Introduction
At Fusebox, we believe that our success in driving the energy transition and digital innovation goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to ethical business conduct, sustainability, and respect for human rights. We recognize that our suppliers are essential partners in this journey.
This Supplier Code of Conduct (“Code”) sets out the principles and expectations that guide how we work with our suppliers and how we expect suppliers to operate within their own businesses and supply chains. It is grounded in internationally recognized standards and aligned with Fusebox’s internal Code of Conduct and related policies.
We ask all suppliers to not only comply with the law but to operate responsibly, transparently, and with integrity in everything they do.
Scope and Applicability
This Code applies to all suppliers and sub-suppliers providing goods or services to Fusebox, as well as any third parties acting on our behalf. Suppliers are expected to extend these principles throughout their own operations and supply chains.
We recognize that not all provisions will apply equally to every supplier due to differences in size, industry, and geography. Nonetheless, all suppliers are expected to make good-faith efforts to uphold the spirit of this Code and take meaningful action where relevant.
Business Integrity and Ethics
Fusebox is committed to conducting business ethically and expects suppliers to do the same. This includes:
Compliance with Laws
Suppliers must comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws and regulations in every jurisdiction where they operate. This includes business licenses, labor and environmental regulations, and all required permits.
Anti-Bribery and Corruption
We do not tolerate bribery or corruption in any form. Suppliers must not offer, give, solicit, or accept any bribe or improper payment in connection with any Fusebox-related business. This includes facilitation payments, kickbacks, and anything that could unduly influence business decisions.
Suppliers are expected to have their own anti-corruption policies, training, and controls in place, and to notify Fusebox immediately if any actual or suspected incident occurs.
Conflicts of Interest
Suppliers must avoid situations where personal relationships or financial interests could improperly influence business decisions. Any potential conflicts involving Fusebox employees or contractors must be disclosed promptly.
Accurate Recordkeeping
Suppliers must ensure that all business dealings and records are maintained transparently and accurately. False, incomplete, or misleading entries are not acceptable.
Trade Sanctions & Export Controls
Suppliers are responsible for complying with applicable trade laws, including sanctions and export control regulations, and for ensuring that products or services provided to Fusebox do not breach such laws.
Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
Suppliers must protect any confidential information, trade secrets, or intellectual property shared by Fusebox. This information may only be used for its intended business purpose and must not be disclosed to unauthorized parties.
Anti-Competitive Conduct
Suppliers must not participate in anti-competitive practices, including price-fixing, bid rigging, market allocation, or abuse of market power. Fair competition is a cornerstone of ethical business conduct.
Data Privacy and Protection
If suppliers process personal data on behalf of Fusebox, they must comply with all applicable data protection laws, including the GDPR. Suppliers must implement appropriate measures to protect the data and report any breach to Fusebox without delay.
Information Security
Suppliers are expected to protect Fusebox data and systems against unauthorized access, breaches, or cyber threats. Security practices should align with industry standards, such as ISO/IEC 27001, especially when suppliers access or manage Fusebox systems or information.
Human Rights and Working Conditions
We believe that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Suppliers must uphold internationally recognized human rights and fair labor standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO Core Conventions.
No Forced or Involuntary Labor
Suppliers must not use forced labor, bonded labor, or involuntary prison labor. Workers must be employed voluntarily and have the freedom to leave in accordance with applicable laws.
No Child Labor
Suppliers must comply with minimum age requirements under local laws and international standards. No one under the age of 16 should be employed in any circumstance.
Working Hours and Rest
Working hours, including overtime, must comply with applicable laws. Employees must receive adequate rest breaks and leave entitlements, including vacation, parental, and sick leave.
Wages and Benefits
Suppliers must pay workers at least the minimum legal wage and provide all legally mandated benefits. Wage deductions must be lawful and clearly communicated. Pay statements should be understandable and transparent.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Discrimination and harassment have no place in the workplace. Suppliers must provide equal opportunity and fair treatment to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, political opinion, or other protected characteristics.
Freedom of Association
Suppliers must respect workers’ rights to form or join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining. Where such rights are restricted by law, suppliers should enable alternative forms of worker representation.
Safe and Healthy Workplaces
Suppliers must provide a safe and hygienic working environment. This includes assessing risks, implementing emergency preparedness procedures, providing safety training, and monitoring workplace hazards.
While certification to ISO 45001 is not mandatory, Fusebox encourages suppliers to adopt recognized health and safety frameworks.
Environmental Responsibility
Fusebox is committed to reducing our environmental impact and expects suppliers to do the same. Environmental stewardship is not just good business—it’s essential for long-term sustainability.
Environmental Compliance
Suppliers must comply with all applicable environmental laws, permits, and reporting obligations related to emissions, waste, water, and land use.
Environmental Management Systems
Suppliers are encouraged to adopt environmental management systems, such as ISO 14001. Where not yet in place, suppliers should establish policies and action plans to monitor and improve environmental performance.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Suppliers should measure and reduce their GHG emissions, especially if involved in manufacturing, logistics, or energy-intensive operations. Progress on emissions reductions may be considered in supplier selection.
Energy Efficiency and Renewables
Suppliers should strive to reduce energy use and transition toward renewable energy sources wherever possible.
Waste and Resource Use
Suppliers should minimize waste generation and promote recycling and reuse. Hazardous waste must be handled in compliance with regulations.
Water Use
Suppliers must manage water responsibly, including lawful abstraction and safe discharge. Water efficiency and protection of water sources are encouraged.
Biodiversity and Land Stewardship
Suppliers must comply with legal obligations to protect biodiversity, habitats, and natural resources.
Implementation and Oversight
Management Systems
Suppliers must implement internal policies and controls to promote compliance with this Code. A designated senior contact should be responsible for oversight.
Training and Awareness
Suppliers are expected to educate their workforce and key partners on ethical conduct, human rights, and safety practices.
Grievance Mechanisms
Suppliers must provide a mechanism for workers and stakeholders to raise concerns confidentially, without fear of retaliation.
Reporting to Fusebox
Suppliers must inform Fusebox of any material breaches of this Code. In some cases, suppliers may be asked to complete self-assessments or participate in audits.
Fusebox may conduct due diligence, including requesting documentation or on-site visits, especially in higher-risk engagements.
Acknowledgment
Suppliers are expected to communicate this Code to their own employees, sub-suppliers, and business partners, and ensure compliance across relevant activities.
By signing below, the supplier acknowledges receipt of this Code and agrees to make good-faith efforts to meet the standards and expectations described herein.
Signature:
Company:
Name:
Position:
Date:
