Exhibit C. Ambient Energy JUST Handbook Policiesjustorganizations.com/sites/default/files/JUST Certification.pdf · DENVER SAN FRANCISCO 130 W 5th Avenue Denver CO 80204 303.278.1532

DENVER SAN FRANCISCO

130 W 5th Avenue Denver CO 80204 303.278.1532 www.ambient-e.com

Exhibit C. Ambient Energy JUST Handbook Policies

Ambient Energy is committed to our JUST pro-

gram to demonstrate our commitment to social justice and equity issues. Some

of the indicators of the JUST program that Ambient Energy has adopted are relat-

ed to our Ambient Energy Handbook Policies, while other indicators are part of

Ambient Energy’s Code of Ethics. Below please find the JUST Policies that are rel-

evant and related to existing or new policies that are related to Ambient Energy’s

Employee Handbook. For purposes of understanding how the JUST policies differ

from Ambient Energy’s current policies, they have been separated out in Exhibit

C. However, for the 2017 Employee Handbook, these policies will become inte-

grated within the handbook and will not be a separate Exhibit. The Code of Ethics

is a standalone document that is not integrated into the Employee Handbook.

Renee Azerbegi, Principal



DIVERSITY

D01. Non-Discrimination (See Equal Opportunity Employment section)

Ambient Energy has a corporate responsibility to create and maintain a workplace that is free of

discrimination. Ambient Energy does not tolerate discrimination of any of its employees, cus-

tomers, vendors, or suppliers. Any form of discrimination which violates federal, state, provin-

cial or local law, including, but not limited to discrimination related to an individual’s race, reli-

gion, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, veteran status,

family status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or gender identity is a violation of

this policy and will be treated as a disciplinary matter. For these purposes the term

“discrimination,” includes unequal treatment, slurs and any other offensive remarks, jokes and

other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct.

If an employee feels she or he is being discriminated against, the individual should

immediately notify her or his supervisor to discuss the complaint. If the employee

is uncomfortable reporting the behavior to the supervisor, it should be reported to

the CEO or any other manager. The person being discriminated against will not be

retaliated against or penalized for participating in an investigation or for making a

good faith report. Discrimination against employees in connection with their work

with non-employees may also be a violation of this policy. Any employee who ex-

periences discrimination by a nonemployee, or who observes discrimination of an

employee by a nonemployee should immediately report such behavior to his or her

supervisor. Appropriate action will be taken against any nonemployee violating

this policy. Discrimination against Ambient Energy‘s customers, employees of its

customers, vendors, or suppliers by employees is also strictly prohibited. Any

such discrimination will subject an employee to disciplinary action, up to and in-

cluding immediate discharge.




D02. Gender Diversity (see Equal Opportunity Employment section)

Ambient Energy strives for gender diversity and inclusiveness in our workforce.

Our goal is to have a workforce that is gender balanced in all job classifications

and levels and to ensure that women are treated on the same basis as men in

terms of recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and leadership positions, and

vice versa. This goal means having relatively equal numbers of employees of both

genders in the organization, and to have more balance at all levels and in board

positions.




D03. Ethnic Diversity (see Equal Opportunity Employment section)

Ambient Energy is committed to ensuring the ethnic and racial diversity and inclu-

siveness of our workforce. We encourage the hiring, retaining and promoting of

ethnically and racially diverse employees. Ambient Energy monitors recruiting, re-

tention, promotion and other employment -related policies to ensure that diversity

is a key goal. We will follow strict personnel procedures that ensure equal employ-

ment-related opportunity for all people without regard to race, color, religion,

creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, marital status,

disability, veteran or draft status. We will advertise for job openings in community

places where minority and underserved populations are more likely to become

aware of employment opportunities. Our retention and promotion initiatives are

focused on providing an atmosphere in which our racially and ethnically diverse

employees have the opportunity to be successful in their careers within the organi-

zation. Ambient Energy is also committed to providing equal opportunities and ac-

cess for people with disabilities. In compliance with applicable federal, state, pro-

vincial, or local law, Ambient Energy does not exclude otherwise qualified persons

with disabilities from participating in employment opportunities. As well, Ambient

Energy will evaluate and respond to all requests to make a reasonable accommo-

dation, modification, or adjustment in its facilities, programs, policies, jobs, ser-

vices, and activities to ensure equal opportunity for qualified individuals with disa-

bilities.




