2012 to 2013 reflects this change.
Most of VWR’s cash donations for 2013 were directly
related to the VWR and VWR Foundation programs.
The company donates a portion of its VWR Collection
sales in both the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S.,
$350,000 was donated to the VWR Foundation and
in Canada $35,000 was donated to SickKids. In
addition, VWR offers a matching program for 15
non-profits aligned with the Foundation mission.
The VWR Foundation has put VWR’s cash donations
to good use by providing grants to 39 non-profits
totaling over $360,000 in 2013. Most notable was the
VWR Foundation donation of $50,000 to Moore Public
Schools following the devastating tornados in Okla-
homa. With this donation, products were purchased to
support the science curriculum to rebuild the science
programs at Briarwood Elementary, Plaza Towers
Elementary, and Highland East Junior High School.
In addition, VWR has more
than doubled its associate
community engagement from
2012 to 2013. Our associates
participated in community
events around the globe
ranging from walks and runs
to supporting gift giving at
the holiday season. Our largest community event of the
year was on October 6, 2013 when 500 VWR associates
from our Global Business Center participated in the
Coimbatore Cancer Foundation Marathon.
Engaging Associates for Earth Month
Earth Day is celebrated globally on April 22nd each year
and is meant to raise awareness of and engagement in
environmental protection initiatives. At VWR, we use
the entire month of April to promote environmental
responsibility and get associates engaged. In 2013,
activities including educational displays, tree plantings,
donation drives, and sustainability fairs were orga-
nized at all of our U.S. Regional Distribution Centers.
Associates pledged to lower their environmental
impact as well and were able to engage with local
community organizations to learn more about local
initiatives. Additionally, trees were planted at VWR
and community sites around the world, some of
which included Batavia, U.S., Coimbatore, India,
Lutterworth, U.K., and Radnor, U.S.
Tree planting at VWR’s Corporate Headquarters. Recycled art contest in VWR’s Suwanee, GA facility. VWR associates volunteer with the Ukkadam Lake De-Silting project.
14 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
VWR continues to focus on reducing the environ-
mental impact of its operations and its supply
chain. Customers are requesting our engagement,
associates are pushing us to improve, and man-
agement sees the value in operating more
efficiently and sustainably. Resource reduction
initiatives are quickly becoming areas of focus as
we look to reduce our footprint as an organization.
Through worldwide energy and water efficiency
improvements in our distribution centers, ENERGY STAR® recognition, LEED certifica-
tion, and landfill reduction initiatives, VWR is investing in projects that promote opera-
tional efficiency and reduce our overall impact on the environment.
Planet
2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
EmissionsBegan tracking Scope 3 supply chain emissions
WasteIncreased landfill diversion rate from 79% to 83%
TransportJoined the EPA SmartWay® Transport Partnership
QUICK FACTS: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Environmental Indicators 2011 2012 2013
Energy Consumption (MWh) 64,810 64,734 69,906
Direct Scope 1 Emissions (MT CO2e)1 6,497 6,431 7,396
Indirect Scope 2 Emissions (MT CO2e)2 14,330 14,279 14,344
Total Scope 1 and 2 Emissions (MT CO2e) 20,827 20,710 21,740
Indirect Scope 3 Emissions (MT CO2)3 N/A N/A 34,290
Waste Generated- Non-Hazardous (Metric Ton) N/A 3,495 4,051
Waste Generated- Hazardous (Metric Ton) 152 175 290
Waste Diverted from Landfill (Metric Ton) N/A 2,753 3,344
Landfill Diversion Rate N/A 79% 83%*Historic values have changed due to improved data quality and reduced data gaps.1Direct emissions are from VWR’s consumption of fuel at our facilities.2Indirect emissions are from VWR’s consumption of purchased electricity.3Indirect emissions are from VWR’s supply chain including associate travel and transportation of product by third party carriers.
