ESG and corporate social responsibility

We work to support a dynamic business community and a balanced society. As a firm, we are addressing an increasing number of ESG and social responsibility initiatives. This is not just about compliance; it is also about committing to solving a global climate problem and contributing to a sustainable society in the long term.

We have been working with corporate social responsibility for many years, but since 2019 we have done so systematically within four overarching areas of responsibility: Environmental/climate responsibility, People responsibility, Tech/data responsibility and social responsibility/community responsibility. In concrete terms, this means that ESG and corporate social responsibility are part of our business strategy and strategic guiding principles, both in our day-to-day operations and in our advisory services. What we do externally must be reflected in our internal operations, and vice versa. That is what we call integrity.

We take responsibility for our carbon footprint

Together with the surrounding society and the business community, we wish to contribute to the goals set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement and in the Danish government’s 2020 Climate Act. We do so by actively working to reduce our own carbon footprint internally and, externally, through our advisory services, by helping our clients and partners make responsible choices and implement long-term solutions. This is both common sense and a way to future-proof our clients' businesses.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

We believe that people should have equal opportunities in terms of career, democratic rights and fundamental well-being. Our work on diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our corporate strategy, which we have been actively pursuing for several years through various initiatives. We are part of the Confederation of Danish Industry’s equality initiative, Diversitetsløftet, where we have helped formulate specific principles for increasing diversity in the Danish business community.

Partnerships and pro bono

For many years, we have provided pro bono advice to selected organisations and causes, both through long-term partnerships and one-off advisory engagements. Part of our corporate strategic purpose is to work towards a balanced society, so it matters to us to support, develop and challenge our efforts in areas such as social responsibility. We therefore contribute in a variety of ways, including pro bono work, financial support, donations, knowledge building and collaborative activities.

For us, corporate social responsibility also means taking responsibility for fundamental communities and interests in society. This includes the arts and culture as well as Danish association and elite sports, but also the more serious side of things, where we collaborate with the Danish Defence Command on Danish emergency preparedness in crisis situations.

Some of our many initiatives are highlighted below.

THE DANISH RED CROSS YOUTH

For many years, we have had a close partnership with the Danish Red Cross Youth, where we contribute with presentations and various pro bono activities, and we participate as volunteers at their summer camps for children and young people. The Danish Red Cross Youth is the largest humanitarian youth organisation in Denmark, which works for and with children and young people throughout Denmark and around the world.

BØRNERIGET FOUNDATION

We have advised in connection with the establishment of the Børneriget Foundation, which aims to support the Mary Elizabeth Hospital, Rigshospitalet’s department for children, young people and pregnant people, on its journey towards becoming the world’s best children’s hospital. We provide ongoing pro bono advice so that the private hospital foundation is better positioned to enable groundbreaking initiatives for the benefit of seriously ill children, young people and pregnant people.

WWF WORLD WILDLIFE FUND

As part of our contribution to addressing the nature crisis, we have assisted the WWF World Wildlife Fund with pro bono advice and donations, including in connection with forestry projects abroad, such as in Asia.

INTERFORCE

Since 2023, we have been a member of InterForce, an organisation under the Danish Defence Command that works to strengthen cooperation between the civilian business community, the Danish Defence and the emergency preparedness services. We offer employees with active ties to the reserve forces, the Danish Home Guard, the Danish Emergency Management Agency and the Coastal Rescue Service up to five working days with pay per year when they are required to participate in training, exercises, national tasks, international missions, rescue operations, etc.

AROS AMBASSADORS

As a member and sponsor of ARoS Ambassadors, we support the cultural scene and ARoS’s efforts to create a visible and vibrant museum on the international art scene. ARoS’s partners from the Danish business community help bring world-class art experiences to Aarhus.

THE EQUALIS THINK TANK

We have advised during the establishment of the Equalis think tank, which works to promote equality and gender diversity through knowledge, action and partnerships. We provide pro bono advice on an ongoing basis as needed.

FÆLLES ANSVAR (“SHARED RESPONSIBILITY”)

Fælles Ansvar (“Shared Responsibility”) is an industry initiative in the Danish real estate sector and a voluntary self-assessment tool designed to identify and address human rights risks in the supply chain. The initiative is supported by philanthropic foundations and key industry players, and we have contributed to the development of the tool and the accompanying free contract templates.