EQUITY

E01. Full Time Employment Classification (see Employee Classifications section for more

detail)

Ambient Energy is committed to providing full-time employment as the primary basis of our

workforce. All employees are classified as either exempt or non-exempt. Exempt employees

are employees hired for an indefinite term without a specific termination date.

Employees also classified as either exempt or nonexempt according to provisions of federal,

state, and local law. Ambient Energy will designate employees as exempt or nonexempt upon

hiring or reassignment of duties. Exempt employees are those employees who are exempt

from overtime and minimum wage standards.

Employees who work at least 30 hours per week are eligible for all regularly offered benefit pro-

grams and plans subject to established waiting periods and other plan conditions.

Employees working fewer than 30 hours per week are eligible for pro-rated holiday

pay, annual and sick leave. These employees are typically non-exempt and sub-

ject to overtime rules. Part-time employees are not eligible for other benefits.




E06. Family Friendly (see Medical Leave of Absence section)

Ambient Energy is a family friendly organization. Positive flexible work arrange-

ments are focused on the employee being able to request, and working with the

employer, to adjust the start and end time of the regular work day by up to two

hours to accommodate family situations while still working the normal number of

hours. Ambient Energy provides a 12 weeks of employment protected maternity

leave, 2 weeks of employee protected paternity leave and 10 weeks of employ-

ment-protected parental leave. Ambient Energy also provides Flexible Work Ar-

rangements including non-standard hours, telecommuting, and an additional up to

3 days per week during the first 6 months after a baby is born or adopted for a fa-

ther or mother.




SAFETY

S01. Occupational Safety and Health (See Safety and Emergency Section of Handbook)

Ambient Energy’s goal is to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all of

our employees and to foster and advance safety and health management systems

for the benefit of employees. The management of safety and health in the work-

place is a joint employer-employee responsibility and corporately is needed to

safeguard our employees and the public. Employees must report, to their manag-

ers, any instance or circumstance that appears to be unsafe or a potential health

or safety risk. Ambient Energy will comply with all aspects of the Occupational

Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.




WORKER BENEFIT

W02. Employee Healthcare (see Exhibit A, Benefits for more detail)

Ambient Energy provides a comprehensive package of health care benefits to all

regular full-time employees. These benefits include medical, prescription drug, vi-

sion and dental coverage. An employee is eligible for coverage if they work a min-

imum of 30 hours per week and are eligible for coverage on the first day of the

month following thirty days of employment.




W03. Continuing Education (see Exhibit A, Benefits for more detail)

Ambient Energy supports and encourages continuing education and training oppor-

tunities for our employees. Continuing education includes all education and train-

ing activities that are relevant to an employee’s professional knowledge and skills

and to the specific needs of his or her job. We provide supported access to both

general and technical knowledge and leadership development as well as to specific

technical knowledge. We provide up to 40 hours of Personal Development Hours

for full-time staff annually. Additionally, Ambient Energy annually budgets up to

$1,500 for each full-time employee for staff continuing education purposes (up to

$2,000 for those attending out of state conferences) and we encourage the use of

this benefit.




STEWARDSHIP

S02. Community Volunteering (see Exhibit A, Benefits for more detail)

Ambient Energy is committed to demonstrating the nature and extent of our community volun-

teer involvement. Community volunteering is an investment in a community and its peoples.

Volunteering provides valuable community services and strengthens a community in many ways

such as supporting families, improving schools, supporting youth, and beautifying the communi-

ty. Community volunteering is an important measure of the civic health of a community, a state

and a nation.

Ambient Energy provides up to 8 hours of paid volunteer time annually for each

employee to participate in volunteer activities as a service to recognized charitable,

non-profit, community, local, state or federal government, and religious organiza-

tions. Time should be allocated to ae.Internal.Volunteer




S04. Charitable Giving (see Exhibit A, Benefits for more detail)

Charitable giving demonstrates Ambient Energy’s involvement in its community

and enriches the lives of people who give as well as the lives of people who are the

beneficiaries of the gifts. Charitable giving affords Ambient Energy an opportunity

to express our values by supporting causes important to us. Ambient Energy pro-

vides 1% to 3% of our before-tax profits to non-for-profit organizations and/or IRS

registered charitable organizations.




