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As a tech company with a global presence, we strive to make a positive impact on the environment and on society as a whole.

At Milestone Systems, we are conscious of our operations and impact. We strive to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We have prioritized seven of the SDGs. 
Four are directly linked to our purpose and business model (#3, #9, #11 and #16), one is linked to the measures we take in regard to privacy, human rights, ethics, and responsible technology (#17), one applies to our efforts on environment and climate action (#13), and one concerns the impact we have through our focus on people and culture (#8).

We use our company policies and guidelines to maintain a culture that supports the protection of labor rights, safe working conditions, human rights and prevents corruption. Our solutions help to protect people and property. 

Using our video technology software makes it possible to improve safety and build resilient infrastructure for the common good of citizens in our societies.

Strong focus on responsibility and ethics defines Milestone

Responsible technology, data ethics, privacy, human rights, and anti-corruption are important themes for Milestone Systems. Technology’s role in society is a growing concern when it comes to ethics. 

Milestone’s products can support and be integrated into many facilities and infrastructures that support economic development and human well-being. 

We believe in taking responsibility for the world we are part of. This requires that we explore and actively consider any unintended consequences or possible negative impacts of our products, and actively manage, mitigate, and reduce risk and harm.
Security and protection
Protecting privacy is a key priority. Our XProtect Corporate product complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and we have obtained the EuroPriSe GDPR-ready certification from the European Privacy Seal institute.

Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) is a United States standard for encryption that has increased cybersecurity overall. For security and protection of data, Milestone has integrated functionalities into our products to operate in a FIPS compliant mode.
Human rights
Milestone’s approach to human rights, anti-corruption and bribery is firmly based on our company values. Milestone is a co-author of the Copenhagen Letter (copenhagenletter.org) a technology declaration calling for an open and honest public conversation about the power of technology and how it should enhance the quality of life.

In relation to this, we have introduced the Copenhagen Clause into our contract framework. The Clause encourages our partners to involve themselves in the important discussion about responsible use of technology, to sign the Copenhagen Letter and adopt the Copenhagen Clause into their own agreements. In 2021, we have continued to promote and enforce this clause and have had no incidents in which we needed to take specific actions.

Milestone remains aware of the many ethical aspects of video surveillance. As stated in our End-User-License Agreement, it is not permitted to use our software for the purpose of, or in connection with, a violation of the human rights of any person as set out in the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights. A violation of the permitted use of the software may lead to a termination of the license granted under the End-User-License Agreement.

At Milestone, we require our colleagues, partners, and customers to comply with applicable laws and to respect human rights. We do not accept discrimination, violations of human rights, or violations of child labor laws. We respect each individual’s right to a safe working environment.
Anti-corrution and whistleblower scheme
Our anti-corruption policy is clearly documented in our code of conduct that we require all colleagues to sign and comply with. As part of this, we require our colleagues to raise awareness and to act if they observe incidents which, directly or as a result of circumstances, may be seen as unlawful or unethical activities, e.g. as anti-corruption activities. 

Throughout 2021, we have provided training in business ethics as part of the All-hands (company meetings for all employees) program. This is a continuation of similar training we delivered at the 2020 kickoff sessions, and during the year we maintained a focus on anti-corruption in our dialogue with the site offices.

In 2021, Milestone has launched a new whistleblower scheme. The whistleblower scheme makes it easier for our internal and external stakeholders to report serious incidents of actual or suspected misconduct which could constitute a breach of the law or internal procedures. The whistleblower scheme can be used anonymously and ensures confidentiality for the person using the system to report an incident.
Data ethics
In 2021, Milestone has launched a data ethics policy. When we process data or develop, purchase, sell or implement new technologies, artificial intelligence or algorithms, the principles for data ethics are assessed. Data ethics are a part of the design process and are considered prior to the purchase or implementation of technology. We have prepared guidelines ensuring that the data ethics policy is duly integrated within and beyond the organization.

In 2021, ‘responsibility’ has been placed at the core of Milestone’s business strategy. A Corporate Affairs department has been established. And in 2022, we will continue the development of principles and practices for how we want video technology to be developed, sold, and used in society.
Looking forward
In 2022, Milestone Systems A/S plans to increase the focus on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) by adding dedicated ESG resources to our team and by expanding our ESG policy framework and guidelines. 
As a part of this effort, we will focus on anti-corruption and bribery, human rights and responsible technology. 

As a part of this work, Milestone expects to conduct an impact assessment identifying and assessing human rights risks and anchoring its responsible technology framework in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

A new policy for data ethics

The purpose of the data ethics policy is to formally state Milestone Systems’ data ethics principles and describe the overall ways in which we process data. 

In this way, we make it clear to our customers, employees, partners, and other stakeholders that we are dedicated to protecting their data and will use data in a responsible and ethical way.

Our Global Data Protection Policy ensures that we comply with both Danish and European Union (EU) law on data and privacy protection. However, we see data ethics considerations as more far-reaching than compliance with privacy legislation. For that reason, this data ethics policy relates to data processing in general.
What is data?
Data includes both structured and unstructured data, as well as public data and data we create at Milestone through selling, using, and developing technology. 

