CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Sustainability
TYPSA contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its policies and management systems, business areas and the TYPSA Foundation for Development. We are progressing towards Agenda 2030 through knowledge, innovation, good business practices and social action, strengthened by partnerships to boost sustainability.
In each of our priority SDGs we contribute to specific targets and develop good practices recognised by the Global Compact to accelerate compliance and increase outreach.
‘Contributing to Sustainable Development is a challenge for us all. The UN has recognised the fundamental role of business; we are firmly committed through our work, the solutions we develop and the corporate practices we adopt’
Our contribution to the SDGs
QUALITY EDUCATION
Targets we work towards
Target 4.3. By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
Target 4.4. By 2030, substantially increase the number of young people and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
Our commitment
Promote technical education in developing countries.
Our focus
Improve and maintain optimum conditions at Lake Albert University (UNILAC) in Mahagi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for civil engineering and agricultural engineering studies.
Our resources
The TYPSA Foundation for Development, created 13 years ago. Financed by monetary and other donations from TYPSA Group which together amount to 0.7% of the profit. TYPSA group employees and other institutions also donate to the Foundation. A collaboration agreement with the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) has been in place since 2018 to boost economic and educational aspects.
Targets
Train young people in engineering. Provide tools for business startups that favour economic growth in the region and discourage talent emigration.
Achievements
- Improvement of the access road linking the town of Mahagi and the University.
- Accommodation grants for 20 students from outlying areas of Mahagi.
- UNILAC outreach and promotion campaign, to facilitate access to employment for graduates, thus contributing to the development of the local community.
- Installation of exterior lighting and earthing of the roofs of all buildings.
- Repair and completion of the buildings for their official opening in 2021.
- Courses in different technical subjects recorded in French for remote learning during the COVID-19 restrictions.
- Weekly internet tutorials so that staff and students can consult UPM teachers online.
Good Business Practice 2019: Supporting Education in Africa
TYPSA Foundation for Development reflects the company's sensitivity to the challenges of the African continent and to its commitment to providing development opportunities through education that contribute to the well-being of future generations. The launch of UNILAC University is the company's most sustainable project, conceived to train young Africans in disciplines that will enable them to develop business initiatives locally and discourage talent migration.
CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
Targets we work towards
Target 6.3. By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimising release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
Target 6.4. By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
Target 6.5. By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
Our commitment
Our water management services, one of TYPSA’s main business areas, enable us to contribute directly to improving water availability, management and quality in the countries where we operate.
Our focus
Delivering support through our professional services for public administrations and water operators to improve the management and efficiency of supply and sanitation services, water security, water infrastructure and quality.
Our resources
Technical skills (specialised staff, facilities and equipment), technological skills (computer apps, management platforms, training tools) and water engineering innovation.
Targets
Increase our activity in the field of water to support the competent bodies and authorities in complying with national regulations and international commitments.
Achievements
Enhanced capabilities, tools and techniques at our environmental analysis laboratories in Madrid and Murcia to support regional governments and river basin authorities in improving the quality of surface waters. Development of a proprietary tool for detecting legal limit of quantification non-compliances, by means of an early warning system, facilitating immediate action by the competent body. The new capabilities apply to both drinking water and wastewater discharged into rivers.
- Inland and drinking waters: data processing apps to check compliance with drinking water legislation and wastewater discharge limits.
- Wastewater: infrared spectrophotometry to test for hydrocarbons, evaluating compliance with discharge authorisation and other environmental permits.
- Drinking water and reused water for park and garden irrigation: legionnaire’s disease testing techniques for regional and local governments.
AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
Targets we work towards
Target 7.2. By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
Our commitment
Our energy generation business lines back renewable and clean energy.
Our focus
We support institutions, developers, investors and contractors to introduce technologies, methodologies and tools that promote clean and renewable energy use.
Our resources
Technical capabilities (specialised staff, facilities and equipment), technological (computer apps, management platforms, training tools) and innovation skills.
Targets
Increase our activity in studying, designing and operating solar plants, wind farms and hydroelectric power plants, introducing performance-enhancing improvements and technologies, extending the lifecycle and improving cost-efficiency ratios.
Achievements
- REDCONECT innovation project launched to avoid network instability and energy supply insecurity when integrating renewable energy into electricity networks, especially from wind farms and photovoltaic plants. Analyses network connections using simulation models helping to dispel one of the main concerns of developers, power companies and regulators.