Ambient Energy Code of Ethics

EQUITY

E02. Pay-Scale Equity

Ambient Energy is committed to a pay scale equity program across all job classifications and

pay-scale gradients for all employees. Pay scale equity addresses salary, wage and benefits in-

equities within the organization. The goal of Ambient Energy’s compensation equity program is

to reduce the discrepancies in employee compensation that relate to the traditional over-

valuation of work performed by senior executives and the under-valuation of work performed

by the lowest job classifications.

Ambient Energy recognizes that there are real and merited differences in employee

compensation scales within the organization’s equity compensation program but

puts a realistic and equitable maximum limit on the differences in this compensa-

tion at 1:5. In this ratio, 1 represents the compensation of the lowest compen-

sated, full-time employee and 5 represents the compensation of the highest com-

pensated employee/senior executive. (Note Three Star JUST policies would recom-

mend a 1:15 ratio).




E04. Living Wage

Ambient Energy is committed to providing a minimum of a Living Wage for all employees. A

Living Wage is defined as financial compensation that reflects what individuals need to sup-

port themselves and their families above the poverty line, based on the actual costs of living

in a specific community. A Living Wage helps with the basic and essential costs of living and

helps to provide an adequate standard of living.

Ambient Energy will use the Poverty in America: Living Wage Calculator as the

basic tool for determining the minimum Living Wage it needs to pay our em-

ployees. Ambient Energy will advocate the benefits and payment of a Living

Wage to other organizations.




E05. Gender Pay Equity

Ambient Energy strives for gender pay scale equity, and our goal is to eliminate systemic bias and

discrimination that relates to the under-valuation of work traditionally performed by women and

to ensure that women are treated on the same basis with men in terms of compensation for the

work they perform. All employees performing the same or similar work or work of equal value will

be compensated on the same pay scale. Ambient Energy will conduct an annual review of the pay

scale of all employees by class to ensure there is no gender-based bias towards women or towards

men for the same classification of work with the same level of experience and performance.




WORKER BENEFIT

W01. Worker Happiness

Ambient Energy is committed to creating, maintaining, and supporting a positive work

environment that is conducive to and fosters worker happiness and job satisfaction.

We are concerned about our employees and their families and we strive to create an

appropriate work-life balance and provide workplaces where our employees are happy.

Ambient Energy will assess how well it is doing in this regard by the use

of an annual worker happiness survey. A minimum of 70 percent of our

full-time and part-time employees who have been with the organization

for at least six months will complete the survey. The aggregated survey

findings will be provided to the employees and Ambient Energy will

address any shortcomings that may be suggested in the survey.




LOCAL BENEFIT

L01. Local Control

Ambient Energy seeks to have a direct relationship to the communities that we serve

and we embrace the accountability that comes when senior leadership and stakeholders

reside in the places they impact. Our goal is to have Ambient Energy senior decision

makers live within the communities where we are located, within 50 miles of the main

office or satellite offices. We want our leaders to be personally connected to and vested

in the community and the environment within which we operate.

In addition to the residency of its senior executives, local control for Ambi-

ent Energy also figuratively refers to members, foundation supporters and

sponsors who are accountable for our actions and regional local standing

and who make important decisions affecting our sustainability as well as

the ongoing economic well-being of our employees and the communities in

which we are located. We donate to local charities located in our head-

quarters and our satellite office states for example. Ambient Energy has

also joined the Business Alliance for Local living Economies (BALLE) whos

mission is to advance the Localist Movement to create real prosperity for all

www.bealocalist.org.


http://www.bealocalist.org



L02. Local Sourcing

Local sourcing or buying local is an important component of healthy and sus-

tainable communities and economies. Local sourcing represents an oppor-

tunity for organizations to ensure a sustainable supply of goods and services

while building a more locally based, self-sustaining, economy and strength-

ening the social health of communities. Ambient Energy will search out local

sourcing opportunities for our needs. When possible, we will make purchases

of goods and services from sources within a 300-mile radius from our offices

as a geographic component of local sourcing and a 600-mile radius for re-

gional sourcing.




