Sustainability
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Sustainability
For Axis, environment issues are always important in the development of new products and the improvement of existing ones, as well as in connection with deliveries and business trips undertaken by staff.
Responsible entrepreneurship is integrated in the business processes
Since Axis was founded over twenty years ago questions concerning sustainability have been a natural part of the company’s activities within corporate governance, social responsibility (human rights, labor law and business conduct) and environment.
Social responsibility
Axis is a global company with a local presence. The company has offices in more than 20 countries and cooperates with partners in over 70 countries. Axis thereby influences the lives of many people – including shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers and others in society. Axis intends to create value for its shareholders and other stakeholders as well as build relations and take responsibility in social and environment-related matters.
Code of conduct
It is of great importance to Axis that its staff act correctly in all business
related situations. The company’s Code of Conduct is therefore explicit. It
emphasizes the basic principles according to which Axis conducts its operations
and handles relationships with its staff, business partners and other
stakeholders. All employees are expected to promote, contribute to and uphold
the company’s values, integrity and responsibility. Axis also encourages its
suppliers, distributors, system integrators, consultants and other business
partners to follow these principles.
The following international principles form the basis of Axis’ Code of Conduct:
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UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
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UN’s Global Compact initiative which was introduced in 2000 by the then general secretary Kofi Annan with the aim of promoting social and environmental responsibility in companies operating internationally.
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ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
These shall be considered when decisions shall be taken in all areas from research and development to marketing.
Installation of surveillance products
Axis develops and supplies network video products which are primarily used in security installations. The right to feel safe and secure is one of the most important basic principles in society, and this is where surveillance systems perform an important function, as long as they are used in accordance with prevailing legislation.
Products that are deployed for surveillance or guarding have sometimes been the focus in discussions surrounding privacy. Axis’ viewpoint is that a surveillance system in itself cannot constitute a violation of privacy. Nevertheless, as with all other equipment, it can be misused. To avoid misuse of the products, Axis attaches great importance to selection and informing partners and resellers. We hope to convey through a combination of technology innovation, compliance and voluntary best practices that security does not necessarily have to come at the expense of privacy, or vice versa.
As the market leading supplier of IP-Surveillance cameras Axis believes that our products help to improve security for people and businesses, thereby improving their safety and profitability. Surveys also show that surveillance cameras contribute to crime prevention and solving criminal actions and that a majority of the public is positive towards surveillance cameras.
The results from an international survey conducted by the National Council for Crime Prevention in Sweden, based on a written report of surveys carried out in the US, Canada, Sweden and Norway, show that crime has decreased at places which have been placed under surveillance. According to the survey the number of crimes at parking lots, for instance, has been halved at locations where surveillance cameras have been installed. In specific areas the effect has been closer to 80 percent1. In city centers and areas with a higher crime risk, the average effect is a 7 percent decreased number of criminal incidents and at public transports the number of criminal incidents has decreased with an average of 23 percent1.
Axis has on a number of occasions worked actively to ensure a safe environment for citizens. One example is the collaboration with the American retail chain Target which began in 2006. Axis contributed network cameras to an area where surveillance is very important in order for citizens to feel secure. The aim was to reduce vandalism and damage as well as increase security in the area, which was achieved.
[1] Report 2007:29 “Kameraövervakning och brottsprevention”, The National Council for Crime Prevention in Sweden.
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