CC-Projects in South America

Under the slogan "We are TOGETHER" the Christmas corporate volunteering was replicated in 2021. #UniendoCorazones.

We invited again our employees to join their families in the Christmas 2021 volunteering. Each volunteer received a Christmas box to assemble and decorate a Christmas box as a family and then include non-perishable foods in it. More than 250 collaborators with their families participated in Pacheco and Córdoba united by the same objective: to put together a Christmas box to donate it to those who need it most.

In Pacheco, the boxes were delivered to the Nordelta Foundation. These boxes reached the families of Barrio las Tunas, near our Plant. In the case of Córdoba, the donation was made to the " Mi Ilusión" community center. In total, we donated 326 Christmas boxes with non-perishable food and Christmas products.

Another example of a public-private partnership is still running strong in its tenth year. “All the better to see you with” is a health program that provides students at public schools of disadvantaged neighborhoods in the municipality of Tigre eye tests performed by a mobile medical team.

VWA donated the portable testing equipment and provides a vehicle to reach all schools and students in the area.

Since November 11, the organic waste from the canteen is being composted. So far, 274 kg are in the composting process.

This waste is no longer sent to the landfill, being the same recovered as compost at the Córdoba Industrial Center.

Due to the difficult context we have gone through during 2020, we invited VWA employees to collaborate with donations of food and hygiene items to distribute them to the families of the neighborhood surrounding our Pacheco plant. Through the Unilever web portal, employees could purchase the items. The equivalent of 150 food and cleaning food kits were collected to deliver to those who need it most.

Since May 2021, 33 new electricity metering points have been added, allowing us to sectorize consumption. Previously, we only had 3 electricity meters used to control the billing of the distribution company.

During 2021, the afforestation campaign continued with the aim of recovering green spaces within the property. The activity brought together collaborators from all over the Plant who planted a total of 30 trees of native species of the Province of Córdoba, generating an ecological restoration.

The planting was carried out in September and November under the "Water Defenders" project, with the following native species: Tala, Molle, Algarrobo, Algarrobo de Perro, Quebracho Blanco, Sen de campo, Manzano de Campo, chañar, Tusca, Algarrobo Blanco.

The place was named as "Isla Verde", a representative a representative ecosystem and functional serrano, contributing to education and fostering in all employees an awareness of caring for the environment, thus reaffirming the commitment of Volkswagen Argentina.

For the second year, the VW Employers with their family, joined the Reforestation Program of Native Species of National Parks of the Province of Córdoba, planting more than 700 species tree called “Tabaquillos” in the Quebrada del Condorito National Park, expanding in this way the frontiers of this activity, which took place on November 3, 7 and 13.

Actively participated in the "goTOzero week" of different biodiversity and environmental activities.

A local planting of native trees was carried out in the biodiversity zone of Cordoba, with the participation of the executive role.

A mural allegorical to goTOzero week was painted with ecological paint, with the participation of VW personnel from all areas.

Volkswagen Group Argentina held the goTOzero week from September 6 to 10 and offered a series of activities for its collaborators such as talks by experts in environmental issues, virtual workshops, corporate volunteer events and the realization of two ecological collaborative murals, one in the Pacheco Industrial Center and the other in the Córdoba Industrial Center.

In our efforts to improve the perception of common spaces, we developed the first Green area in the Assy Shop, which counts with skylights to promote natural light, a garden bed and furniture made out from scrap material. During 2021, further resting areas such as this one, will be inaugurated.

Hackathon SAM was a corporate initiative that integrated participants from VW Brazil and VW Argentina in order to create innovative solutions to Regional challenges. The activity was supposed to take place in Brazil in March 2020, after the COVID Pandemic, it was decided to go through with the event, but virtually. That is how 72 participants (64 VWB e 8 VWA), selected by COMEX members, were gathered for a specific training session in Design Thinking Methodology and then participated in the Hackathon. The challenges were chosen by COMEX considering business priorities, such us Digitalization, Regional integration opportunities and Cultural Transformation.

The Hackathon took place in November from the 3rd to the 5th.
Every participant received a special kit with some tools for the activity, such us colored shirts for each team. At the end of the activity, the COMEX voted the winning Teams in order to promote the project's execution next year.

Taking into consideration the environmental and energy management knowledge that every employee in Pacheco Site should have, an E-learning was developed and launched during August 2020 for all those who have access to a computer and taking advantage of the home office scenario.

This training consists in 3 sections. The first one is a short visual clip in which the Environmental and Energy Policy of Volkswagen Argentina is explained. The second section has 15 interactive slides where the remaining concepts are explained and before enabling the third section, there is a mini quiz which just serves for reinforcing concepts. The third and last section is the graded evaluation. From a total of 1161 employees that had access to this course, by December 2020 97% of them had already passed it with a grade of 8/10 or higher.

Taking into consideration the environmental and energy management knowledge that every employee and contractors in Còrdoba Site should have, an E-learning was developed and launched during September 2020 for all those who have access to a computer and taking advantage of the home office scenario. Face-to-face training was also carried out in small groups for operators.

This training consists in 3 sections. The first one is a short visual clip in which the Environmental and Energy Policy of Volkswagen Argentina is explained. The second section has 15 interactive slides where the remaining concepts are explained and before enabling the third section, there is a mini quiz which just serves for reinforcing concepts. The third and last section is the graded evaluation.  

During 2021, we successfully maintained both integrated management systems (ISO 14.001 and 50.001), which uphold the commitment of environmental and energy compliance of our plant.  

Within the framework of the Action Plan of the Win-Win Program of the Women United Nations, of which VWA is a signatory, it was designed a Mentoring program to connect VWA leaders with the new generation.

In this first edition 9 mentors & 12 mentees of different areas of the company participated.  

After an investment of US $ 150 million for the realization of a new MQ281 transmission, 100% destined for export to other VW Group plants around the world, such as Poland, Portugal, India and Mexico, in June 2020 it was carried out the start of production and export at the Córdoba Industrial Center. This 6-speed manual gearbox, which will be used in Volkswagen vehicles (T-Roc, Caddy, Tiguan and T-Cross), Seat Ibiza Ateca and León, as well as in the Skoda Octavia and even in the Audi A1 and Q2 , has a saving of 65% in energy used in lighting and 75% degree of automation in its production process, among which its Supply system stands out Autonomous to manufacture parts without variants, made by autonomous mobile robots AGV that make a journey from the machining cells to the Assembly Line.  

After announcing an investment of 650 million USD in November 2017 intended for modernizing the infrastructure and installing the new MQB-A Platform for the production of the new Taos SUV, in 2020 we inaugurated the new paint shop which, given to its water-based formula, enables a significant energy, water and emission savings.

During the installation of the new Taos’ productive lines, new innovative technologies were implemented to go along this project, such as the implementation of automation lights in robotized body cells, intelligent lighting in the new facilities of Taos, low frequency welding tongs with adaptive control (reducing its energy consumption by a 33%), polishing a total area of 28,370 m2 of floor in order to avoid maintenance with epoxy paint, new interfloor conveyors driven by electric motors of high efficiency, among others.

Volkswagen Argentina becomes the first and only paint shop in the country to have a water-based and primer-less paint.

Actively participated in the "project 1 hour" to talk about the environment for one hour at all VW sites worldwide. Motivating care and respect for the environment.

The Córdoba Industrial Center, through an investment of 1.7 million dollars, carried out an important modification and update of the processes in its Effluent Treatment plant in order to adapt to the new requirements of Decree 847/16. This new Treatment Plant has the capacity to treat liquids generated daily in the CIC's productive operation, exceeding the regulatory requirements of current regulations by 50%.

Since August, dry municipal solid waste (MSW) has been sent for co-processing as fuel for cement kilns.

So far this year, 20,580 kg have been co-processed, representing a 30% decrease in waste sent to landfill.

Due to the worldwide pandemic, vulnerable population in Argentina increased the demand of food in community centers. Within this framework, and regarding the Sustainability social actions, the VW Argentina team, joined with a non-profit social organization known as “Banco de Alimentos” in a solidarity chain that has as main objective the reduction of hunger through the delivery of collected fruits & vegetables from surrounding areas of Buenos Aires, avoiding waste.

During 2021, thanks to the loan of one Amarok to NODO Balcarce, during six months the amount of rescued fruits & vegetables achieved 700.000 kgs. The recollected food has been distributed to many community centers around the country.

In October 2021, a new loan of one Amarok for six months to the Córdoba Food Bank was managed to contribute to the collection of food in an influence area of the Córdoba production plant.

Expanding the work network with the Food Banks nationwide, Volkswagen Group Argentina acted as a bridge to present the initiatives done by the company and invite dealers who wanted to collaborate to get in touch with the food banks in their area and work together.

As part of our Together Strategy 2025, addressing all relevant stakeholders on our journey to become a globally leading provider of sustainable mobility and an Excellent Employer, VW Group Argentina got certified in HR practices to attract and retain the best conditions for our future and actual employees.

The Top Employer Institute recognized our efforts to put our collaborators at the center of strategy and employ measures, reinforcing our commitment in pandemic situation to prioritize their well-being.

In 2019 Volkswagen Group Argentina signed UN Women's "Principles for Women's Empowerment" and during the next 2 years designed an action plan to improve the impact in the company.

Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) have been created as a platform for private companies to in force measures for gender equality in labor environment and the community. During 2019 we made the diagnosis trough the WEP’s questionnaire to have a self-assessment diagnosis of its current situation and during 2020 developed and implemented measures according to the diagnosis results. In this year we did a second diagnosis to analyze the impact of the first action plan and to identify new improvement opportunities. A new action plan was defined to continue working during 2021.

By adhering to these principles, the company reaffirms its commitment to diversity and integration as fundamental pillars of its strategy and is committed to continuing to work on policies that strengthen gender equity in the workplace. This initiative is aligned with the overall diversity group program within the TOGETHER 2025 strategy, which seeks to incentivize differences in the field of work, understanding diversity such as the integration of the various genders, origins, religions and professional competences, among other aspects.

Creating self-confidence and opportunities through sport
Volkswagen Financial Services Brazil has been supporting the soccer and volleyball education program Bola Bacana since 2013. The organization helps children and youngsters from socially disadvantaged families. The not-for-profit initiative receives funding of around € 100,000 a year from the local company and offers more than just sports lessons. The teachers at Bola Bacana regularly monitor how participants are doing at school and their academic achievements are assessed together with the schools every two months.

As requested as counterpart of the tax incentives in Paraná, 2020/2021:

During the difficult phase that the world is facing with the pandemic, Audi do Brasil supported with breathing devices to fight COVID-19 to the Health Secretariat of the State of Paraná, on an emergency basis, which distributed them locally.

The Chemical Dependency Program aims to prevent alcohol and drug abuse by raising awareness among Volkswagen employees. It also helps people with a chemical dependency change their behavior, encouraging them to improve their own quality of life as well as that of their families. Social workers, doctors and psychiatrists help addicts reintegrate into normal life. The program has reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and improved workplace behavior.
 

Brazil is one of the countries most affected, in number of deaths and infected, by the new coronavirus in the world. It is also worth noting that many persons with disabilities are part of the so-called risk groups, which reinforces the need to respect social distancing policies.

Therefore, Volkswagen Group Foundation supported the "Conversas Inclusivas" project (Inclusive Talks), through webinars, digital materials and communication actions aimed at discussing topics related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Brazilian labor market, with the support of renowned specialists (for example, Mr. Cid Torquato, Secretary of Persons with Disabilities of the City of São Paulo, the largest metropolis in the Southern Hemisphere, who is also a PWD).

The main goals were to raise awareness and spread knowledge among PWDs, families, human resources professionals, companies, civil society organizations and others interested in topics such as labor rights for persons with disabilities, legislation topics, professional training, accessibility, good Brazilian practices (including those by Volkswagen Trucks and Buses), mentoring for PWDs, etc.

The project was essential to keep the theme in evidence to the civil society and companies, especially during the pandemic. Amid a lot of news and information about COVID-19, which tends to make the topics related to PWDs even more marginalized, the project gained strength, visibility and importance when supported by the Volkswagen Brand.

Brazil is one of the countries most affected, in number of deaths and infected, by the new coronavirus in the world. It is also worth noting that many persons with disabilities are part of the so-called risk groups, which reinforces the need to respect social distancing policies.

Therefore, Volkswagen Group Foundation supported the "Conversas Inclusivas" project (Inclusive Talks), through webinars, digital materials and communication actions aimed at discussing topics related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Brazilian labor market, with the support of renowned specialists (for example, Mr. Cid Torquato, Secretary of Persons with Disabilities of the City of São Paulo, the largest metropolis in the Southern Hemisphere, who is also a PWD).

The main goals were to raise awareness and spread knowledge among PWDs, families, human resources professionals, companies, civil society organizations and others interested in topics such as labor rights for persons with disabilities, legislation topics, professional training, accessibility, good Brazilian practices (including those by Volkswagen Trucks and Buses), mentoring for PWDs, etc.

The project was essential to keep the theme in evidence to the civil society and companies, especially during the pandemic. Amid a lot of news and information about COVID-19, which tends to make the topics related to PWDs even more marginalized, the project gained strength, visibility and importance when supported by the Volkswagen Brand.

In 2020, an audience of 2,046 certified participants attended in the live webinars, which achieved a total of more than 10,000 views on YouTube, in addition to the impact on the networks social media, websites and other communication and press channels, which brought visibility to the cause and project. Also, an e-book was released with all the knowledge and practices worked throughout the year. The content is accessible and the publication is available for free on Foundation’s website.

