Corporate Responsibility
An enduring commitment to employees, environment and communities.
This site serves as an overview of our corporate responsibility and integrates our performance measures from 2013. The achievements made in 2013 are highlighted within each area.
- Letter from the CEO
- Governance & Management
- Environmental Program
- Employees & Culture
- Education Philanthropy
With no shareholders demanding short-term returns, we are free to invest in a sustainable future. That’s why we invest in a dedicated workforce, sustainable operations and a strong community – to make everyone, not just SAS, successful.
SAS corporate responsibility efforts continue to center on preparing our people and our business for the next generation. While many organizations think about supply chains and meeting shareholder expectations, sustaining SAS means sustaining talent. Our people are our greatest asset.
We offer employees stimulating work, an empowering management philosophy that encourages risk-taking, and an inspiring workplace where creativity thrives. Their satisfaction, pride and happiness foster innovation. The creativity they bring to SAS is our competitive advantage – and our customers’. They’re the driving force behind SAS’ consistent revenue growth, profitability, and expanding products and solutions.
We’re happy to share:
- SAS is renowned globally, regionally and locally as a great workplace. We are honored to be among the leading workplaces recognized by Top Employers Institute and Great Place to Work, including GPTW’s World’s Best Multinational Workplaces list.
- We support education – especially public education – by donating money, time and resources. To equip the 21st century workforce, SAS supports a host of initiatives promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). SAS provides free access to software for higher education instruction and research, and supports numerous advanced degrees and more than 50 certificate programs in analytics and related fields.
- Our goal is to grow and maintain a successful business while protecting our natural resources. Our environmental efforts incorporate the best design, engineering, materials and technology available, from recycling and energy usage to building and remodeling efforts. We follow green building standards for all design, construction and renovation projects. This year, we achieved LEED® certification for an office renovation in São Paulo, Brazil; our Cary, NC, headquarters; and SAS Sweden’s newest headquarters.
Financial independence lets SAS take the long view. With no shareholders demanding short-term returns, the company is free to invest in a sustainable future. That’s why we invest in a dedicated workforce, sustainable operations and a strong community – to make everyone, not just SAS, successful.
Sincerely,
Jim Goodnight
CEO of SAS
Governance & Management
Solid management, performance and compliance for a sustainable enterprise
Robust regulatory compliance practices ensure that SAS conducts business in an honest, respectful, fair and safe manner. Guided by the Code of Ethics (PDF), SAS’ compliance practices have earned the company its exceptional reputation as an ethical and responsible employer and business partner. SAS is committed to maintaining this reputation and conducting all aspects of the business in a way that promotes and reflects ethical practices.
- Governance Structure
- Ethics
- Anti-Corruption and Export Controls
- Privacy
- Supply Chain
- Continuity of Business
Company Profile
SAS Institute Inc. is a North Carolina corporation that has been privately held since its inception in 1976. Headquartered in Cary, NC, the company operates through functional divisions that include Worldwide Marketing, Sales, Research & Development, Finance, Legal, and Corporate Services. SAS delivers software and related services to customers throughout the world. Sales operations are conducted primarily through SAS and its controlled sales subsidiaries, which operate in 139 countries. These entities are grouped into three regional sales divisions: the Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and Asia Pacific.
SAS Americas includes nine companies – SAS Institute Inc. and eight operating subsidiaries – that provide software and services to customers in specific territories. The EMEA and the Asia Pacific divisions together include 45 operating subsidiaries. SAS has a number of representative and branch offices in the above regions, with a total sales presence in 60 countries. Additional subsidiaries in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions are dedicated to conducting research and development activities for SAS and its affiliates.
2013 Data: With US$3.02 billion in revenue in 2013, SAS remains the leader in advanced analytics and the largest independent vendor in the business intelligence market.
Learn more about our full listing of software products.
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Jim Goodnight, Chief Executive Officer, and John Sall, co-founder and Executive Vice President, constitute the board of directors. They also serve as executive officers, overseeing corporate performance and investment decisions across environmental, social and economic interests. Jim Goodnight and John Sall are the company's principal shareholders.
See SAS' organizational structure
Employee rights, including employment-based compliance issues, are managed through Human Resources. The Ethics and Compliance group in the SAS Legal Division manages all other compliance responsibilities, including anti-corruption, privacy, trade, lobbying, gifts and anti-aggression laws. Sustainability and environmental conservation are managed through Facilities in the Corporate Services Division.
