Company: Maersk
Nomination Submitted by: The Collaboration Vector Inc.
Company Description: Maersk is an integrated logistics company developing solutions that meet customer needs from one end of the supply chain to the other, whether it be farm to refrigerator or factory to wardrobe.
Nomination Category: Achievement Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Achievement in Environment, Social, and Governance
 Nomination Title: MAERSK’S COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since 1 January 2021, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 198 words used.
Maersk is an integrated logistics company, developing solutions that meet customer needs from one end of the supply chain to the other, whether it be farm to refrigerator or factory to wardrobe.
Since 2015, the company has been working with The Collaboration Vector (TCV) to grow a structured community program in the Americas that is now an indiscernible part of its culture. This was achieved by providing latitude and support to frontline employees who form and develop long-term community leadership teams (CLTs) and take ownership of local community partnerships.
CLTs include volunteer representation from all parent company A.P. Moller – Maersk brands that in 2023 are merging and integrating under the Maersk brand. These interbrand CLTs, having been born under the Sealand brand, are in a state of preparedness for the integration.
Leaders are supported by TCV in developing leadership skills through building long-term relationships with non-profit partners, engaging colleagues, and their own direct involvement with community leaders and members. They are accountable, along with their non-profit partners, for making progress on well-defined social and environmental objectives.
Over 7 years, 141 leaders developed in the program that counts 18 long-term partnerships in 13 countries throughout the Americas.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2021 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 241 words used.
In 2022, the Climate Action pillar, one of 3 of Maersk’s UN SDG-aligned focus areas, grew seamlessly, substantially, and in an integrated fashion with the company’s established and impactful programs in the other 2 pillars (Quality Education; Decent Work and Economic Growth).
This was a result of the community program having set an aggressive goal of growing the number of community-based environmental awareness and education programs from 2 in 2021, to 13 in 2023. The goal was set in response to a growing desire among employees and all program stakeholders to take urgent Climate Action during/post-pandemic. Each country with at least one existing partnership would have an integrated environmental awareness and education program. This would be achieved by adding new partnerships and/or by incorporating environmental programs into existing partnerships.
Every existing community partner was engaged in discussions to evaluate the feasibility of adding an environmental program and what that could look like. Maersk was delighted by the readiness and enthusiasm of long-time non-profit partners to embark on this journey. The following plan was successfully executed:
- Lead-in community-based environmental awareness and education programs that engage community members, from as young an age as possible, in better understanding, acting, and becoming ambassadors for the environment (Ecuador, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile).
- Expand recycling programs to derive benefits including reduction of GHG emissions from landfills (Panama, Ecuador).
- Identify, implement, and communicate actions that offset GHG emissions (Mexico reforestation, education on food waste reduction (Chile, Peru)).
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 249 words used.
Speed of action
- In 2022, environmental programs grew from 2 to 7 and new programs were planned/resourced for 5 more countries for 2023.
- Attributed to long-term pre-existing relationships with dynamic partners and experienced employee leaders
- In 2022, leaders added 2 new environmental partnerships (Panama, Peru), formed a new Green Team in Miramar, facilitated a collaboration for environment between ASVO and Lifting Hands in Costa Rica, added a reforestation project with EDUCA in Mexico, and a “learn by doing” program with Sor Dominga Bocca in Ecuador.
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In 2023 to date, an environmental project was completed in Guatemala, one is underway in Honduras, and a Climate Action theme was added to literacy programs in Dominican Republic.
Seamless integration of environmental programs by existing partners
- Sealand was delighted by the agility its non-profit partners specializing in education who proposed innovative solutions to grow their own capacity in delivering environmental programs. For example, Sor Dominga Bocca took their new program to the next level by engaging a national expert in sustainability to volunteer to develop the environmental education program with at-risk girls they serve. EDUCA in Mexico had already been leading the way by integrating a sustainability focus across all its quality education programs.
Volunteer, citizen, youth engagement
- Partnerships generate social, environmental, and business value by engaging employees and communities in taking meaningful action.
- A full description of Maersk’s journey in environment is included in supporting documents, with many examples of engaging volunteers, children, and community members, including school officials, with the program.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 240 words used.
Evidence regarding claims made in this submission is provided in 26 documents and video links in an appended document entitled “Supporting Materials_Maersk Submission 2023”.
Note all partnerships, while aligned centrally, are expressed uniquely according to non-profit partner abilities, local needs, and employee leader styles and preferences.
Inclusion
While the pandemic left many companies redefining their “how-to” of employee empowerment in a changed world of work, Maersk had invested years in evolving this idea in the community program. Employees have a “voice” to take constructive action on something they care deeply about. CLTs are empowered and resourced to take action in an inherently purpose-filled, positive, and uniting mission. A springboard for developing leaders, they provide a wide variety of mentoring and coaching opportunities that breed inclusion and trust.
Interbrand leader surveys demonstrated that the vast majority of leaders believe that involvement in the program breeds trust among colleagues and helps them feel a greater sense of belonging (survey results in supporting materials).
Interbrand collaboration resulted in a shift from the “individual leader win” to the “team win” with vast opportunities presenting themselves for recognition of achievements.
The outcome has been a workforce united in a common mission with a heightened ability to solve problems in communities.
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