- Improving infrastructure resilience through new methodologies for simulating electromagnetic fields in grounding systems and designing lightning safety systems.
- Development of new capabilities to quantify magnetic fields in electrical installations, ensuring compliance with regulatory limits and avoiding impacts on human health.
Good Business Practice 2020: PV GRAD: the technology that optimises the design of solar photovoltaic plants
PV GRAD technology requires up to 15 times less earth to be moved and compacted compared to a traditional solar plant design, resulting in a substantial reduction in construction costs and an increase in overall profitability of around 5%. CO2 emissions are 10 to 15 times lower since less heavy machinery is used in the construction phase, which facilitates access to green financing on more advantageous terms. Higher profitability attracts more investment in this type of infrastructure project, and consequently more solar energy in the energy mix.
DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Targets we work towards
Target 8.2. Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors.
Target 8.5. By 2030 achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
Target 8.7. Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.
Our commitment
Ensure respect for human rights, ethical corporate behaviour, integrity and equality, as well as diversity and inclusion in TYPSA and its supply chain.
Our focus
Improve our Supplier Management System with clear and strict subcontract models, a specific IT platform for supplier registration and evaluation, and a project audit system containing supplier performance evaluation.
Our resources
Our Integrated Management System and Integrity Management System, with their different teams, platforms and tools, ensure compliance with TYPSA’s commitments throughout the value chain.
Targets
Secure, evaluate and monitor compliance with TYPSA’s commitments to human rights, ethical business behaviour, integrity, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
Achievements
- Our modern slavery and human trafficking statement, and our equality, diversity and inclusion statement, were both signed and published, and are now available on our website.
- Obligation to conduct supplier due diligence globally.
- New section on Human Rights in our partner and supplier due diligence form.
- Modification of the subcontract model to introduce specific clauses on Code of Ethics and Integrity Management System compliance.
- New business integrity and ethics, equality, diversity and inclusion requirements incorporated into our supplier audit system.
Good Business Practice 2019: Branches and subsidiaries opened to be close to our clients
TYPSA’s bet on international office development involves a commitment to its employees worldwide. Satisfactory working conditions are assured by hiring local staff under appropriate terms of employment, providing training, facilitating integration into collaborative working platforms, paying local taxes and ensuring occupational health and safety in accordance with international standards and other applicable labour laws. TYPSA is continuously improving its Quality, Environment and Health and Safety Management System (QHSE), making sure it is in place in the Group’s countries of operation to achieve the necessary certifications.
INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Targets we work towards
Target 9.1. Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
Our commitment
Foster innovation and digitalisation to improve the productivity, efficiency, security and sustainability of our services.
Our focus
Strengthen our Innovation Management System, digital processes and services, new technologies, information security, and digital training and communication.
Our resources
Technical (specialised staff and equipment), technological (tools and software, communication and training platforms) and innovation capabilities.
Targets
Establish TYPSA as an international authority in technology applied to engineering and its processes.
Achievements
- Digital transformation certification. Our Innovation System (R +D) is certified to the Spanish standard UNE 166002; BIM for whole lifecycle information management is certified to ISO 19650; and information security is certified to ISO 27001.
- TYPSA Digital Hub, was created on the intranet as a technology-awareness platform, to share the latest news in going digital, contacts, experts, events, tools, projects and training. This interactive tool allows users to make suggestions and requests using online forms.
- Launch of our week-long TYPSA Digital Talks with sessions on going digital and innovation, open to all staff, to foster the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Good Business Practice 2019: CIVIL BIM
TYPSA has worked hard to consolidate the use of BIM in infrastructure design. In 2018, TYPSA BIM Group was created to develop process mapping for the systematic application of ‘BIM dimensions’. This concerted effort has earned it ISO 19650 1/2 Certification for ‘Information Management using BIM’ and international recognition such as Bentley’s ‘Year in Infrastructure 2018’ going digital award in the UK for advancements in rail and transit infrastructure and its innovative BIM approach, for the HS2 high-speed project (lots S1 and S2) linking London with Manchester and Leeds.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Targets we work towards
Target 11.2. By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
Target 11.3. By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanisation and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
Our commitment
Our services and capabilities contribute to making cities and settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Our focus
Support local councils, municipalities and public companies to plan cities with an integrated, holistic and sustainable approach, fostering innovation, inclusion and the incorporation of private capital.