We collect data directly from colleagues, partners, suppliers, customers, and public databases. We also purchase certain data from suppliers for Milestone to validate the data of our customers.
What are our principles?
When we process data or develop, purchase, sell or implement new technologies, artificial intelligence or algorithms, principles for data ethics must be assessed and included in the considerations during the design process and, or prior to purchase or implementation.

For this reason, we have prepared guidelines for the data ethics policy, which must be signed off by the relevant stakeholders accordingly. Our principles include specific guidelines on diversity, integrity, transparency, accountability, necessity, proportionality, legality, security and decisions.

Employee initiatives grow our culture

A strategic focus on diversity and inspiring working conditions creates the basis for an agile and dynamic culture.

Milestone is an international company and diversity is a central part of who we are. We are present in 24 countries, and we are close to 70 nationalities globally, with more than 40 nationalities in the Copenhagen office alone. Diversity is not just a question of nationality. To us, diversity equals different perspectives, and different perspectives reflect the world we live in and lead to new ideas and innovation.

To realize our strategic priorities, we rely on our people and their expertise, skills, and diversity. It is our belief that by prioritizing the ongoing development of our people, we safeguard the long-term, sustainable growth of our business.
Focus on people and well-being
We take pride in challenging our people and creating growth opportunities. We believe that each of us, as individuals and as colleagues, should have access to personal development and the opportunity to learn and train professionally and grow personally. Some of the ways Milestone meets this obligation are through Milestone internal bootcamps, training programs, and academies.

In 2021, we launched our Grow Together program as a guide to strengthen mental and physical well-being. The program offers tools for daily breaks and opportunities to focus on body, mind, and spirit. Global volunteering is part of the Grow Together initiative: Milestone gives every employee one day per year to give back to society through voluntary work for a purpose that individual teams define will benefit society.

In 2022, we will continue our focus on the Grow Together program. We will continue to launch new measures building on the results and experiences we have harvested from the program so far.

We use non-financial KPIs to manage the reporting of working conditions including diversity and equality in the workplace, employee attrition rate, number of employees year end, engagement score, net promoter score and score in the Leadership Quality Index (also see page 43).
Gender distribution
Report on the gender distribution in the leadership team, cf. Section 99 b of the Danish Financial Statements.

A diverse workforce brings varied experiences, expertise, ideas, and innovation. To maintain a diverse workforce, we collaborate across Milestone to take advantage of knowledge sharing between culturally diverse groups. When recruiting to fill employee positions, we always look for the best candidate. In 2021, when we used consultants and headhunters to help fill vacancies, we continued to ask for diversity in the field of candidates, including in terms of gender.

Following this principle, the composition of the Board of Directors is reviewed on an annual basis. The board consists of six members including two employee-elected members. In 2021, an employee-elected woman became part of the board. The four shareholder-elected members are currently male. By 2024, the board also aims to have one female candidate for election as shareholder-elected member.

The Executive Leadership Team, consisting of six members, now has two women on board (as of February 1, 2022). In 2021, Milestone’s Senior Leadership Team consisted of 26 percent women (from 33 percent in 2020).

Our aim is to foster a basis for organic growth and development of female talent that includes our leadership levels, and that women are truly considered in our commitment to make sure we have the best candidate. Going forward, we will continue to ensure that gender diversity is an integrated part of our talent review, leadership development, and recruitment activities for leadership positions.
Innovation and partnerships to decrease environmental impact

Our business has an impact on the climate and the environment. We can influence this impact.

We are aware that our business has an impact on the climate and on the environment, and that to some extent, we can influence our impact. 

To make this a positive impact, our policy is to actively encourage all employees to become more climate-friendly and environmentally-conscious in their work processes.
Smart technology, less energy consumption
We believe that smart technology design can minimize adverse effects on the environment, and we are working to reduce the energy consumption of our products. In this way, we can save costs in security installations, as well as extend the lifespan of the hardware used.

When relevant, we also include environmental protection in our contracts with partners. 

We require our distributors to comply with local environmental legislation, including the European Union (EU) Battery Directive, the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and environmental fees.
Renewable energy
To increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix used by Milestone, we have committed to sourcing some of our operational electricity needs from renewable sources. In a joint project with the property owner at our office in Copenhagen, solar panels have been installed on the roof of the building.

The solar panels have been in use throughout 2021 and have performed as expected. The rest of the energy required to power the Copenhagen office comes from Danish offshore wind turbines. 

In the years ahead we will continue exploring using smart technologies that can help us save energy. For all of our offices around the world, we will pursue solutions that use renewable energy. 
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) risks
Our global activities may expose us to risks and uncertainties related to our corporate social responsibility. Growing fast and expanding internationally as we take advantage of business opportunities, we also take precautions to minimize the risk of negative impacts on the environment, climate, working conditions, and human rights.
Negative impacts could be:
Power consumption related to products and solutions
Energy consumption and waste disposal in our operations and offices
Minerals used by suppliers
Use of Milestone’s software and solutions that could violate personal integrity and human rights
Indirect involvement through colleagues, suppliers, distributors, or partners engaging in bribery or corruption
We evaluate these risks before initiating geo-expansion activities, and we collaborate with local professionals during the set-up phase. We also mitigate these risks through our policies and by securing close relations between leadership, guidelines, and activities. Through on-site training, we establish risk management frameworks that include mechanisms and functions for compliance and internal control.