RELIABLE ROBOTICS
CODE of Conduct for Suppliers
Our Sustainability Commitment
At Reliable Robotics our mission is to develop FAA certifiable systems that enable continuous autopilot engagement through all phases of flight, including auto-taxi and auto-landing. This automation will significantly reduce the occurrence of common causes of fatal aviation accidents, such as controlled flight into terrain and loss of control in flight. Advanced automation will also fundamentally transform how goods and people move around the planet.
Reliable Robotics will partner with suppliers that share and support our mission. We believe that creating truly sustainable automation solutions requires a commitment to sustainability at every level of the value chain.
This Code of Conduct for Suppliers (this “Code”) is an important part of how we intend to define and measure this commitment. It articulates the minimum standards our suppliers must adhere to in order to support our mission, and realize our vision for sustainable automation and air travel. The Code is a fundamental part of our supplier relationships, and compliance with its terms is mandatory.
This Code is based on our own internal standards as well as the best practices and recommendations of leading international organizations. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we expect to revise this Code as may be needed to align with changing internal and external standards. We will communicate any revisions to suppliers as part of what we hope will be a broader dialogue on enhancing the aerospace industry’s sustainability.
Application and Scope
This Code applies to all suppliers, contractors, and sub-contractors of goods and services (hereinafter referred to collectively as “Suppliers”) to Reliable Robotics and its affiliates (together, “Reliable”).
Suppliers are responsible for compliance with the standards set out in this Code throughout their operations and throughout their entire product value chain, including by a Supplier’s own suppliers,vendors, agents, and subcontractors.
This Code is intended as a supplement, not a substitute, to all laws, regulations, and industry and other standards that may otherwise be applicable to a Supplier’s activities (“ApplicableStandards”). In the case of any conflict between this Code and an Applicable Standard, the higher requirements shall prevail. Suppliers shall adhere to the following standards:
Environmental
Environmental Responsibility and Management Systems: Suppliers are expected to implement and maintain an effective environmental policy and environmental management system in line with recognized international standards. Such policy shall promote awareness of the environmental impact of Supplier’s operations.. The policy should also encourage a decision-making process that favors alternatives with a lower environmental footprint as much as possible.
Lifecycle Assessment: Suppliers should be prepared to provide, upon request, the necessary information that will help to conduct a Life-Cycle Analysis/Assessment (“LCA”) of Reliable’s products. This information may include without limitation, details about materials, manufacturing processes, packaging, mode of transportation or energy use in connection with Supplier’s work with Reliable. We encourage Suppliers to conduct their own LCAs and to use the results to enhance their environmental performance.
Resource Efficiency: Suppliers shall take actions to optimize their use of resources, including but not limited to energy, water, raw materials, and packaging materials. Suppliers must be especially cognizant of the use of fossil fuels in their operations and aim to reduce the use of such fuels over time.
Emissions and Waste Handling: Suppliers shall take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other releases of waste materials to the environment. Suppliers shall implement and maintain systematic waste handling and monitoring practices and handle any hazardous waste in accordance with the recognized industry standards. At a minimum, hazardous waste must be separated from other waste and handled in a way that avoids possible leakage to air, water, or soil. If any release of hazardous waste occurs in the course of Supplier’s work on Reliable’s behalf, Supplier shall notify Reliable without delay.
Labor and Human Rights:
Reliable stands firmly against any violation of internationally proclaimed human rights. We are committed to ensuring that our products do not contribute to human rights abuses and to assessing, preventing, mitigation, and addressing the associated risks throughout our supply chain.
Right of Association: Suppliers shall respect their employees’ right to free association and collective bargaining without interference or retaliation. Supplier employees must be permitted to lawfully form, join, or opt-out from unions and other forms of employee representation.
Working Conditions and Salaries: Suppliers shall fully comply with all applicable laws pertaining to employee working conditions, including without limitation laws pertaining to working hours, compensation, and rest. Suppliers must provide employees with written information about their terms of employment and rights in a language they can understand. Suppliers shall pay fair wages and all social benefits that their employees are legally entitled to. Wages and benefits shall meet or exceed the minimum legal, industry standards, or wages agreed under collective bargaining, whichever is the highest.
