Ceres Principles

After the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, a group of social investors, environmental groups, religious organizations and pension trustees formed the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres), pronounced "series." They then drafted the ten Ceres Principles, (which were originally called the "Valdez Principles," but were later renamed) to link corporate environmental responsibility with the bottom line. The principles cover environmental protection, resource conservation, risk reduction, product safety, public access to information and accountability.

The MSD Board signed the Ceres Principles in 1990, and expanded that commitment with its Environmental Policy Statement in 1993. While the Ceres Principles were created for the private sector, MSD has found creative ways to apply them to its public-sector operations. The Principles and the Statement are intended to guide all MSD employees in their day-to-day activities, purchasing decisions and long-range planning.

To see the latest MSD annual report on this matter click here.

Principle #1 - Protection of the biosphere

MSD will safeguard all habitats (air, land and water) affected by our operations. See More

Principle #2 - Sustainable use of natural resources

MSD will conserve nonrenewable resources. See More

Principle #3 - Reduction and recycling of waste

MSD will reduce waste and recycle where possible. See More

Principle #4 - Energy conservation

MSD will use energy efficiently and effectively. See More

Principle #5 - Risk reduction

MSD will minimize environmental, health and safety risks to our employees and customers. See More

Principle #6 - Safe services

MSD will reduce or eliminate the use of products that cause environmental, health or safety hazards. See More

Principle #7 - Environmental restoration

MSD will correct damages caused to the environment from past operations and projects. See More

Principle #8 - Informing the public

MSD will maintain an open communications network with employees and customers regarding environmental issues. See More

Principle #9 - Management commitment

MSD will implement the Ceres Principles and ensure that the Board and Executive Director are fully informed. See More

Principle #10 - Audits and reports

MSD will conduct environmental audits and publish annual reports on progress toward implementing the Ceres Principles. See More