Corporate Social Responsibility Governance
The SAS Executive Sustainability Council regularly reviews SAS’ sustainability performance metrics and provides guidance on ways to conduct global operations in an environmentally sustainable manner. The group includes senior-level executives, including Goodnight and Sall.
SAS also maintains a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Task Force comprising employees across business functions, including internal communications, legal, facilities, marketing and public relations. This group meets bimonthly to advance annual goals and priorities, and to address topics related to sustainability throughout the year. The group’s function is to ensure the integration of sustainability efforts across the business. This team works closely with various departments to ensure that CSR policies and initiatives are considered in all aspects of the business.
Public Policy
SAS actively engages in public policy discussions, particularly related to the role of technologies in solving larger societal issues that challenge local, state, federal and international agencies. These challenges include delivering better and safer health care while minimizing fraud, waste and abuse; mitigating environmental impacts while consuming scarce resources more efficiently; providing better stewardship of taxpayer resources with greater government accountability; and helping governments make better use of their data assets to fulfill their missions, such as helping detect terrorist financing and money laundering schemes. SAS actively engages in public policy discussions to help protect the valuable intellectual property resources that are the underpinning of its business.
SAS is committed to demonstrating honesty, fairness and accountability in every decision and action, including each interaction with employees, customers, suppliers and competitors. The SAS Code of Ethics helps the company define and maintain highest standards for respect, honesty, fairness and accountability. This SAS Code of Ethics applies to every employee – at every subsidiary and in every region – as well as all members of the board of directors, officers appointed by the board of directors and agents.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS did not have any substantiated incidents with regard to public policy, privacy, corruption, ethics, bribery, anti-competitive actions, anti-trust violations or monopoly practices, or negative impacts on society. Nor were there any fines for noncompliance with laws and regulations.
Training
The Ethics and Compliance group at SAS has developed courses to help employees abide by the SAS Code of Ethics and applicable external rules and regulations. SAS provides this training to equip all employees to make the right choices when ethical and regulatory challenges arise.
Online trainings were developed under the management and oversight of the vice president and general counsel for ethics and compliance, with input from many departments across SAS, and with ultimate approval by the chief legal officer. All trainings since 2012 are available in English, simplified Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.
How SAS monitors completion and renewal of training varies, depending on relevant policies, strategies, trainings and codes. Online training completions are tracked by the third-party vendor that helped to create them, as well as by the company’s internal learning management system. Automated reminders are sent to those who have not completed training as the deadline approaches, and managers are contacted as trainings become overdue. Employees and certain contract workers are required to take some or all of the following training:
- Code of Ethics
- Information Security
- Export Controls Awareness
- SAS Business Ethics in Selling
- Buying and Competing
- Respect in the Workplace
- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
- Privacy and Data Protection for Global Companies
SAS provides specialized training for personnel as needed. For example, California employees take Sexual Harassment: Promoting Appropriate Behavior, as required by California law. Employees who work with military and intelligence sector government customers take Defense Export Controls (ITAR).
In-person, targeted compliance training is conducted periodically. These trainings are developed by the Ethics and Compliance group in the Legal Division with input from the relevant functional business units. For example, in 2013, SAS conducted anti-corruption training for government sales and marketing groups, privacy training for IT staff, and HIPAA training for employees interacting with data in the company’s health care center or associated with its health care industry solutions.
Employee Feedback
Employees are responsible for immediately communicating concerns regarding suspected unethical or illegal conduct to a supervisor, Human Resources or the general counsel. Specific procedures for reporting concerns are displayed on the Legal Division's internal website. Employees may submit comments via email, telephone help line, or an anonymous report or online form.
SAS does not retaliate against anyone who reports suspected violations in good faith. All reports of misconduct are investigated in a timely fashion. Unless the complaining individual chooses to remain anonymous, he or she receives feedback on the results of the investigation, to the extent allowed by applicable law.
Anti-Corruption
SAS has an anti-corruption program to provide training and monitoring across the company. As part of this program, all employees take an online anti-corruption course upon hire.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS updated its anti-corruption program and added anti-bribery, gift, campaign contribution and donation policy documents, along with other policy and process guidance. These documents are available to all employees on the Ethics and Compliance internal website.
In addition, SAS enhanced its advance due diligence program to cover subcontractors (in addition to partners) and began to build a program for engaging in transaction-by-transaction due diligence measures.
SAS prohibits the use of corporate funds for political contributions to individual candidates. Corporate contributions may be made to political parties or national or state political party organizations if approved through established procedures. SAS records and reports all corporate political contributions in accordance with applicable local laws.
Export Controls
SAS maintains an export management system complete with product licensing and screening processes that include checking employees, customers and suppliers against the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list and certain other government lists of prohibited parties.