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 15
Planet
Energy & EmissionsPotential impacts to our business from climate
change, including climate legislation, changing
consumer perceptions and demands, and extreme
weather events, are driving VWR to embrace a
number of sustainability initiatives both internally
and along our supply chain.
VWR has been achieving emissions reductions
through targeted facility improvement projects
focused on energy efficiency and technology
upgrades. By proactively seeking out projects to
reduce internal energy use, VWR reduces its environ-
mental footprint, reduces costs, and reduces risk,
while improving operational efficiency and effective-
ness. There are numerous projects throughout VWR’s
global network. A few examples of energy saving
and emission reduction projects in 2013 include:
• Bridgeport, New Jersey: VWR completed a
lighting and motion sensor retrofit of the interior
warehouse and building exterior in 2013. This
project is expected to reduce lighting energy use
by over 50% and avoid approximately 579 metric
tons of CO2e4 emissions.
• Briare, France: Upgrades to the heating systems
within the Briare facility has led to better insula-
tion and regulation of temperature for an
estimated annual cost savings of over $23,000
and energy savings of 400,000 kWh per year.
• Italy: Company cars in Italy are being replaced
with more fuel efficient alternatives.
Additionally, sales representatives are being
educated on ways to drive more safely and
sustainably. Through these efforts, VWR has
reduced CO2 emissions from leased cars in Italy
from 135 g CO2/km in Q3 2013 down to 132 g
CO2/km in Q4 2013. We were also able to reduce
fuel consumption from 8.43 L/100 km to 7.30
L/100 km from Q3 to Q4 2013.
• Throughout Europe: Lighting retrofits were
completed in Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary,
the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United
Kingdom in 2013. In Bruchsal, conveyor logic was
installed to turn off sections of the conveyor
when not in use. In France, timers were installed
for lighting and heating to further reduce overall
energy use.
VWR continues to do its part to reduce energy use and
GHG emissions from its operations. The company tracks
internal resource consumption and GHG emissions.
VWR strongly believes in the importance of transpar-
ency and reports its GHG emissions annually to the
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
4CO2 equivalent or CO2e represents the emissions from various greenhouse gases expressed in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Global warming potentials vary for different greenhouse gases so expressing different greenhouse gases in terms of CO2 allows for one standardized measure of emissions which can capture the scope of impacts from all greenhouse gas emissions. In this case, we have calculated emissions from carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in our CO2e emissions.
16 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Planet
In 2013, Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity
remained stable. An increase in Scope 1 emissions
from the use of fuel largely as a result of colder than
average temperatures in 2013 drove VWR’s total
absolute emissions up in 2013.
When normalized against associate population,
VWR’s GHG emissions continually declined year over
year, until 2012. In 2013, emissions per associate
increased 4% over 2012. Even with the increase in
emissions per associate in 2013, VWR has achieved a
3.6% reduction in emissions per associate since 2010.
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
Tota
l GH
G t
CO
2e
Calendar Year
2010 2011 2012
Total Scope 1 & Scope 2 Emissions
2010 2011 2012 2013
Scope 1 (MT CO2e) 6,487 6,497 6,431 7,397
Scope 2 (MT CO2e) 14,068 14,330 14,279 14,344
Total 20,555 20,827 20,710 21,740
2013
Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Scope: 2010-2013
mt
CO
2e
Emis
sio
ns/
Ass
oci
ate
Calendar Year
2010 2011 2012
2010 2011 2012 2013
mt CO2 e Emissions/Associate 5.48 5.11 5.07 5.29
2013
Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Associate
4.9
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 17
VWR is reporting partial Scope 3 emissions for the
first time this year. Scope 3 emissions, which are
defined as emissions along the supply chain including
associate travel and transportation of product by
third party carriers, contribute to VWR’s overall
impact. In 2013, VWR was able to collect information
from a portion of its larger carriers in North America
and Europe showing CO2 emissions related to both
inbound and outbound shipments. The company was
also able to collect emissions data from associate air
and rail travel in North America. Using this data,
VWR’s 2013 Scope 3 emissions was estimated at
34,290 metric tons of CO2.