Our resources
Technical (specialised staff and equipment), technological (computer apps, management platforms, training tools) and innovation capabilities in mobility, water, clean energy, energy efficiency and buildings.
Targets
Develop new technologies, methodologies and tools, as well as strategic agreements and partnerships to plan and design green, inclusive and sustainable cities in the countries in which we operate.
Achievements
Improved mobility and accessibility in cities:
- A collaboration protocol signed with the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium (CRTM) to lead a study promoting low-carbon urban mobility that incorporates public transport. TYPSA is studying the strategic framework and governance models for the implementation of a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) system in Madrid. It includes international case studies and benchmarking against Vienna, Antwerp and Hamburg, and develops the implementation and governance strategy.
- Agreement with the Accessibility and Social Responsibility Foundation (ARS). Signed to make TYPSA an authorised entity for the use and application of the AIS (Accessibility Indicator System) accessibility certification for urbanised environments. Under this agreement, TYPSA can act as a consultant for the implementation of the AIS 1/2018 standard, both for new build and built spaces, with the commitment to contribute toaccessibility standardisation.
- Group subsidiary GBM, has developed a new tool based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that helps municipalities increase resilience and reduce flood risk, studying the implementation of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). The tool obtains an overall view of the city and prioritises optimal locations for multifunctional drainage infrastructure in line with local criteria and objectives, selecting the most suitable SUDS typology for each area (rain gardens, green roofs and infiltration trenches, among others).
Good Business Practice 2019: Sustainable Urban Drainage: GBM
TYPSA has incorporated a Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) start-up into the Group. SuDS offer nature-based solutions that leverage urban soil properties to collect and retain rainwater where it falls. They replicate natural catchment response, helping to strengthen water governance principles that enhance water-body integrity, protecting against floods and droughts, adapting to and mitigating climate change impacts, reducing energy consumption in the urban water cycle, and providing ecosystem services and ecological connectivity and restoration.
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
Targets we work towards
Target 12.2. By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
Target 12.5. By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
Our commitment
We offer our services and capabilities to help extend the useful life of built assets and encourage the use of resilient and low-emission building materials and techniques.
Our focus
Specialised services to characterise and evaluate materials, forensic engineering and construction pathology to support the improvement of the condition of infrastructure and buildings.
Our resources
INTEMAC, (Technical Materials and Construction Institute), has been a Group subsidiary since 2018, providing technical (specialised staff, facilities and equipment), technological (computer apps) and innovation capabilities.
Targets
Consolidate the Group’s contribution to the analysis, monitoring and assessment of environmental behaviour, and the resilience of construction materials and structures, developing solutions and applications that contribute to extending their useful life and to reducing environmental impacts.
Achievements
We have incorporated environmental monitoring and analysis capabilities for CO2 emissions during construction material manufacturing processes, testing raw materials or the final product in the lab to comply with Spanish and European regulations. New, more sustainable and resilient materials and by-products or industrial waste are also studied for incorporation into construction material production processes, with the aim of reducing the raw materials and energy used to manufacture binders. INTEMAC’s laboratory is accredited by ENAC (Spanish National Accreditation Entity) for both industrial by-product testing and for determining CO2 in calcium carbonate additions and the raw materials in cement, according to criteria set out in the UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard.
Good Business Practice 2020: Innovation in industrial wastewater treatment and components reuse
TYPSA collaborates in the circular economy with EURECAT Technology Centre in Catalonia, through European research projects on industrial wastewater treatment and the reuse of organic and inorganic compounds valuable to other industries. One of the most important projects is SOLIEVA, which demonstrates the feasibility of membrane technology applied to the treatment of effluents from processed table olive production. The new technology shows that clean process water can be generated, and organic waste can be reused in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
CLIMATE ACTION
Targets we work towards
Target 13.1. Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climaterelated hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Target 13.3. Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
Our commitment
Incorporate climate change mitigation and adaptation into our infrastructure, energy and city planning and design solutions.
Our focus
Introduce new technologies, tools and processes that facilitate climate-change sensitive decision-making, for administrations, municipalities, developers and contractors.
Our resources
Our Innovation Management System, Digital Hub and BIM Department.
Targets
Increase development capacity for climate-change sensitive digital solutions and methodologies, and training and capacity building tools for sustainable design.
