The family of companies aims to be a global leader with respect to sustainability and environmental performance by the end of 2009. A number of steps were taken in 2005/6 to achieve this aim. These included an external assessment of our performance, a review of our key risks and subsequent implementation of a more rigorous environmental strategy. The assessment of our environmental performance was completed by Sustainability Asset Management (SAM) for DBCM, Exploration and DTC. SAM is an independent asset management company specialising in sustainability investments. SAM sustainability indices are used to inform admission to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
	At the core of our new strategy is the resolution to ensure line management accountabilities are clearly established and to obtain consistent environmental performance data from all our operations and sites on a regular basis. The revised strategy also identifies six aspects of strategic significance to the family of companies: energy and climate change, water, biodiversity, lifecycle and closure planning, materials and waste and social assessments. Each of these aspects has since been prioritised as a strategic environmental initiative and is being proactively managed in line with international best practice. The following pages discuss each of these initiatives in turn. Since their identification, two of these areas – energy and climate and water management – have been moved outside of our environmental strategy team and are being addressed by technical managers directly. This ensures complete integration within core operational functions and that progress is driven by individuals and teams who are directly accountable for results and whose actions have immediate impact on our performance. These technical managers receive input from our environmental specialists to ensure relevant environmental aspects and stakeholders concerns are addressed. This is especially the case with respect to energy use and climate change and opportunities for sustained carbon reductions through energy efficiencies, use of alternative fuels and offset. Our environmental strategy also focuses on shared learning and performance appraisal. Consistent ways of working across the family of companies are being determined through the environmental peer group. Performance targets across the family of companies have already been established and will be monitored through an electronic performance reporting application to be implemented by the end of 2006. These initiatives will enable more meaningful reporting through the annual reporting process and on our websites.