Electricity use remained fairly stable in 2013 as a
result of energy efficiency projects completed in
VWR‘s facilities around the world. Alternatively, fuel
use increased significantly as a result of colder than
average temperatures experienced towards the end
of 2013.
From 2010 through 2012, energy use per associate has
steadily declined surpassing our 5% reduction goal set
for 2015. In 2013, energy use per associate increased
by 7% compared to 2012. This brings energy use per
associate down a total of 2.2% since 2010.
Planet
Total Energy Use from 2010-2013
0
10000000
20000000
30000000
40000000
50000000
60000000
70000000
80000000
Tota
l kW
h
Calendar Year
2010 2011 2012 2013
Total Fuel & Electricity Use
2010 2011 2012 2013
Fuel (kWh) 32,516,312 32,529,185 31,666,764 36,611,145
Electricity (kWh) 32,644,933 32,280,955 33,067,235 33,294,612
Total 65,161,245 64,810,140 64,733,999 69,905,757
14000
14500
15000
15500
16000
16500
17000
17500
18000
kW
h/A
sso
ciat
e
Calendar Year2010 2011 2012
2010 2011 2012 2013
Energy Use (kWH) / Associate 17,386 15,889 15,855 16,996
2013
Total Energy Use per Associate
18 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Planet
WaterAlthough water use is minimal at VWR because of
the nature of our business, we still work to reduce
corporate water consumption whenever possible.
VWR has implemented a number of water saving
initiatives throughout our global facilities including:
• Suwanee, Georgia: A new machine used to clean
and scrub the warehouse floors uses about one
third the amount of water as compared to the
previous machine.
• Throughout Europe: The water use per associate
declined from 10.2 cubic meters/associate in
2012 to 6.7 cubic meters/associate in 2013. This
represents an approximate water savings of
10,500 cubic meters in 2013. This reduction was
achieved through the optimization of cleaning
phases during the production processes in
France, installing of faucets with automatic
sensors in facilities throughout Europe, and
reusing of rainwater in the toilets in Belgium,
among other projects.
• Coimbatore, India: Rain water is collected at the
Coimbatore facility to conserve water resources
for landscaping and other needs.
Waste & Recycling2013 Waste Reduction and Recycling Projects
• Batavia, Illinois: VWR’s
facilities are getting
creative when disposing of
outdated inventory.
Instead of sending 4
pallets of outdated amber
bottles to the landfill for
disposal, the Batavia
facility found a company
to recycle the outdated
product along with the
cardboard boxes and pallets totaling about 1.36
metric tons that were diverted from the landfill.
• Debrecen, Hungary: VWR associates are
working with TerraCycle® to recycle small food
packages in the Hungary facility which helps to
increase the amount of waste being recycled.
• Throughout the U.S.: Styrofoam cups were
removed from break rooms and kitchens and
recycling of paper, bottles and cans was
expanded. More collection bins were placed
around the facilities in locations with higher
waste generation as well to divert more waste
from the landfill.
In 2013, VWR’s global landfill diversion rate increased
4%. VWR successfully diverted 83% of the waste
generated in its facilities to be recycled or incinerated
for energy recovery.
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 19
Packaging & TransportVWR has been
accepted into the
Environmental
Protection
Agency (EPA)
SmartWay®
Partnership as a
SmartWay®
Transport
Partner. Launched in 2004, SmartWay® is an EPA
program that reduces transportation-related emis-
sions by creating incentives to improve supply chain
fuel efficiency. VWR has been accepted as a Shipper
Partner because we move the majority of freight
using SmartWay® Transport carriers. This Shipper
Partner status shows that VWR is committed to
sustainable freight transportation. As an approved
SmartWay® Shipper Partner, VWR will work to
implement supply chain efficiencies that can include
using less packaging, consolidating shipments,
reducing truck idling at loading docks, and encourag-
ing our freight carriers to adopt fuel-saving practices
and equipment. In Europe, VWR also requests
information from transportation carriers regarding
emission reduction targets, fuel consumption, and
the percentage of drivers who have attended eco-
driving courses.
