View the 2009 Sustainability Report in detail (pdf)

MDU Resources Group manages its business with a long-term view toward sustainable operations, focusing on how economic, environmental and social impacts help the corporation continue to Build a Strong America.

Overview

Economic Impact

MDU Resources makes a positive economic impact in a variety of ways in the communities where it does business. The salaries it pays to more than 10,000 employees, the federal, state and local taxes it pays, the charitable donations it provides, the infrastructure and equipment investments all are among the ways MDU Resources makes an impact.

MDU Resources is proud of its record of supporting qualified organizations that enhance quality of life. Since its incorporation, the corporate foundation has contributed more than $15 million to worthwhile charities and organizations.

Environmental Impact

MDU Resources has three primary goals in regard to the environment:

• Minimize waste and maximize resources.
• Support environmental laws and regulations that are based on sound science and cost-effective technology.
• Comply with or exceed all applicable environmental laws, regulations and permit requirements.

The corporation does this through its established operational practices and by leading or participating in a number of programs that help ensure a viable environment. Corporate policy specifically addresses environmental practices. The Environmental Policy directs that the corporation will operate efficiently to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

MDU Resources’ companies strive to meet or exceed laws and regulatory requirements in all operations. The companies endeavor to minimize land disturbances while maximizing resource extraction. The companies engage in wildlife protection practices, promote emission reduction and fuel conservation, work with wildlife regulatory agencies, develop water enhancement practices, ensure water quality protection, control and prevent the spread of noxious weeds, promote noise reduction, and implement programs to develop and enhance public spaces in the communities they serve.

Social Impact

To help ensure the corporation is able to acquire and develop talented employees, MDU Resources has a number of policies and programs in place, including job-posting programs for open positions, relocation assistance, tuition and training assistance, a mentoring program and more.

Employees of MDU Resources are hired because they have the skills, abilities and motivation to achieve the results needed for their job. Each job is important and part of a coordinated team effort to accomplish the corporation’s objectives. MDU Resources has six general philosophies that guide employees’ actions:

• Teamwork and cooperation.
• Open communication.
• Mutual trust.
• Increasing standards.
• Individual responsibility.
• Balance.

MDU Resources’ senior management is committed to safety and health in the workplace. The corporation’s recordable incidence rate was 3.8 in 2008, well below the average rate of 5.3 that employers in similar industries posted for the same time period.