introduction | codes of conduct | social audits | socially responsible investment | health & safety | managing environmental impacts | community involvement | environmental auditing | voluntary agreements | reporting

Introduction

For more than 75 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been building the world's infrastructure and, in partnership with its worldwide dealer network, is driving positive and sustainable change in every continent. With 2003 sales and revenues of $22.76 billion, Caterpillar is a technology leader and the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, clean diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. More information is available at http://www.cat.com.

At Caterpillar we believe meeting the needs of customers, employees and shareholders is not enough. We must envision a better world and then help achieve it. To this end, Caterpillar's approach has been to work with its whole supply chain to discover new ways to meet the needs of the present, without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

We search for solutions that fulfill current demand for lumber, minerals and energy, while at the same time conserve these resources. Whether it is partnering with leaders in the mining and minerals industry through the Global Mining Initiative, or creating models for more sustainable harvesting of natural resources, Caterpillar is helping make responsible development possible.

Caterpillar and its customers face real and immediate challenges to traditional ways of doing business. And in response, Caterpillar works each day to become a catalyst for environmental and social improvement. Numerous examples demonstrate this attitude, including ongoing efforts to reduce emissions, lower sound levels and discover ways to use resources more sustainably.

Just as we have worked to become more sustainable, it is important to note our customers have also taken steps in this direction. We are very pleased to play a lead role in this initiative to share case studies from leading companies in the mining and quarrying industries.

Mr Gérard Vittecoq
Group President, Caterpillar

introduction | codes of conduct | social audits | socially responsible investment | health & safety | managing environmental impacts | community involvement | environmental auditing | voluntary agreements | reporting