Planet
2012 2013
Waste Generation in 2013
Waste Disposal
Recycle - 77% Landfill - 17%
Energy from Waste - 6%
3,115 metric tons
707 metric tons
229 metric tons
50
60
70
80
90
100
Landfill Diversion Rate
79%83%
2012 2013
20 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Performance
VWR’s financial performance remained stable in
2013 with sales in excess of $4.1 billion. In 2013,
VWR made progress engaging suppliers in sus-
tainability and engaging customers in collabora-
tive recycling initiatives which has mitigated risk
in our supply chain and strengthened customer
relationships. These initiatives have added value
to our customers, our suppliers, and to VWR. In
2013, more than 170 suppliers acknowledged
VWR’s new Sustainability Charter, which has
helped VWR to educate its suppliers on sustainable business practices. In addition,
customer demand for recycling solutions and sustainable products has increased, and
through collaboration, VWR has provided innovative customer solutions. With a focus
on continual improvement, VWR strives to consistently meet customer needs by build-
ing meaningful relationships with customers and suppliers to provide the products and
services needed to enable science.
2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ProductsMore than 97,000 tip boxes have been collected for recycling
ProcurementMore than 170 suppliers globally have acknowledged the VWR Sustainability Charter
Continual ImprovementExpanded ISO 14001 program to the United States
QUICK FACTS: GROWTH & EFFICIENCY
Performance Indicators 2011 2012 2013
Sales 4.1 billion 4.1 billion 4.1 billion
Associates 8,200 8,600 8,400
Shipment Accuracy (%) 99.8 99.8 99.83
ISO and OHSAS Certifications 120 136 133
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 21
Performance
Sustainable ProductsEngaging Customers
Tip Box Recycling
In 2012, VWR together
with TerraCycle®
launched From the Lab
Bench to the Park Bench,
the first nationally
coordinated pipet tip box
recycling program that
accepts all brands. After
12 months of collection,
this program has
received more than
17,000 lbs. of tip boxes
from VWR customers,
the equivalent of nearly 97,000 tip boxes kept out of
landfills. This program has been so successful that it
was expanded to our Canadian customers in 2013.
VWR will continue to look for innovative solutions to
support its customers’ needs and reduce the environ-
mental impact of its supply chain.
Environmentally Preferable Products
VWR strives to offer more sustainable
products that contain environmentally
preferable attributes. In 2013, VWR
implemented an initiative to evaluate its
suppliers’ products globally according to accepted
environmentally preferable attributes. This will allow
VWR to provide greater product transparency to its
customers so that they can make more informed
purchasing decisions. It will also result in better
reporting for customers from VWR. Products that
meet VWR’s requirements will be awarded a green
leaf icon on VWR’s website globally.
Environmentally Preferable Product Attributes:
1. Product is energy and/or water efficient
2. Product and/or packaging is recyclable or
reduces waste
3. Product and/or packaging contains recycled/
renewable content
4. Product is manufactured with low CO2 impact
5. Product and/or packaging is safer to human
and environmental health
VWR Collection Tree Planting PromotionLaunched in North America for Earth Day and in Europe for World
Environment Day, VWR’s Tree Planting Promotion helped customers
celebrate sustainability while getting high quality, high value VWR
Collection products. With a purchase of $1,000 worth of VWR
Collection product, customers had 10 trees planted in their name
and VWR matched that donation for a total of 20 trees planted in refores-
tation projects in North America and Europe through the Arbor Day
Foundation. With the support of our customers, VWR had 4,640 trees planted around the world in 2013. To
celebrate the launch of this promotion and World Environment Day, VWR associates also planted trees at our
Lutterworth, UK facility. Because of its success, VWR will be running this promotion again in 2014.