STEWARDSHIP

S01. Responsible Investing

Ambient Energy is committed to socially responsible investing (SRI) and advocacy.

Socially responsible investing is an investment in people, community, environment

and country as well as in the prosperity of any organization. We support ethical

businesses that have positive benefits, that support and protect employees and

their families and treat them fairly and with respect, that are human rights compli-

ant, that do not condone, support, or participate in practices, products or services

that are harmful to society and the environment, and that follow progressive, sus-

tainable practices that contribute to sustainable economies, communities, and so-

cieties. Half of our funds are selected from socially responsible funds.




S03. Positive Products

The concept of positive products relates to doing social good through purchase or use of prod-

ucts and services that contribute to the betterment of people, communities, and the environ-

ment. These positive products and services, either directly for the user, or indirectly to others

beyond the immediate user, contribute to beneficial outcomes and positively address societal

concerns such as: renewable energy; water services; public transportation; pollution and waste

management; social and economic inequalities and injustices; discrimination; poverty and other

social injustices; affordable housing; improvements in nutritional foods; health care and safety;

advancements in education; animal welfare; promotion of the arts and sciences; and conserva-

tion and reclamation of the natural environment. Positive products also refers to the production,

selling, and purchase of fair trade products and services that are environmentally-friendly, peo-

ple-friendly, and animal-friendly. In fulfillment of its mission, Ambient Energy may be involved

in any number of these positive products and services.

Ambient Energy has a strict policy of purchasing and investing only in positive products and

services so that we contribute constructively to our communities. Ambient Energy will only pur-

chase positive products for our use and use positive services for our operations. Ambient Ener-

gy is committed to positive life cycles from investment to design, manufacture, sale, use, reuse,

and so on.

Ambient Energy is concerned about the avoidance of the use of negative products

as much as it is about the use of positive products and services and it is not in-

volved in any activity, service, or businesses that support or are involved in these

activities. Ambient Energy prohibits the use of its financial and human resources

for the manufacture, provision, purchase, or use of products and services such as

armaments and firearms; alcohol; tobacco; narcotics and other illicit drugs; gam-

bling; pornography; prostitution; payday lending; organized crime; clear-cut log-

ging; genetically-modified foods or patenting life; fossil fuel extraction and refin-

ing; known or suspected carcinogens; Living Building Challenge red list materials

and chemicals; the nuclear industry; and non-nutritional “junk” foods and bever-

ages. Ambient Energy screens all of its potential corporate involvements, purchas-

es, and uses of products and services against its prohibited list (identified above)

to ensure that there is no selection of banned involvement.




S05. Animal Welfare

Animal welfare refers to the ethical, merciful, non-abusive and non-harmful treatment of ani-

mals and to the prevention of any distress and pain so they enjoy a dignified and humane

quality of life. This perspective means that all animals must be humanely raised and cared for

throughout their lives. When raised for food, animals must not be subject to factory farms or

gestation crating or other similar types of overtly restrictive confines and they must be trans-

ported and humanely slaughtered in accordance with and beyond all state and federal laws,

regulations and guidelines.

Ambient Energy is committed to supporting animal welfare and will not be in-

volved in the production, promotion or sale of goods and services that are anti-

thetical to the well-being of animals. Ambient Energy will only purchase products

from suppliers who follow animal welfare practices. Ambient Energy will not con-

duct or participate in any animal testing or experimentation and it will not do

business with enterprises that use inhumane animal treatment practices.




S06. Transparency

Ambient Energy is committed to being ethically transparent in all aspects of our

operation. We support a voluntary, full disclosure policy and provide ongoing

open access and communication to internal and external audiences on important

organizational information. This information includes our purpose, goals, govern-

ance structure, environmental impacts, and our involvement in social, political,

and environmental causes. Ambient Energy will comply with all legislated report-

ing requirements.


Documents

Exhibit C. Ambient Energy JUST Handbook Policiesjustorganizations.com/sites/default/files/JUST Certification.pdf · DENVER SAN FRANCISCO 130 W 5th Avenue Denver CO 80204 303.278.1532