Implementing Action

Back CSR Sector Risk Assessment

In 2014 the Dutch Government commissioned a sector risk assessment (SRA) from KPMG that analysed the risks of particular sectors of the Dutch economy operating internationally.

The intent was to gain an insight into the sectors posing the greatest risks to people and the environment and so to develop pro-active policy; provide the foundation for further dialogue with the sectors and stakeholders on minimising risks; and lead to the development of covenants.  


The study focused on 12 priority sectors and divided the risks into three overall categories: environment, labour, and human rights. The study identified a number of sector specific and cross sectoral material risks including:

  • Environment
    • Greenhouse gas emissions / air pollution (all sectors)
    • Water and soil pollution (chemicals, metalworking, agriculture and horticulture, oil and gas, etc.)
    • Water scarcity (garments and textile, food, agriculture and horticulture, etc.)
  • Labour
    • Unhealthy and unsafe working conditions (all sectors)
    • Child labour (electronics, textile, food, etc.)
    • Women’s rights (in sectors such as electronics, metalworking, garments and textile, food, agriculture and horticulture, etc.)
  • Human Rights
    • Dispossession of land (chemicals, wood and paper, food, etc.)
    • Deprivation of (the right to) a clean, safe, healthy living environment (construction, metalworking, oil and gas, etc.)
    • Depletion of natural resources (energy, oil and gas, etc.) 

The findings of the SRA could be used as a starting point for dialogue, both within and with the sectors, and has served as a roadmap for concluding International Responsible Business Conduct Agreements (IRCBs). Moreover, the SRA is a practical tool Dutch sectors use to start or further shape their due diligence processes.

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Netherlands 2014
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