22 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Performance
ProcurementSupplier Engagement
VWR launched a Supplier Sustainability Charter
globally in 2013 to suppliers in North America,
Europe, and Asia. This Charter communicates VWR’s
values and outlines expectations for VWR suppliers
regarding social impact, environmental protection
and governance. The Company is committed to
building a responsible supply chain and will continue
to engage more of its suppliers in these efforts. At
the end of 2013, more than 170 suppliers acknowl-
edged VWR’s sustainability expectations.
In addition, VWR added sustainability-related
questions to its supplier performance surveys and
supplier scorecards in North America. This will allow
for the evaluation of suppliers on a broader range of
criteria, including environmental efforts, business
ethics, conflict minerals sourcing, and more.
Supplier Diversity
VWR continues to develop and cultivate its network
of suppliers which includes companies owned and
operated by minorities, women, military veterans,
service disabled veterans, and small businesses.
VWR’s commitment to the use of diverse suppliers is
evident in many aspects of its supply chain because
these suppliers are continuously driving value and
making contributions to VWR and its customers.
In 2013, VWR had relationships with over 3,000
diverse and small business suppliers. To further assist
in its mission to use diverse suppliers, VWR continues
to align with organizations such as Diversity Alliance
for Science, National Minority Supplier Development
Council (NMSDC), and Women’s Business Enterprise
National Council, and supports these organizations
through local and national membership and confer-
ence sponsorships.
Continual ImprovementStakeholder Engagement
Associates
VWR’s Associate Engagement Survey was first
implemented in 2012. Internal focus groups helped to
prioritize key areas for improvement after the survey
results were assessed. These focus groups identified
solutions for continual improvement throughout the
Company. We also reached out to associates for
suggestions through targeted emails, trainings, and
the Intranet. Onsite training activities provide VWR
with feedback as well. One such example is an onsite
training activity where a VWRCATALYST Field Leader
made a suggestion to stock VWR flash drives in the
company store to use for sharing of VWR presenta-
tions and hand outs with customers instead of paper.
VWR listened and the customers were very receptive
to the sharing of VWR documents in this format. The
Associate Engagement Survey was conducted again
in December of 2013.
Customers
VWR manages a robust Voice of the Customer (VOC)
program to collect feedback from customers, suppli-
ers, and associates to make VWR a better company.
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 23
Performance
Two types of surveys, relationship surveys and
touchpoint surveys, are primarily used to solicit
feedback. Relationship surveys solicit feedback from
random samples of customers each quarter to
evaluate overall performance, identify problems in
the customer experience, and resolve these prob-
lems. Touchpoint surveys solicit feedback from
customers who have interacted with Customer Care
and Technical Product Support groups to understand
whether customers are satisfied with the handling
and resolution of their issue or question, and if not,
to perform root cause analysis and develop corrective
actions and ongoing training to resolve issues.
ISO and OHSAS Certification
VWR has achieved ISO and OHSAS certification in
many of its global facilities. In 2013, VWR held ISO
9001 certification for its quality management
systems in a total of 54 sites globally. With a total of
39 facilities certified to ISO 14001 globally, VWR
expanded the certification of its environmental
management system in 2013 to its first site in North
America with the official certification received in
February 2014. Finally, 39 VWR locations continue to
keep their occupational health and safety systems
certified to OHSAS 18001.