The Environmental Risks Management Committee performs a strategic role within the Volkswagen do Brasil (VWB) Group, ensuring that shareholder value is maintained while potential environmental risks are avoided or mitigated. The committee identifies the main environmental risks to which VWB is exposed and gives them comparative ratings, in order to be able to assess and develop actions according to predefined rules. Critical points raised by the committee are reported at VWB board meetings. In 2021 all the meeting occurred as was scheduled.

The ergonomics management project at Volkswagen do Brasil is aligned with Volkswagen Group guidelines, which aim to adapt workstations to all employees' needs and offer the best possible working conditions. It also targets compliance with Brazilian legislation (NR 17).

In its new update (October, 2021), NR 17 asks for a Preliminary Ergonomics Assessment and this is already met by our EAWS assessment system;

Coordination and participation of the work Group on Occupational Diseases with the legal sector;

Insertion of Ergonomics within the Innovation and Technology items (Virtual Reality & Digital Factory);

Master Ergonomics Training ( Deeping dive) for analysts and engineer Processes and Industrial, our main objective is our main objective is to encourage ergonomics discussions in all production processes;

100% review of the workstations (~1.900) of the 4 plans in Brazil according to the new concept of Ergonomy;

The ergonomics specialists are actively involved in company forums, and work in line with the phases of the PEP - Product Emergence Process. Some of these phases are listed below:

• 3P Workshop - At this stage in the process, ergonomic specialists plan appropriate working conditions for a multidisciplinary team;
  
• KVP Workshop (Kontinuierlicher Verbesserungsprozess) - In the productivity forums, ergonomics specialists work to improve working conditions with the aim of safeguarding employee health and facilitating the achievement of productivity and quality goals;
  
• CIPA - Specialists on the Internal Accident Prevention Committee (CIPA) act to mitigate or improve specific issues with the aim of solving ergonomic problems reported by employees or their members.

Transform Together - the ergonomics team is tasked with corporate actions traced by a multidisciplinary team that are included in thematic strategy field Sustainable Structure. Best practices implemented in various Volkswagen Group units are continuously evaluated as benchmarks for implementation in sites of Volkswagen do Brasil.

Health Plan bring in the benefit the concept of primary healthcare to all employees in partnership with Hospital Christovão da Gama. Nurses and family doctors navigate the employees and families throw the accredited medical network taking care of their health (Chronical diseases, hospital discharge and preventive exams/actions).

Reform of unit and acquisition of equipment for full operation of a hematology treatment unit, with ca. 1,300 sq meter located at The Erasto Gaertner Hospital, in Curitiba/PR, supported by a tax incentive program; Intensive use of technology in the treatment of cancer in adults; Offer of treatment in bone marrow transplantation in more than 150 adult patients/year, from the health public system; Dedicated and exclusive area improving the operation, training and safety of treatments, with about 30 beds; Increase in service offer by 45% for new patients; The Erasto Gaertner Hospital is a reference in Paraná in bone marrow transplantation.  

In 2020 VWB has started the replacement of old electrical motors by the new high efficiency electrical motors in the pumps houses and ventilation system with a estimated improvement around 30% when comparable with the previous equipment. In 2021 has started the replacement of old incandescent lamps by new LED lamps in all VWB sites with a estimated improvement around 76% when comparable with the previous lamps.

The HIV / AIDS program offers new prospects to people living with HIV. It provides suggestions for integrated counselling, identifies services and experts, and secures access to medication and specific clinical tests. Reintegration into the workplace and society are its ultimate aims. The program also supports HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives.

This program provides home care for patients with chronic illnesses who have required prolonged hospitalization and/or frequent readmissions.

Just as life inspires art, art may transform lives. In keeping with this principle, Volkswagen do Brasil has sponsored Instituto Baccarelli since 2000. The institute is a non-profit organization that works in the Heliópolis community in São Paulo. The institute offers a very high standard of musical education and training to socially vulnerable children and young people.

The project aims to:

• Provide youngsters involved in the project with valuable knowledge, develop their individual potential by giving them an artistic education based on a group teaching approach, and in the process provide students with genuine experience of the routines of professional musicians and singers;
• Increase the number of skilled creative groups in the country by offering high-quality educational programs;
• Develop skillsets - such as discipline, creativity, logical reasoning, the ability to interact and work in a group - through musical practice and other cultural activities, with the aim of preparing participants not only for musical performances, but for life in society;
• Offer cultural programs to disadvantaged communities and the general public.