BROBYGGERNE (“THE BRIDGE BUILDERS”)

Brobyggerne - Center for Dialogkaffe (“Bridge Builders - Centre for Dialogue Coffee”) is an association dedicated to strengthening dialogue and democratic discourse in Denmark. They work towards a society rooted in Danish values, with room for disagreement and diversity, where everyone can feel equal and welcome in a conversation that is both constructive and critical. We provide pro bono advice as required.

OLYMPIC PARTNERSHIP WITH DIF

We are proud of our Olympic partnership with Dansk Idræt, The National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark, through which we support Danish voluntary associations and community life, up-and-coming talent and the journey of top Danish athletes towards the Olympics. Through this partnership, we use the magic of sports to create learning, unique meeting places and shared experiences, both with colleagues and clients.

Annual donations

Every year, we donate funds to various causes to demonstrate our commitment to the community and to support the people around us, the vulnerable citizens, the wider community and the global situation. We have defined five support categories within which the firm's donations must fall:

Children. We support initiatives that promote children’s rights, well-being, health and education, because children are the foundation of tomorrow’s society. Investing in their well-being creates lasting, positive change.

War and disasters. We want to contribute where the need is greatest, especially for people affected by war and disasters. Prompt assistance in emergencies saves lives and restores hope and dignity.

Democratic values. A strong democracy is built on education, participation and mutual respect. We support projects that promote general civic education and strengthen democratic values in society.

Climate and sustainability. We take responsibility for future generations by supporting efforts to promote a greener and more sustainable world. Climate challenges call for action, also from the business community.

Vulnerable groups. We believe in a society with room for everyone. That is why we support initiatives that help vulnerable or underrepresented groups in Denmark.

Most recently, we have chosen to support the organisations listed below with a financial contribution.

CHILDHOOD CANCER FOUNDATION

We support the Childhood Cancer Foundation’s excellent initiative, Soccer Jersey Friday, which is a nationwide fundraising day where people wear their fan jerseys to show support for children with cancer and their families. The aim is to raise funds for research and support so that more children can survive cancer and have a better quality of life during and after their illness, and we contribute with a financial donation.

GREENLAND VETERANS PROJECT

The Greenland Veterans Project is a volunteer association that supports veterans and their families in both Greenland and Denmark. The association takes an active part in the shared responsibility of translating Denmark’s veterans policy into concrete support throughout the Kingdom of Denmark. The aim is to improve the quality of life for veterans – particularly those with combat-related mental health issues and others with special, deserving needs – through targeted activities, networks and presence. The project is part of our close collaboration with the Danish Defence and our presence in Greenland through our office in Nuuk.

UNHCR – SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

UNHCR is the UN refugee organisation and works, among other things, to ensure that people forced to flee Ukraine are protected from war and violence. The organisation helps resolve legal issues so that they can obtain rights and access to necessary services. We provide financial support earmarked for the organisation's efforts in Ukraine.

THE CHILD ACCIDENT PREVENTION FOUNDATION – THE PLAY HEROES

We support the Play Hero Riders’ fundraising for the Child Accident Prevention Foundation (“Børneulykkesfonden”). The Play Heroes are part of the Child Accident Prevention Foundation and work every day to bring more play, physical activity and a sense of community into the lives of hospitalised and vulnerable children. The Play Heroes are present in 64 departments across hospitals, child and adolescent psychiatry, children's homes and refugee shelters. Every year, the Play Heroes play with more than 21,700 children and young people, creating thousands of hours of activity, togetherness and joy.

WWF WORLD WILDLIFE FUND

We donate part of the proceeds from our food waste initiative, Overskudsboksen, to the WWF World Wildlife Fund to support their work to protect nature, save animals and combat climate change. The money comes directly from our employees, who support our initiative to reduce food waste by buying surplus food from the canteen to take home.

TUBA DENMARK

Our most recent Christmas donation went to TUBA Denmark, which offers support, counselling and therapy to young people who have grown up in homes with alcohol or drug abuse. Through therapy and counselling, TUBA helps empower and prepare young people to take control of their own lives and to participate in the labour market and communities. For many children and vulnerable groups, Christmas can be an especially difficult time, and an initiative like TUBA can make a significant difference for those who have a special need for support and help in getting through the holiday season.

Responsible business conduct as a fundamental principle

Ethics and compliance are fundamental to our business. We recognise the responsibility that comes with the role of trusted adviser, and we are committed to upholding the values and principles of the rule of law in everything we do.