Materiality Analysis
Covanta's Material Issues
Waste resource utilization refers to the responsible management of the many products and materials that become waste streams around the world. The issue encompasses a focus on finding the most sustainable next step for each waste in order to lessen, to the extent possible, impacts on the environment and society.
Related GRI topics: Procurement Practices 2016* and Materials 2016
* Covanta’s 2020 Sustainability Report applies the 2016 version of the GRI Standards; “2016” refers to the Standards issue date, not the date of information presented in this report.
Air pollutants (non-GHG air emissions) can pose risks to people and may cause other damages to the environment. This issue also covers management and regulation of air emissions, including improved air quality through technological innovation, advanced equipment and robust process management.
Related GRI topic: Emissions 2016*
* Covanta’s 2020 Sustainability Report applies the 2016 version of the GRI Standards; “2016” refers to the Standards issue date, not the date of information presented in this report.
Environmental Justice / Community relations refers to our communications and activities with local community organizations and individuals. It includes impacts on the economy, taxes, job creation, noise and odor, air pollutants and community engagement, as well as support of local initiatives through monetary and service donations.
Related GRI topics: Indirect Economic Impacts 2016, Local Communities 2016 and Customer Health and Safety 2016*
* Covanta’s 2020 Sustainability Report applies the 2016 version of the GRI Standards; “2016” refers to the Standards issue date, not the date of information presented in this report.
Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) include all issues related to man-made activities that can either increase or avoid GHGs, which consequently can generate related climate risks or opportunities.
Related GRI topic: Emissions 2016*
* Covanta’s 2020 Sustainability Report applies the 2016 version of the GRI Standards; “2016” refers to the Standards issue date, not the date of information presented in this report.
Financial performance includes the financial health of the company and strategic planning to provide long-term value creation for the company’s stakeholders.
Related GRI topics: Economic Performance 2016* and Market Presence 2016*
* Covanta’s 2020 Sustainability Report applies the 2016 version of the GRI Standards; “2016” refers to the Standards issue date, not the date of information presented in this report.
Customer relations with both municipalities and corporate customers encompasses customer satisfaction, day-to-day customer support, service pricing and business and operational excellence.
Related GRI topic: Customer Privacy 2016*
* Covanta’s 2020 Sustainability Report applies the 2016 version of the GRI Standards; “2016” refers to the Standards issue date, not the date of information presented in this report.
A materiality analysis helps us identify those issues that matter most to our internal and external stakeholders and to our company’s long-term business success.
We conduct materiality analyses to better inform the depth and breadth of our disclosure and strategic planning. Our analyses meet the requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) Principles for Defining Report Content.
We conducted our first analysis in 2009 and our third in 2015. Given the robust nature of our process, and the consistency of our business since our last review, we are confident that the results of the 2015 analysis remain relevant today. As part of the 2015 analysis, we:
- Analyzed stakeholder source documents representing input from our key stakeholder groups.
- Convened a diverse and representative stakeholder panel to utilize their expertise and hear their insights.
- Gathered internal feedback from Covanta executives, managers and employees on priority topics to understand perceptions of potential impacts across our value chain.
- Used all input to develop and review an extensive list of environmental, social, governance and economic topics relevant to our business operations.
- Analyzed the results of the source review and stakeholder feedback to identify the issues of highest concern to both external stakeholders and company management.
- Shared the results of the analysis with our stakeholder panel, reviewed their feedback and confirmed our final material issues internally (see diagram).