Help for little patients
Volkswagen Financial Services Brazil supports the non-profit Little Prince Hospital in Curitiba in the south of Brazil. The Pediatric Specialty Center not only houses a children’s hospital, but also has a research department and trains skilled medical staff. The organization relies on supporters like Volkswagen Financial Services, since the public healthcare system only covers 60 percent of its total costs. Around € 125,000 in funding has been given to the project since 2013.

The purpose of the One Hour to the Future program is to work with Volkswagen employees on fundraising efforts to support projects targeting street children and adolescents in South Africa, Brazil and Mexico. Employees joined forces with Terre des hommes, a network of international organizations based in Switzerland, which serves as implementation partner and monitor. Workers can elect to donate the equivalent of their last hour's pay to one of the organizations that benefit from the program. The funds collected are distributed to charities working with low-income communities in the vicinity of Volkswagen factories.

Routine checkups and a range of medical consultation options are helping prevent disease and encourage healthy activities through the Practical Health Program.

Simple, but effective
As part of the renovation of headquarters at Volkswagen Financial Services Brazil in 2017, the company installed a rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharging system for toilets, gardens, air-conditioning systems and general cleaning of the outside areas. Around 5,000,000 liters of water have been treated and used since it was put into operation. That is one-third of annual needs and also enables the company to take appropriate action in times of water shortages.

As requested as counterpart of the tax incentives in Paraná, 2019/2020:

Hospital Pequeno Príncipe is a hospital with over 100 years of activity focused on the health of children and teenagers. Located in Curitiba (state of Paraná), the hospital is a reference in highly complex surgeries and offers more than 30 health specialties.

Projeto “Simular e Aprender” (Simulate and Learn) is a project that consists of a contribution to the Hospital's Realistic Simulation Center and enables learning and training of skills and competencies required for professional activity. The Center is composed of several scenarios related to hospital routine and teaches care to parents of children with special needs, thus promoting a controlled and safe environment.

Audi do Brasil will sponsor part of the project, together with Audi Environmental Foundation, by the NGO Litro de Luz, which aims to bring lighting to families in poor villages in the state of Amazonas that do not have access to electricity. Litro de Luz uses simple materials to make solar lighting accessible to the low-income population by using lanterns and lampposts, which are built from PET bottles, PVC pipes, lithium batteries, LED bulbs and photovoltaic plates.

The families who will receive the donations live in the villages Lindo Amanhecer and Nova Jerusalém. The lighting will generate a better quality of life and safety inside and outside their homes.

The NGO will also train the village residents to install, replicate and maintain the technology.

As requested as counterpart of the tax incentives in Paraná, 2020/2021:

In support of Hospital do Trabalhador, a state hospital located in Paraná, Audi do Brasil will contribute with equipment to the Fire and Panic Prevention Project and the Acquisition of Surgical Instruments for Videolaparoscopy Project.

Audi do Brasil will contribute through the purchase of materials required for the development of the projects and will take place between the second half of 2021 and the first half of 2022.  

Volkswagen plants use a multifaceted approach encompassing culture, technology and employees. Volkswagen do Brasil uses a methodology based on four pillars: machinery, environment, workforce and raw materials. These pillars define criteria used to assess health and safety requirements for the items they cover.

In addition, several other tools are used to assess and prevent safety and environmental risks, as well as for training all managers and employees in safe working practices:

• PIPAS - Planned Inspection Program and Safety Audit: routine inspections and periodic safety audits of machinery, equipment and facilities;
  
• ICS - Safe Behavior Index: systematic evaluation of the behavior of production managers and their respective teams with the aim of identifying and correcting unsafe behavior;
  
• Housekeeping: management of organizational processes such as cleaning, health and safety with the aim of reducing wastage of resources and time, and improving quality of life and the production process;
  
• PPRA - Program for Environmental Risk Prevention: anticipation, recognition, evaluation and management of environmental hazards (chemical, physical and biological);
  
• PEC - Continuing Education Program for Leadership: ongoing training and updating of leadership skills through the transfer of health and safety knowledge;
  
• Third-party Management: technical, administrative and operational criteria for the selection, integration and tracking of business activities contracted out by Volkswagen do Brasil;
  
• Safety Index: preventive and reactive indicators for producing a Safety Index rating, which is discussed monthly with the board.

Since November 2019, the Anchieta plant has also achieved zero landfill destination by switching contracted suppliers to final destinations.

What has significantly improved factory waste indicator.

In 2020 both São Carlos and Taubaté factory already reached over 98% of waste out of landfill destination.