Sustainability and governance

Sentera is committed to upholding high standards of sustainability and governance. Fostering sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour is crucial for building a resilient economy and society.

Sentera is committed to upholding the highest standards of sustainability and governance. We recognize the importance of fostering sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour throughout the Sentera Group and we are dedicated to building a sustainable economy and society.

Sentera, being an EU limited liability company, commits to integrating due diligence into our policies. We shall identify, prevent end or mitigate any adverse impacts of our activities on human rights and the environment, including addressing issues such as child labour, exploitation of workers, pollution and biodiversity loss.

To comply with the corporate due diligence duty, we shall establish and maintain a comprehensive approach that encompasses our own operations, subsidiaries and both direct and indirect business relationships. We shall achieve this through:
• Integrating due diligence into our policies
• Identifying actual or potential adverse human rights and environmental impacts
• Preventing or mitigating potential impacts
• Bringing to an end or minimizing actual impacts
• Establishing and maintaining a complaints procedure
• Monitoring the effectiveness of the due diligence policy and measures
• Publicly communicating on due diligence.

Our approach to due diligence encompasses a thorough examination of various factors to ensure the integrity and compliance of our operations, including:
• Ensuring compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations and product certifications
• Examining legal aspects (contracts, intellectual property rights and any potential legal disputes) to ensure that all our activities align with applicable laws and regulations
• Conducting a detailed financial analysis to assess the financial stability
• Prevention of corruption, bribery and other unethical behaviours
• Ensuring that the supply chain meets ethical and sustainability standards
• Examining the environmental impact of the company operations and products by evaluating energy efficiency, waste management and overall environmental sustainability
• Assessing the company cybersecurity in order to protect sensitive information and ensure the integrity of electronic systems and data
• Reviewing the company approach to employee relations, including workplace safety, fair labour practices and adherence to labour laws and codes
• Analysing Sentera’s market position, competitiveness and growth strategies.

We have established a robust code of conduct that serves as a guiding framework for our employees and subsidiaries in order to prioritize transparency, ethical practices and legal compliance. Our employees are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in their interactions with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.

Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive
Environmental protection and the preservation of resources has been an integral part of the corporate policy at Sentera in its role as innovative and leading manufacturer of HVAC control solutions. In other words, we are committed to designing environment-friendly products and use environmentally compatible production processes.

The rise in the production and use of electrical and electronic products, such as mobile phones, computers and kitchen appliances, has resulted in an increasing volume of electrical and electronic waste. During the use, collection, treatment and disposal of such waste, products may release harmful (hazardous) substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which can cause major environmental and health problems. To address such challenges, EU laws restrict the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment through the RoHS Directive.

RoHS is an acronym for "Restriction of Hazardous Substances." It is a directive in the European Union that regulates the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). RoHS aims to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with the manufacturing, use, and disposal of electronic products by limiting the presence of particular harmful substances in these products. Its primary objective is to promote the production of electronic equipment that is safer and more environmentally friendly.

RoHS compliance is mandated for EU, UAE, EAEU, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Ukraine, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, India, Serbia, Vietnam, California, New Jersey, and Oman. Non-compliance can result in legal penalties.

The original RoHS, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC or RoHS 1, originated in the European Union in 2002 and restricts the use of six hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. All applicable products in the EU market since July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance.

EU RoHS 2 refers to Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). It replaced the first EU RoHS directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS 1) and entered into force on 21 July 2011. The RoHS 2 broadened the scope of products covered by RoHS 1. For instance, it added medical devices (category 8) and monitoring and control instruments (category 9) to its list of products. Moreover, it established separate compliance deadlines for each group.

The RoHS 3 directive (2011/65/EU) contains allowance to add new materials and 4 materials are highlighted for this attention in the original version, the amendment 2015/863 adds four additional substances to Annex II of 2011/65/EU. So the RoHS Directive currently restricts the use of ten substances. All products with an electrical and electronic component, unless specifically excluded, have to comply with these restrictions.

Sentera ensures that all legal directives concerning occupational safety and environmental protection are complied with during the production process. Our state-of-the-art products are designed in such a way that - when used as intended - users will not be subjected to any health hazards and the environment will not be polluted. Sentera has always been an environmentally responsible company and our products have been RoHS compliant since January 2005. All Sentera products maintain their compliant status under EU RoHS3 directive 2015/863/EU. Sentera is aiming to ensure that the following substances are not intentionally included ingredients in the manufacturing or packaging of any of our products:

• Cadmium (Cd)
• Lead (Pb)
• Mercury (Hg)
• Hexavalent Chromium: (Cr VI)
• Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)
• Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)
• Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

• Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)

As per EU RoHS3 Directive, a maximum concentration value of 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials of Lead, Hexavalent Chromium, Mercury, Polybrominated Biphenyl (PBB) and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE) and of 0.01% weight in homogenous Cadmium shall be included. Going forward, Sentera fully intends to remain compliant with all new emerging RoHS directives.