Discrimination: Suppliers shall not engage in any form of discrimination based on color, race, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, political opinion, union affiliation, social background, religion, pregnancy, marital status, or other conditions.Supplier hiring processes shall be based on the capabilities and qualifications of the applicant. Suppliers shall strive to foster a working and social environment based on respect for the individual, free of any form of harassment, harsh and inhumane treatment, sexual abuse, corporal punishment, coercion, verbal abuse, false promises, or threats.
Health and Safety: Workplace safety should be a top priority for all Suppliers. Suppliers must ensure through their management systems a safe and healthy working environment for their employees that at a minimum meets all applicable legal and industry standards. Supplier employees should always have the right to refuse to work in unsafe situations, and to report such conditions to the appropriate internal and external authorities. Suppliers shall provide all appropriate personal protective and safety equipment required by their employees, as well as proper use instructions. Employees shall be given proper safety and emergency training, including education about any health and safety risks they could potentially be exposed to in the workplace and how to address such risks. Suppliers shall implement a reporting mechanism for health and safety-related workplace accidents and near accidents, and investigate the causes of such incidents. Where appropriate, Suppliers should take action based on the findings of such investigations to prevent future cases.
Responsible Sourcing of Minerals: Suppliers must conduct the proper due diligence to ensure that only responsibly sourced minerals are used to provide their products and services.
Ethics and Governance
We stand against any form of corruption and unethical behavior. Adherence to high corporate governance and ethical standards is crucial to developing sustainable organizations and operations that can serve their stakeholders over the long term.
Bribery and Anti-Corruption: Suppliers shall comply with all applicable laws on bribery and anti-corruption, as well as other relevant Reliable policies as may be in effect from time to time. Suppliers shall not take part in nor accept any form of bribery or corruption, either by act or inaction.
Conflicts of Interest: Suppliers shall avoid any conflicts of interest that might compromise the independence and objectivity of decision-making processes. Personal interests and relationships shall not influence Supplier decisions and business practices.
Fair Competition and Antitrust: Suppliers are expected to comply with all applicable competition and antitrust laws. Reliable expects its Suppliers to engage as fair participants in the marketplace. Suppliers shall refrain from engaging in anti-competitive practices or agreements like control of prices.
Data Protection and Privacy: Supplier’s handling of personal information shall comply with applicable privacy and data security laws. Suppliers shall protect the privacy of the personal information of those they have business relationships with, including their current and former employees, customers, and suppliers. The collection, storage and processing of personal data shall be done with the consent of the involved person(s) and in accordance with applicable laws.
Trade Controls: Suppliers shall comply with all applicable laws regarding foreign trade and customs laws and regulations. To the extent appropriate for the scope of their business and activities, Suppliers shall implement and maintain an appropriate global trade compliance system, including adequate recordkeeping and measures to prevent and detect violations. Suppliers shall ensure that all import/export of goods is done lawfully, and that all the required documentation is provided to the relevant authorities and that required licenses and authorizations are in place.
Management and Compliance
Suppliers should regularly assess compliance risks, and align policies, processes, and routines to ensure that the requirements of this Code are adhered to in all business activities. We encourage Suppliers to establish clear reporting lines and communication channels within their organization with respect to this Code, together with proper training and progress management. Suppliers are encouraged to communicate to Reliable their questions regarding the application of this Code, and any concerns related to it that they may have during the lifetime of our business relationship.
Audit Right: Reliable reserves the right to assess the adherence of its Suppliers to this Code at any time, either through direct auditing, requiring the completion of self-assessments, or through an independent third party appointed for such purpose. Suppliers agree to supply the relevant information for such assessment when requested. Suppliers shall also facilitate Reliable’s assessment of other participants in their value chain when and if requested.
Whistleblowing & Reporting: Suppliers shall implement and maintain as part of their management system a whistleblowing mechanism whereby their employees and other stakeholders can report suspected violations of this Code.
Amendments: Reliable reserves the right to amend this Code at any time. Any revision to the Code will be communicated promptly to Suppliers. Unless a Supplier submits a written notice to Reliable objecting to any changed term of the Code within 30 days of notification thereof, the Supplier will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to such change and shall thereafter adhere to the Code as amended.
– Reliable Robotics –