What is ESG?

In January 2023, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) went into effect in the EU. The CSRD reformed, codified, and increased the scope of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD). Essentially, the NFRD and the CSRD require that companies report on a variety of non-financial ESG factors.

ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) refers to a set of non-financial standards or metrics that aim to measure the behavior of a company and provide a fuller view of its overall impact. Generally, ESG is used in the context of investing, and is often used interchangeably with terms like “socially responsible investing,” or “sustainable investing.” Although there has been a fair amount of non-mandatory reporting from companies that emphasizes corporate social responsibility (CSR), the CSRD codifies and makes this reporting a requirement.

According to the European Commission,

The new rules will ensure that investors and other stakeholders have access to the information they need to assess the impact of companies on people and the environment and for investors to assess financial risks and opportunities arising from climate change and other sustainability issues. Finally, reporting costs will be reduced for companies over the medium to long term by harmonising [SIC] the information to be provided.

European Commission, “Corporate sustainability reporting.”

In terms of the required reporting, there are three major topic clusters: environmental, social, and corporate governance. In the environmental topic area, EU companies are required to report on things related to climate change and carbon emissions, air and water pollution, biodiversity, deforestation, energy efficiency, waste management, and water scarcity.

The social topic area addresses the relationships a company has and its reputation with people and institutions. This topic area includes labor relations, diversity, and inclusion. Generally, the social reporting area includes things like customer satisfaction, data protection and privacy, gender and diversity, employee engagement, community relations, human rights, and labor standards.

The governance topic area is focused broadly on things like shareholders’ rights, board composition and diversity, executive compensation, audit committee structure, bribery and corruption, executive compensation, lobbying, political contributions, and whistleblower protection.

ESG at Sealevel

Environmental

Sealevel has undertaken several initiatives that fall under the environmental category, including:

Eco-Outreach

Throughout our history, Sealevel has planted over 2,500 trees in honor of our customers.

REACH Compliance

All RoHS-compliant products manufactured by Sealevel System Inc. and its contract manufacturers meet the standards of the European Union Registration, Authorization of Chemicals (REACH). Sealevel Systems, Inc. has verified with our suppliers and received confirmation that products such as bare boards, enclosures, cables, labels and packaging material used with our products are all compliant with the RoHS III and REACH standards.

RoHS Compliance

Sealevel is committed to providing its customers with high-quality products that meet RoHS (2002/95/EC), WEEE (2002/96/EC), and other green initiatives adopted by the global community. RoHS restricts the use of lead and certain other hazardous materials in electronic products marketed to the European Union. All Sealevel products are designed for RoHS compatibility.

Social

Sealevel has undertaken many initiatives that fall under the social category, including:

Community Impact

Sealevel’s leadership is committed to giving back to the neighbors who have given so much to us. We support over 20 area non-profits annually through financial contributions as well as volunteer hours.

Sealevel has also devoted a significant amount of resources towards local parks and community initiatives, including a donation of $250,000 to sponsor the pedestrian access trail in Unity Park in Greenville, SC.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Sealevel offers a free EAP assistance program that is available to employees and their immediate family members. This confidential counseling program provides emotional support, work-life solutions, legal guidance, and financial resources.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

Sealevel is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy

Sealevel is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. Therefore, Sealevel expects that all relationships among persons in the workplace will be business-like and free of bias, prejudice, and harassment.

Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Sealevel absorbs approximately 98% of the premiums for medical insurance for employee-only plans.

Retirement

The Company offers 401(k) retirement plan participation with eligibility after two months of employment, with company matching.

Governance

ISO 9001:2015

Sealevel’s commitment to total customer satisfaction is reflected in the company’s management system achieving ISO 9001:2000 registration in 2002, providing one of the strongest assurances of product/service quality available. In 2009, we achieved ISO 9001:2008 registration, which ensures that the proper processes and business practices are in place to satisfy quality requirements and satisfaction in supplier-customer relationships. In 2018, we achieved ISO 9001:2015 registration, which focuses on risk management with a strong emphasis on leadership and management commitment. Sealevel is audited by SAI Global, North America’s largest management system registrar.

While Sealevel is not an EU company, and thus not required to provide ESG reporting, our leadership is committed to serving all stakeholders: workers, communities, customers, and the environment.