about this report

This website is derived from our fourth integrated financial and sustainability report. This is a translation of the ‘jaarverslag 2010’ in the Dutch language. In case of discrepancies the Dutch version prevails. The report details our vision, strategy and policy relating to sustainable development and reports on our activities in 2010 (01/01/2010 to 31/12/2010). This report is approved by the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board. In preparing the report, Van Gansewinkel Groep follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines.

Scope

This report includes facts, figures and information on all Van Gansewinkel Groep companies and any variation is indicated in the text. A full list of our companies, locations and operations can be found on our website: www.vangansewinkelgroep.com. We have also released previous information on sustainability back in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Verification of this report

The Van Gansewinkel Groep report covering the area sustainability is compiled on the basis of the third generation guidelines from the Global Reporting Initiative (G3). The G3 distinguishes different application levels. Based on a self-assessment, this report meets the A-level requirements. Van Gansewinkel Groep reports on all relevant core GRI indicators and is transparent about its sustainability activities. PwC Accountants N.V. has verified the report and has provided an assurance report with a limited assurance, which gives the report an A+ status. In this article, a GRI table notes which GRI indicators can be found in the sustainability report. The process of verifying the information contained in this report is extremely important to us in order to increase the reliability, completeness and transparency for all our stakeholders.

Selection of subjects

The subjects included in this year’s report are chosen based on: the GRI guidelines; our management systems; Van Gansewinkel Groep relevance; and stakeholders’ requirements.
The information herein relates to the performance of Van Gansewinkel Groep itself and not to that of our subcontractors.

Data collection

Van Gansewinkel Groep’s important information for the indicators (quantitative) and initiatives (qualitative) is requested from the relevant business units (regions) and staff departments. After an assessment, the information is then verified by an internal coordinator and validated for the entire Group. Subsequently, they have been verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The collection of basic data is, as much as possible, supported by periodic reports and a manual, which includes definitions that are used for the GRI indicators. As far as possible, we align with methods used in the past and, if these are waived, this is indicated in the text.

The various graphs and tables in this report derive from research authorised by Van Gansewinkel Groep.

Acquisitions and divestments

The Over Milieu acquisition in the Netherlands and Leysen in Belgium in 2010 is included in the financial and non-financial reports. Moreover, six contracts have been acquired which are also reported in 2010. Rietveld and Marpobel-BOS are only included in the financial consolidation.