SAS classifies our products according to US export laws and makes such classifications available to our customers at the SAS Current Export Designation Information page.
The Ethics and Compliance group in the SAS Legal Division ensures that SAS’ use of personal data complies with applicable laws, SAS policies and customer expectations. SAS Global Information Security establishes processes and deploys technologies to protect the confidentiality, availability and integrity of data in the custody or control of SAS.
These groups work closely to manage data privacy issues and security by, among other things, establishing information governance policies, standards, guidelines and processes based on regulations, business needs and industry best practices. Periodic privacy and security-related assessments and compliance reviews include privacy impact assessments for newly developed or modified applications that may affect individual privacy interests.
The Ethics and Compliance group ensures that SAS’ externally posted Privacy Statement accurately reflects its information collection and use practices. SAS’ Privacy Statement is global, covering SAS US and its foreign subsidiaries and other business units. Translated versions of the Privacy Statement with country-specific requirements are linked to the English version.
SAS has obtained an employee data safe harbor to safeguard the movement of employee data into and out of its US headquarters. The company also adheres to applicable privacy and information security requirements for the jurisdictions in which it conducts business.
SAS requires all its employees to complete training on privacy and information security. A monthly information security awareness newsletter, Security Sense, informs employees about information security and privacy issues.
SAS’ supply chain includes both direct and indirect suppliers. Direct suppliers provide products or services used in creating the services SAS sells. This can include software, hardware, consultants or IT infrastructure. Indirect suppliers in areas such as food vendors, legal and accounting, or travel provide support for running the business.
Supply Chain Management
SAS builds long-term relationships with both direct and indirect suppliers. There are a wide range of best practices, tools and policies to ensure the supply chain remains strong and the company is identifying the best fit for all procurement needs.
SAS uses mechanisms such as service level agreements, benchmarking and supplier relationship management to monitor and manage suppliers’ results. Suppliers are subject to advance and ongoing anti-corruption due diligence, which screens prospective suppliers and relevant or high-risk individuals within those organizations. The program consists of contractual requirements for anti-corruption and ethics rules compliance for all contractors and consultants. SAS also conducts in-person and online training, expense record and expenditure reviews, and audits, as well as global outreach through organizations like the UN Global Compact.
The company also has an advance due diligence process for engaging with new suppliers and potential acquisition targets, and ongoing due diligence screening of suppliers. The process involves investigating the supplier’s background, qualifications, conflicts of interest, financial condition and history of regulatory violations.
Supplier Diversity
As part of the Corporate Services Division, the manager of supplier diversity is responsible for SAS’ supplier diversity process, including:
- Reviewing RFPs and contracts and responding to customers with diversity requirements.
- Preparing and providing diversity spending reports to customers.
- Providing information and access to SAS’ procurement opportunities by supporting and conducting various diversity activities and events (e.g., sponsorships, education and attendance).
By developing and maintaining effective relationships with suppliers, the company aims to create value throughout the life of each contract based upon economy, quality, environmental preservation and social values. SAS is a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the Women's Business Center of North Carolina (WBC-NC). SAS is also represented on the boards of various minority supplier development councils and economic development initiatives.
SAS uses competitive bidding to help ensure competition and fairness in the marketplace for suppliers. SAS also supports local business: 48 percent of SAS’ US spending in 2013 was with suppliers whose remit-to address is in North Carolina.
SAS’ supplier diversity program has earned several accolades and service awards, including: Small Business Administration’s 2012 North Carolina Veterans Business Champion of the Year; Small Business Administration’s 2011 North Carolina Minority Small Business Champion of the Year for both North Carolina and SBA’s Southeast Region IV; Advocate of the Year by the Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council; and Woman Business Advocate of the Year by the Women’s Business Center of North Carolina.
Supplier Diversity Policy Statement
SAS customers represent a wide range of industries, people and locations – and the company seeks this same level of diversity in its supplier community. Unlike a typical manufacturing environment, the creation of SAS products does not require purchasing materials or component parts, but rather relies on a highly skilled staff of technical professionals. SAS complies with the federal laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.
As a federal contractor, SAS complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the implementing rules and regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance, Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistant Act of 1974, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
In the area of professional services offered to its customers, SAS provides small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and woman-owned small businesses the opportunity to participate in the subcontracts it awards to the maximum practicable extent, consistent with efficient performance of the contract.
Regarding the procurement of goods and services to support corporate operations, SAS continually seeks ways to make business opportunities available to small businesses and businesses that are:
- Minority-owned.
