Creating Shared Value with Our Communities.
At GNL Guatemala S.A. (“the Company”), Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) is an integral part of how we intend to develop and operate our LNG-to-Power business. The Company recognizes that the long-term success of the Project depends not only on technical, operational, and financial performance, but also on building relationships based on trust, respect, transparency, and shared value with the communities where we operate.
Our objective is to contribute positively to the economic and social development of our host communities while maintaining constructive engagement with local authorities, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and other stakeholders.
The Company’s CSR strategy will focus on initiatives capable of generating sustainable and measurable benefits, with particular emphasis on Education, Technical Training, Local Employment, Local Procurement and Entrepreneurship, Community Infrastructure, Health and Safety, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Engagement. Education and Opportunities for Future Generations
Education will be one of the core pillars of GNL Guatemala S.A.’s community-development strategy.
The Company will support programs designed to improve access to education, strengthen educational infrastructure, reduce barriers to learning, and provide young people in surrounding communities with better opportunities for their future.
Initiatives may include the rehabilitation, maintenance, cleaning, and improvement of local schools; provision of educational materials and equipment; support for computer and digital-learning facilities; and other educational resources identified in coordination with schools and community representatives.
Where appropriate, the Company may provide equipment such as computers, printers, educational technology, internet connectivity, teaching materials, and school supplies to strengthen the capacity of educational institutions serving communities surrounding the Project.
Rather than limiting its contribution to individual donations, the Company will seek to develop long-term partnerships with schools, technical institutes, universities, and vocational-training organizations.
Technical and Vocational Training.
The development and operation of an LNG terminal and power-generation facility will require a broad range of technical capabilities. GNL Guatemala S.A. intends to use this opportunity to contribute to the development of a stronger local skilled workforce.
The Company will promote technical and vocational training programs aimed at providing qualified members of surrounding communities with skills relevant to employment opportunities created directly or indirectly by the Project.
Training may include areas such as:
* Welding and industrial fabrication;
* Electrical and instrumentation works;
* Mechanical maintenance;
* Civil construction;
* Industrial piping;
* Equipment operation;
* Logistics and warehousing;
* Occupational health and safety;
* Environmental monitoring;
* Port and marine-support activities; and
* Other technical skills required during construction and operations.
Where practicable, programs may be developed in partnership with recognized Guatemalan technical institutions, universities, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
The objective will be to establish a training-to-employment pathway, allowing local residents to develop competencies that can improve their employment prospects not only within the Project but throughout Guatemala’s industrial, energy, construction, and logistics sectors.
Local Employment and Workforce Development:
GNL Guatemala S.A. recognizes that one of the most significant potential socioeconomic benefits of the Project will be the creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities during development, construction, commissioning, and operations.
Subject to qualifications, competency requirements, safety standards, and applicable legislation, the Company will seek to maximize opportunities for the recruitment and professional development of Guatemalan personnel, with particular attention to qualified candidates from communities surrounding the Project.
During construction, the Project is expected to require personnel across multiple disciplines, including civil works, mechanical installation, electrical works, instrumentation, logistics, security, transportation, administration, environmental management, and supporting services.
As operations commence, the Company will seek to progressively develop local technical capabilities for positions associated with LNG terminal operations, regasification, power generation, maintenance, logistics, safety, environment, and administration.
Local Procurement and Development of SMEs
The economic contribution of the Project should extend beyond direct employment.
GNL Guatemala S.A. will seek opportunities to incorporate qualified +local businesses, contractors, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)* into the Project’s supply chain.
Where commercially and technically feasible, local companies may participate in areas such as transportation, accommodation, catering, construction support, equipment rental, maintenance, waste management, security, logistics, professional services, and other supporting activities.
The Company may also provide information, orientation, and capacity-building initiatives to help local suppliers understand the Project’s requirements relating to quality, safety, environmental performance, ethics, documentation, and procurement procedures.
This approach is intended to create a multiplier effect whereby Project investment generates broader economic activity within the surrounding communities and the Department of Izabal.
Community Infrastructure and Quality of Life
In consultation with communities and relevant authorities, the Company may support initiatives that address priority local infrastructure and community needs.
Depending on identified priorities and feasibility, these initiatives may include improvements related to schools, community facilities, access to potable water, sanitation, public spaces, local roads, lighting, digital connectivity, and other essential community infrastructure.
Projects will be evaluated according to their potential social impact, sustainability, number of beneficiaries, and consistency with local development priorities.
The Company’s objective will be to prioritize initiatives capable of delivering lasting community benefits rather than short-term assistance alone.
Health, Safety and Community Well-Being
The health and safety of communities surrounding our operations will form an important component of our social responsibility strategy.
GNL Guatemala S.A. may collaborate with local institutions and organizations on programs related to preventive health, occupational safety awareness, emergency preparedness, road safety, community emergency-response capabilities, and other identified health priorities.
Given the industrial and marine characteristics of the Project, the Company will also maintain appropriate communication and coordination with relevant authorities and communities regarding emergency preparedness and response.