24 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Sustainability Performance Summary
Category Indicator Unit 2011 2012 2013
Health & Safety
Injury & Illness Rate Number (#) 0.8 1.4 1.1
Lost Day Case Rate Number (#) 0.5 0.6 0.4
Associates with Access to Wellness Programs Percent (%) 17 47 65
Community Engagement
Contributions to Charity $ (USD) 778,764 807,361 637,900
Energy & Emissions
Energy Consumption MWh 64,810 64,734 69,906
Direct Scope 1 Emissions Metric tons CO2e 6,497 6,431 7,396
Indirect Scope 2 Emissions Metric tons CO2e 14,330 14,279 14,344
Indirect Scope 3 Emissions Metric tons CO2 N/A N/A 34,290
Emissions per Associate Metric tons CO2e/Associate
5.11 5.07 5.29
ISO 14001 & LEED Certifications # of Facilities 37 41 41
Waste & Recycling
Non-Hazardous Waste (includes waste to energy, waste to landfill, and waste recycled)
Metric Tons N/A 3,495 4,051
Hazardous Waste Metric Tons 152 175 290
Waste Diverted from Landfill Metric Tons N/A 2,753 3,344
Landfill Diversion Rate Percent (%) N/A 79 83
Sales $ billions (USD) 4.1 4.1 4.1
Associates Number (#) 8,200 8,600 8,400
Shipment Accuracy % 99.8 99.8 99.83
Total ISO, OHSAS & LEED Certifications # of Certifications 120 136 134
People
Planet
Perform
ance
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 25
GRI Content Index1. Strategy and AnalysisProfile Disclosure Disclosure
Location of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
1.1 Statement from the most senior decision-maker of the organization. 3 Reported
1.2 Description of key impacts, risks, and opportunities. 7 Reported
2. Organizational ProfileProfile Disclosure Disclosure
Location of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
2.1 Name of the organization. 5 Reported
2.2 Primary brands, products, and/or services. 5 Reported
2.3 Operational structure of the organization, including main divisions, operating companies, subsidiaries, and joint ventures.
5 Reported
2.4 Location of organization's headquarters. 5 Reported
2.5 Number of countries where the organization operates, and names of countries with either major operations or that are specifically relevant to the sustainability issues covered in the report.
6 Reported
2.6 Nature of ownership and legal form. 5 Reported
2.7 Markets served (including geographic breakdown, sectors served, and types of customers/beneficiaries).
6 Reported
2.8 Scale of the reporting organization. 5, 6 Reported
2.9 Significant changes during the reporting period regarding size, structure, or ownership.
6 Reported
2.10 Awards received in the reporting period. 7 Reported
3. Report ParametersProfile Disclosure Disclosure
Location of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
3.1 Reporting period (e.g., fiscal/calendar year) for information provided. 4 Reported
3.2 Date of most recent previous report (if any). 4 Reported
3.3 Reporting cycle (annual, biennial, etc.) 4 Reported
3.4 Contact point for questions regarding the report or its contents. 4 Reported
3.5 Process for defining report content. 4, 7 Reported
3.6 Boundary of the report (e.g., countries, divisions, subsidiaries, leased facilities, joint ventures, suppliers). See GRI Boundary Protocol for further guidance.
4 Reported
3.7 State any specific limitations on the scope or boundary of the report (see com-pleteness principle for explanation of scope).
4 Reported
26 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
GRI Content Index
3. Report ParametersProfile Disclosure Disclosure
Location of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
3.8 Basis for reporting on joint ventures, subsidiaries, leased facilities, outsourced operations, and other entities that can significantly affect comparability from period to period and/or between organizations.
4 Reported
3.10 Explanation of the effect of any re-statements of information provided in earlier reports, and the reasons for such re-statement (e.g.,mergers/acquisitions, change of base years/periods, nature of business, measurement methods).
4 Reported
3.11 Significant changes from previous reporting periods in the scope, boundary, or measurement methods applied in the report.
4 Reported
3.12 Table identifying the location of the Standard Disclosures in the report. 25 Reported
3.13 Policy and current practice with regard to seeking external assurance for the report.
Not yet seeking external assurance
Reported
4. Governance, Commitments, and EngagementProfile Disclosure Disclosure
Location of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
4.1 Governance structure of the organization, including committees under the highest governance body responsible for specific tasks, such as setting strategy or organi-zational oversight.
