The first marine sector group to introduce a formal corporate responsibility process.
Forlì, January 14th 2021 – Ahead of the curve as always, this time on the fundamentally important issue of planet-friendly development, Ferretti Group releases its first sustainability report on corporate operations. The document formally testifies to the Group’s introduction of a virtuous pathway to minimise the environmental impact of its production processes and yachts, promoting better and wider-ranging corporate social responsibility measures.
A materiality analysis has identified the topics with the greatest impact on business activities and the indicators to evaluate them, grouping them in four areas that will be examined each year in ever greater detail and used to measure the environmental and social performance of Ferretti Group:
1. Innovation and luxury: yachts
2. Environmental impact of the production process
3. Value for the local area
4. Human capital
For Ferretti Group, sustainability starts with the quality and excellence that characterise the yachts it builds. Which is why research and development focus on the use of high performance, sustainable materials and on reducing energy consumption. The wood used in interior design is sourced from certified forests managed according to strict environmental, social and economic standards. The use of carbon fibre significantly reduces hull weight, resulting in yachts that are more efficient and consume less fuel.
The Group is also at the cutting edge of research both into hybrid engines and new technologies that reduce hull weight, as well as into improving the efficiency of shipyard activities. In this sense, ISO 14001 certification of the environmental management systems in place at the La Spezia site is the starting point for integrated management of the environmental impact of all production processes, as is IMO Tier III certification obtained by CRN, the first shipyard in Italy to achieve this milestone, for a 62-metre megayacht. Also worthy of mention is the installation of the Ancona trigeneration plant to produce clean electric power, heating and cooling.
Other fundamental aspects are in the social sphere and include impact on the local area and the entire supply chain and the central importance of human capital. Over 85% of Ferretti Group’s supply chain, which employs a total of more than 2,500 workers, is based in Italy and over 75% of the total economic value generated is distributed in the country. This contributes to job creation and the growth of the ecosystem of small and medium enterprises, including craft businesses, with which the Group has for years had a history of virtuous collaboration. This collaboration allows Group suppliers to develop specific processes and know-how and operate on global markets, so generating development and innovation.
As a result of all the measures introduced, including complete sanitisation of the production process right through to delivery, Ferretti Group has obtained RINA Biosafety Trust Certification, the first voluntary certification to prevent and control infections, protecting over 1,500 workers as well as customers. Finally, the Group has taken out an insurance policy covering all employees and providing protection in the event they test positive for the virus. The policy, which has been renewed for 2021 too, is joined by another initiative to distribute 1,500 pulse oximeters to employees. The pulse oximeter project was developed with the advice of Professor Luca Richeldi, Head of Pneumology at Rome’s Policlinico Gemelli hospital and a member of the Scientific Technical Committee, who back in March, with Ferretti Group, defined the healthcare plan introduced to tackle the most critical phase of the pandemic.
“If we want to continue to grow steadily as a market leader, it is essential to address the economic, environmental and social impacts produced by our activities on the local areas where we operate. Successful sales efforts must go hand in hand with corporate responsibility,” commented Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. “In recent years, Ferretti Group has reported rapid growth and development, bringing beauty and innovation to the marine industry. We work with many different stakeholders and their sustainability needs and expectations are important in defining the measures we introduce from day to day to manage and mitigate the impact of our growth strategies. For this reason, and to testify to our corporate responsibility, we have decided to embark on a formal process that has led to the preparation of our first Sustainability Report. A first for Ferretti Group and a first for the Italian marine industry.”