How we obtained our shortlist of material topics

Our first materiality analysis was performed in 2014 and resulted in a shortlist of five material topics. These were obtained by prioritising a long list from the GRI principles, studying our existing business strategy, internal input, and regular stakeholder engagement. It has been used as a baseline ever since, checked and refined when needed, based on our business strategy, customer and employee feedback, and through wider discussions across society and the media.

Our most important stakeholders, clients and employees, are asked regularly for feedback on the company’s strategy and performance, which serves as a pulse check. Currently we are interviewing clients, asking them to reflect on our material topics and RSB strategy. This will result in an update of the materiality analysis in 2021.

We expect some changes in the priorities as our 2019 client survey already indicated a dramatic increase in demand for sustainability. Customers’ key materialities in 2019 were:

• • Minimise negative effects of a project on the environment

  • Minimise the use of scarce resources and materials

  • Adapt to the energy transition and use renewable sources of energy

  • Work with consultants from Royal HaskoningDHV who not only do what is asked, but dare to challenge and proactively provide advice and solutions

  • Implement innovative solutions to add more value to the project

For our employees, key materialities as presented in the latest survey in 2020 are human rights issues and ethical questions that arise when working on projects in certain countries.