Public on Investor Relations Website
Reported
4.2 Indicate whether the Chair of the highest governance body is also an executive officer.
No Reported
4.3 For organizations that have a unitary board structure, state the number and gender of members of the highest governance body that are independent and/or non-executive members.
p. 124 on 10-K - 6 members are independent, 1 is a woman
Reported
4.4 Mechanisms for shareholders and employees to provide recommendations or direction to the highest governance body.
9 Reported
4.14 List of stakeholder groups engaged by the organization. 22, 23 Reported
4.15 Basis for identification and selection of stakeholders with whom to engage. 22, 23 Reported
Performance Indicators: Economic
Indicator DisclosureLocation of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
Economic performance
EC1 Direct economic value generated and distributed, including revenues, operating costs, employee compensation, donations and other community investments, retained earnings, and payments to capital providers and governments.
See 10-K on Investor Relations Website
Reported
EC2 Financial implications and other risks and opportunities for the organization's activities due to climate change.
15 Reported
EC3 Coverage of the company's defined benefit plan obligations. Not yet reported
EC4 Significant financial assistance received from government. Not yet reported
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 27
GRI Content Index
Performance Indicators: Economic
Indicator DisclosureLocation of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
Market presence
EC5 Range of ratios of standard entry level wage by gender compared to local minimum wage at significant locations of operation.
Not yet reported
EC6 Policy, practices, and proportion of spending on locally-based suppliers at signifi-cant locations of operation.
Not yet reported
EC7 Procedures for local hiring and proportion of senior management hired from the local community at significant locations of operation.
Not yet reported
Indirect economic impacts
EC8 Development and impact of infrastructure investments and services provided primarily for public benefit through commercial, in-kind, or pro bono engagement
13 Reported
EC9 Understanding and describing significant indirect economic impacts, including the extent of impacts.
Not yet reported
Performance Indicators: Environmental
Indicator DisclosureLocation of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
Energy
EN3 Direct energy consumption by primary energy source. 14 Reported
EN4 Indirect energy consumption by primary source. Not yet reported
EN5 Energy saved due to conservation and efficiency improvements. 15 Reported
EN6 Initiatives to provide energy-efficient or renewable energy based products and services, and reductions in energy requirements as a result of these initiatives.
21 Partially reported
EN7 Initiatives to reduce indirect energy consumption and reductions achieved. Not yet reported
Water
EN8 Total water withdrawal by source. Not yet reported
EN10 Percentage and total volume of water recycled and reused. Not yet reported
Biodiversity
EN11 Location and size of land owned, leased, managed in, or adjacent to, protected areas and areas of high biodiversity value outside protected areas.
Not yet reported
EN13 Habitats protected or restored. Not yet reported
Emissions, effluents and waste
EN16 Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by weight. 14 Reported
EN17 Other relevant indirect greenhouse gas emissions by weight. 14, 17 Reported
EN18 Initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reductions achieved. 15 Reported
28 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Performance Indicators: Environmental
Indicator DisclosureLocation of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
Emissions, effluents and waste
EN22 Total weight of waste by type and disposal method. 19 Reported
EN23 Total number and volume of significant spills. No signifi-cant spills
Reported
EN24 Weight of transported, imported, exported, or treated waste deemed hazardous under the terms of the Basel Convention Annex I, II, III, and VIII, and percentage of transported waste shipped internationally.
Not yet reported
Products and services
EN26 Initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts of products and services, and extent of impact mitigation.
21 Partially reported
Compliance
EN28 Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
No signifi-cant fines
Reported
Transport
EN29 Significant environmental impacts of transporting products and other goods and materials used for the organization's operations, and transporting members of the workforce.
17, 19 Reported
Overall
EN30 Total environmental protection expenditures and investments by type. 15 Partially reported
Performance Indicators: Social- Labor Practices and Decent Work
Indicator DisclosureLocation of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
Labor/management relations
LA1 Total workforce by employment type, employment contract, and region, broken down by gender.