REACH Declaration

What does REACH stand for? REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. REACH (EC) 1907/2006 is a European Union regulation that affects the supply and use of substances. The Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals is the main EU law to protect human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals. The main difference between RoHS and REACH is that RoHS bans substances that are present in electronics and is specific to the aforementioned hazardous materials. REACH, however, pertains to all chemicals including those used to make a product. This can include materials, solvents, paints, chemicals and more.

RoHS and REACH are two different acts with different scopes and objectives. RoHS is a sector specific directive laying down rules on the restriction of certain hazardous substances in EEE, while REACH is a general act regulating registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemical substances. RoHS does not affect the application of REACH, and vice-versa, with regard to the restriction of substances in EEE. When overlaps occur, the strongest restriction (i.e. the lowest maximum concentration) should be applied. Furthermore, exemptions from the substance restrictions in RoHS may not be granted if they result in a weakening of the environmental and human health protection afforded by REACH.

All Sentera products are compliant to EU REACH directive 1907/2006/EU.

Sentera’s Environmental Policy

At Sentera, we recognize the role environmental responsibility plays in the HVAC electronics sector. As part of this industry, we are unwavering in our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations. Our dedication extends to fostering awareness and encouraging environmentally conscious practices among our customers, installers and end users.

We strive to integrate the principles of sustainability into every aspect of our business. This commitment extends to our roles as an employer, product supplier and a contributor to the local economy, where we consistently aim to uphold and promote sustainability.

Sentera is dedicated to safeguarding the environment, prioritizing the health and safety of our employees, and promoting the well-being of the communities in which we operate. Our policy is centred on consistently enhancing our business operations to minimize our impact on local and global environment. This involves the conservation of energy, water and other natural resources, as well as the reduction of waste generation. We are steadfast in our commitment to recycling, diminishing our reliance on toxic materials, and continually striving for environmental excellence and pollution prevention.

Sentera is actively engaged in adhering to and complying with all applicable EU climate and environment laws and regulations. At all times, we seek compliance with the environmental and climate objectives of the European Green Deal.

To meet these commitments, Sentera shall:
• Utilize this policy as a foundation for establishing objectives and targets aimed at environmental improvement
• Implement a procurement and contracting policy that aligns with these objectives to ensure sustainability in the supply chain
• Implement robust environmental impact management practices to effectively address and mitigate our ecological impact
• Publicly disclose and make this policy readily accessible to all employees, suppliers and partners, fostering a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.

And, when we say Sentera stands firmly in alignment with the European Commission's goal to promote a just and sustainable economy, we mean it. At Sentera, the core principles of sustainability are reflected in every aspect of our operations. Embracing green energy sources is not just a choice, it is our responsibility.

We have taken significant steps towards reducing our carbon footprint by incorporating solar panels to power our production facilities and administrative buildings.
Our commitment extends to our transportation fleet, where electric cars are the norm, aligning with our dedication to eco-friendly practices.
In our waste management practices, through diligent waste separation, we ensure that recyclables, organics and other materials are appropriately sorted, contributing to the reduction of landfill waste.

Furthermore, we recognize the value of water conservation, and rainwater harvesting has become an integral part of our daily operations as part of our dedication to responsible resource management. We use the harvested water for the industrial processes, for landscaping, irrigation and other non-potable purposes.

Understanding the impact of air travel on the environment, at Sentera we meticulously calculate our flight emissions in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and play our role in safeguarding the global climate.

Human Rights Protection
At Sentera, we are unwavering in our commitment to upholding human rights, fostering a workplace environment where every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Our policies and practices prioritize the protection of human rights, aligning with international standards and legal frameworks.
We promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their background, gender, race, religion, ethnicity or any other characteristic. Discrimination and prejudice have no place in our organization, and we are dedicated to promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding. Together, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive without fear of bias or harm, and everyone feels safe, respected and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Additionally, we actively engage with employees to raise awareness of their rights, providing avenues for reporting concerns confidentially. We cultivate a culture of fairness, accountability and mutual respect, ultimately contributing to a positive and harmonious working environment.