Code of conduct

It is BITO’s goal to always act professionally and responsibly, and we strive to offer solutions and products helping to reduce negative environmental impact and improving people’s lives. To ensure compliance with obvious and modern business ethics, we have set up this Code of Conduct (COC) to be complied with by not only ourselves but also by our carefully selected suppliers and their subcontractors, who share the values, principles and requirements of this COC.

BITO’s values

Business Ethics

• Honesty
• Respect
• Integrity
• Corporate governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

• Economical
• Ecological and
• Social accountability
• Sustainability

Innovation and quality

BITO’s COC is binding and applies to all our suppliers. Our suppliers, however, may set their own requirements towards their subcontractors in addition to those listed in this COC, but it remains the supplier’s responsibility to ensure their subcontractors’ compliance with BITO’s COC.

Compliance with relevant laws and regulations applicable to the activities in the countries of operation is required. In case of a contradiction between this COC and national legislation, national legislation takes precedence. If the COC includes additional or more precise requirements than the national legislation, the COC shall apply.

BITO engages in all reasonable efforts to protect the environment and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations. We encourage our suppliers and their subcontractors to work actively to determine and reduce the carbon footprint of their products and services. Suppliers and their subcontractors must comply with national legislation governing environmental impact.

Ensuring a safe and secure working environment for employees thus committing to work systematically to reduce work-related injuries is essential. This includes informing employees about risks in their work environment and ensuring them suitable protective equipment and training to conduct their work in a safely manner.

Suppliers working with BITO are to maintain adequate insurance cover for their activities and deliveries. If BITO so requests, the supplier must
submit a copy of their certificate of insurance or other proof of their insurance policy.

No form of forced or involuntary labour, harassment, or abuse of employees is tolerated.

Working hours and pay

BITO believes in a healthy work-life balance for all employees. Working hours and pay, including overtime and benefits, are to be commensurate with or exceed what is required by national legislation or the collective agreement in force. Deductions from salaries in the form of fines or punishment under any disciplinary practice are not permitted.

Freedom of association

All employees have the right to exercise their legal rights to form, join, or refrain from joining organisations that represent their interests as employees. No employee is to be subject to threats or harassment for his/her peaceful exercise of such right. This means that the employer shall respect the right of employees to bargain collectively.

Child labour

BITO does not tolerate child labour. Suppliers shall guarantee that they do not hire any employees of an age below the lowest of either the minimum age under national legislation, or the minimum age under ILO’s C138 Minimum Age Convention. Employees older than the minimum age but younger than 18 years of age must at a minimum have working conditions, hours and salary appropriate to his/her age and in compliance with the applicable legislation.

Violation of human rights are not tolerated. This means no discrimination, threats or oppression in the workplace and zero tolerance for people being disadvantaged, wronged or insulted on the basis of their gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation or age. All decisions made regarding employment, promotion, salaries, benefits, training opportunities, terminations etc. are to be assessed strictly on the basis of an employee’s abilities and qualifications.

All interaction between BITO and our suppliers is to be based on a professional business relationship in accordance with good business ethics. Accordingly, there is zero tolerance for any type of bribery, money laundering, corruption and breach of legislation. It is important to be very restrictive in the giving and receiving of gifts and bearing of travel costs and living expenses that do not have a direct connection with the business or commercial relationship between the parties concerned.

March 2021

BITO Storage Systems Nordic