Not yet reported
LA2 Total number and rate of new employee hires and employee turnover by age group, gender, and region.
Not yet reported
LA3 Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided to temporary or part-time employees, by major operations.
Not yet reported
LA4 Percentage of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. Not yet reported
LA5 Minimum notice period(s) regarding significant operational changes, including whether it is specified in collective agreements.
Not yet reported
Occupational health and safety
LA6 Percentage of total workforce represented in formal joint management-worker health and safety committees that help monitor and advise on occupational health and safety programs.
Approxi-mately 5% in North America
Partially reported
LA7 Rates of injury, occupational diseases, lost days, and absenteeism, and number of work-related fatalities by region and by gender.
10, 12, and no fatalities
Reported
GRI Content Index
2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | VWR 29
GRI Content Index
Performance Indicators: Social- Labor Practices and Decent Work
Indicator DisclosureLocation of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
Occupational health and safety
LA8 Education, training, counseling, prevention, and risk-control programs in place to assist workforce members, their families, or community members regarding serious diseases.
11, 12 Reported
LA9 Health and safety topics covered in formal agreements with trade unions. Not yet reported
Training and education
LA10 Average hours of training per year per employee by gender, and by employee category.
Global target of 16 hours
Reported
LA11 Programs for skills management and lifelong learning that support the continued employability of employees and assist them in managing career endings.
12 Reported
LA12 Percentage of employees receiving regular performance and career development reviews, by gender.
99% globally Reported
Performance Indicators: Social- Human Rights
Indicator DisclosureLocation of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
Investment and procurement practices
HR1 Percentage and total number of significant investment agreements and contracts that include clauses incorporating human rights concerns, or that have undergone human rights screening.
Not yet reported
HR2 Percentage of significant suppliers, contractors and other business partners that have undergone human rights screening, and actions taken.
Not yet reported
HR3 Total hours of employee training on policies and procedures concerning aspects of human rights that are relevant to operations, including the percentage of employ-ees trained.
9 Partially reported
Child labor
HR6 Operations and significant suppliers identified as having significant risk for incidents of child labor, and measures taken to contribute to the effective abolition of child labor.
Not yet reported
Forced and compulsory labor
HR7 Operations and significant suppliers identified as having significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor, and measures to contribute to the elimina-tion of all forms of forced or compulsory labor.
Not yet reported
Security practices
HR8 Percentage of security personnel trained in the organization's policies or proce-dures concerning aspects of human rights that are relevant to operations.
9 Reported
Remediation
HR11 Number of grievances related to human rights filed, addressed and resolved through formal grievance mechanisms.
Not yet reported
30 VWR | 2014 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
GRI Content Index
Performance Indicators: Social - Society
Indicator DisclosureLocation of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
Local communities
SO1 Percentage of operations with implemented local community engagement, impact assessments, and development programs.
Not yet reported
Corruption
SO2 Percentage and total number of business units analyzed for risks related to corruption.
Not yet reported
SO3 Percentage of employees trained in organization's anti-corruption policies and procedures.
9 Reported
SO4 Actions taken in response to incidents of corruption. Not yet reported
Anti-competitive behavior
SO7 Total number of legal actions for anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust, and monopoly practices and their outcomes.
Not yet reported
Compliance
SO8 Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with laws and regulations.
Not yet reported
Performance Indicators: Social - Product Responsibility
Indicator DisclosureLocation of Disclosure
Level of Reporting
Product and service labelling
PR5 Practices related to customer satisfaction, including results of surveys measuring customer satisfaction.
22, 23 Reported
Marketing communications
PR6 Programs for adherence to laws, standards, and voluntary codes related to marketing communications, including advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
Not yet reported
Customer privacy
PR8 Total number of substantiated complaints regarding breaches of customer privacy and losses of customer data.
Not yet reported
This report is available online at www.vwr.com/sustainability and was published in May of 2014. Questions or feedback can be sent to [email protected].
