Life
Life addresses the use of natural resources in the product and the product chain. It seeks to maintain and restore the diversity of living organisms and the well-being of animals as well as prevent the depletion of the earth and its resources. It is divided into biodiversity, animal welfare and natural resources conservation.
This principle addresses the responsibility to conserve biodiversity at all scales—genes, species and ecosystems. The company shall conserve biological diversity at all scales, use the components of biological diversity sustainably, and share in the benefits that derive from the use of biodiversity, as set out in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
The welfare of any animals that are part of the product chain shall be protected in any environment in which they are kept, including in living quarters, slaughterhouses, laboratories or while in transit. This principle includes, but is not limited to, animals used in food, apparel, entertainment, breeding, service and pharmaceutical sectors.
Natural resources shall be viewed by business as capital and treated with equal care as human, financial and physical capital. Natural resources belong to the global community and users of natural resources shall therefore manage them for long-term sustainability. This principle applies to both renewable and non-renewable natural resources.