Achievements
The Digital Twin Innovation Project was launched to design less carbon-intensive infrastructure and buildings by generating virtual models. In 2020, the corporate headquarters digital twin was created using BIM to simulate alternatives that improve CO2 emissions in building operation and maintenance. After this first phase, the alternatives will be applied to civil infrastructure in Spain, and a methodology for both buildings and infrastructure will be defined and shared to be introduced into advisory services and sustainability capacity building and training. This initiative was included as one of the 101 #Porelclima Business Initiatives for carbon reduction in 2020.
Good Business Practice 2020: Designing less carbon-intensive infrastructure
In order to promote and project less carbon-intensive design, a digital twin of the corporate head office in San Sebastian de los Reyes (Madrid) was generated using BIM, making it possible to simulate alternatives that improve CO2 emissions from the operation and maintenance of the building. After this first phase, the alternatives will be applied to civil infrastructure in Spain. Finally, a methodology for both buildings and infrastructure will be defined and disseminated for use in sustainability advisory, capacity building and training services.
Good Business Practice 2019: Planning climate change resilient infrastructure
The methodology incorporates ‘uncertainty models’ based on climate statistics accompanied by public participation processes to enable optimum decision-making. The result is a robust design that allows government bodies to make the right decisions for infrastructure development from an environmental, social and economic point of view after considering different climate scenarios and assigning probabilities to meet stakeholder levels of acceptance.
PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Targets we work towards
Target 16.5. Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.
Our commitment
Lead the way in integrity and the fight against corruption in the engineering and construction industry.
Our focus
Steer our activity towards markets where public tender bidding specifications include integrity criteria and transparency as a requirement or a positively valued practice.
Our resources
Our Integrity Management System implemented in Spain and in subsidiaries and branches in more than 30 countries.
Targets
Certify our Integrity Management Systems.
Achievements
Renewal of Anti-Bribery Certification 37001 and improvements in the Integrity Management System, highlighting the following:
- Launch of an Implementation Plan for the Integrity Management System in all branches and coordination with the subsidiaries to adopt their own.
- Enhanced due diligence when hiring agents or commercial advisors.
- Conflict of interest statement for especially exposed staff extended to cover any type of conflict of interest and not only family relationships with public authority staff.
- Training Plan developed with digital tools, including a self-assessment platform.
Good Business Practice 2019: Anti-Bribery System Certification
The most important part of TYPSA's Integrity Management System is the Anti-Bribery Management System, which has been ISO 37001:2016 certified by AENOR since 2019. This certification is an important milestone in Integrity Management System implementation, as it ensures all management areas are informed and committed to the prevention of such criminal practices. The Anti-Bribery Management System helps the organisation to prevent, detect and manage possible bribery behaviours appropriately, creating a culture of transparency and good governance with the support of computer applications that enhance information and transparency.
PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
Targets we work towards
Target 17.17. Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
Our commitment
Promote technical education in developing countries.
Our focus
Improve and maintain optimum conditions at Lake Albert University (UNILAC) in Mahagi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for civil engineering and agricultural engineering studies.
Our resources
The TYPSA Foundation for Development, created 13 years ago. Financed by monetary and other donations from TYPSA Group which together amount to 0.7% of the profit. TYPSA group employees and other institutions also donate to the Foundation. A collaboration agreement with the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) has been in place since 2018 to boost economic and educational aspects.
Targets
Train young people in engineering. Provide tools for business startups that favour economic growth in the region and discourage talent emigration.
Achievements
- Improvement of the access road linking the town of Mahagi and the University.
- Accommodation grants for 20 students from outlying areas of Mahagi.
- UNILAC outreach and promotion campaign, to facilitate access to employment for graduates, thus contributing to the development of the local community.
- Installation of exterior lighting and earthing of the roofs of all buildings.
- Repair and completion of the buildings for their official opening in 2021.
- Courses in different technical subjects recorded in French for remote learning during the COVID-19 restrictions.
- Weekly internet tutorials so that staff and students can consult UPM teachers online.
Good Business Practice 2019: Supporting Education in Africa
TYPSA Foundation for Development reflects the company's sensitivity to the challenges of the African continent and to its commitment to providing development opportunities through education that contribute to the well-being of future generations. The launch of UNILAC University is the company's most sustainable project, conceived to train young Africans in disciplines that will enable them to develop business initiatives locally and discourage talent migration.