The costs of purchasing goods and services at HeidelbergCement amount to more than 60% of our total turnover. Approximately 30% of this amount is accounted for by locally procured goods and services. Our purchasing volume therefore represents a considerable economic factor in many regions. We know that our sense of corporate responsibility will also be judged by how effectively we ensure compliance with sustainability standards throughout our supply chain.
Our Group-wide purchasing guidelines provide clear instructions regarding the supplier relation-ships and purchasing activities of HeidelbergCement. As a basic principle, these relationships are based on respect, fairness, ethics and credibility, in line with our Code of Business Conduct. Our business activities are subject to local legislation and also take into account regulations concerning environmental protection, quality assurance, product safety and social conditions. We also expect our suppliers to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct, which is based on the Code of Business Conduct that has been in effect for many years and which takes into consideration key elements of the SA 8000 International Social Accountability Standard, the ISO 14001 international environmental standard and the principles of the International Labour Organisation.
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Supplier Code of Conduct, which is available in many languages, forms the basis of all the contractual supplier relationships maintained by HeidelbergCement throughout the world. If the Supplier Code of Conduct should be categorically violated in any way, HeidelbergCement will terminate the supplier relationship in question if it is determined that the necessary corrections have not been made within a defined period of time, or if the supplier is found to be unwilling to make such corrections.