Involving stakeholders in our corporate responsibility strategy

In 2007, we commissioned a consultancy to interview a sample of our stakeholders about what they see as our most important corporate responsibility issues.

The results formed part of a review of our process for identifying and prioritising corporate responsibility issues.

The 21 interviewees represent a range of stakeholders from the aviation industry, construction suppliers, academics, government and NGOs. Despite this variety some clear themes emerged. The issues that most interviewees believe we should address are climate change and other direct environmental impacts, such as local air quality and noise. They believe these issues will pose increased risks in the future.

When asked how BAA performs on these issues, interviewees recognised our work to improve ground operations and local air quality, and to reduce our impact on local communities. However, they think we communicate poorly about our work in these areas, especially for a leading international airport operator. They feel that we work well at individual airport level, but are less engaged with our issues and stakeholders at a corporate level.

Interviewees were also asked what action they would like BAA to take, and what would show we have listened to them. They would like to see a clear corporate

vision that recognises the importance of environmental issues, particularly climate change. They recommend that the best way for BAA to show responsiveness to stakeholders is to act on what we learn from them.