- Woman-owned.
- Disabled-owned.
- HUBZone-certified.
- Veteran or service-disabled veteran-owned.
At SAS, continuity of business (COB) is paramount, addressing any threats or hazards that may affect our employees and customers and disrupt our business operations. COB planning incorporates corporate governance, information security and corporate social responsibility.
Customers can trust us with the viability of their operations because of the company’s ability to provide vital customer-facing services and continue core operations. Even if SAS never experiences a business disruption, the organization continues to improve and standardize processes through planning and training on how to respond and recover from one.
SAS’ global business continuity program goals are to:
- Prepare employees to know what to do in a crisis.
- Provide timely communications between local offices and SAS world headquarters.
- Put plans in place to recover SAS’ most critical business operations that support our customers. This includes annual qualification of key partner and supplier dependencies to support strategies for continued operations.
- Develop backup strategies, such as providing support to customers from another office until the affected office can resume normal operations.
- Avoid and minimize business interruptions through greater awareness and risk management.
SAS’ COB initiative extends to all SAS offices, involving response and recovery teams from Security, Facilities, IT and Communications. These business units work together proactively to develop resilience and mitigation strategies, and, in the event of a business disruption, coordinate to execute recovery plans.
Through business continuity planning, SAS exercises operational controls to ensure our long-term viability and meet the expectations of our customers in an increasingly risk-conscious regulatory environment.
More information on SAS’ COB program can be found in the Continuity of Business white paper (PDF).
Top Six Achievements From 2013
- Energy: Generated 3.6 million kWh of clean, renewably sourced power from rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems; SAS now has eight solar photovoltaic and solar hot water systems globally.
- Emissions: Limited greenhouse gas emissions increase to only 3 percent, despite 5 percent growth in data center operations and increasing office space by 4 percent. SAS improved its Carbon Disclosure Project score to 83 with a B performance rating, 6 percent better than 2012.
- Waste management: Diverted 50 percent – almost 2,000 tons – of waste from landfills globally; diverted 88.2 percent of more than 500 tons of construction waste at world headquarters.
- Water conservation: Increased use of reclaimed water by 221 percent
- Green building: Achieved LEED® certifications for buildings in Cary, NC, and a retrofit in São Paulo, Brazil, and LEED Gold certification for the construction of a new building in Sweden.
- Employee commute: Encouraged employees to consider electric vehicles by installing six new charging stations and dedicating premium parking for electric vehicle plug-in stations globally. Through 2013, world headquarters employees accounted for approximately 5 percent of all registered plug-in vehicles in North Carolina.
Environmental Program
Stewardship for today, preservation for tomorrow
SAS is committed to minimizing the environmental impacts of our business. This commitment is not just good will – it makes good business sense. Investments in environmentally responsible practices and technologies deliver returns for SAS in three significant ways:
- Reducing costs through intelligently managed resource consumption.
- Growing new markets through inventive, eco-friendly business practices.
- Responsibly meeting the expectations of customers, government and the public.
We reduce the company’s environmental footprint with multiyear programs focused on energy conservation and solar projects, emission management, pollution mitigation, water conservation, waste reduction and recycling, procurement and green building.
SAS uses its own software to collect, manage, calculate and report its global environmental footprint.
- Environmental Governance
- Supply Chain
- Energy and Emissions
- Landfill Diversion
- Water Conservation
- Green Building Practices
- Biodiversity
- Awareness and Engagement
The SAS Executive Sustainability Council, formed in 2008, reviews metrics of SAS’ sustainability performance and provides guidance on conducting global operations in a sustainable manner. This group includes senior-level executives, including co-founders and company owners Jim Goodnight, CEO, and John Sall, Executive Vice President. The Executive Sustainability Council – and the steering committee that reports to it – is chartered to act on an environmental policy statement and mandates.
Implementing environmental strategies is largely the domain of the SAS Corporate Services Division Environmental Management Program. The program facilitates environmental efforts at company headquarters in the US, collects and reports key environmental indicators for global operations, and provides guidance and support to offices worldwide. Offices around the globe have personnel who manage site-specific environmental initiatives.
Members of the Environmental Management Program are part of the CSR Task Force that meets regularly to address environmental and social responsibility initiatives throughout SAS’ business operations.
Environmental Policy
SAS is an active and committed partner in communities where employees live, work and conduct business. SAS recognizes that environmental sustainability is a continuous effort that requires prudent use and preservation of natural resources. The company encourages business operations around the world to minimize environmental impacts by exceeding all environmental regulations. To accomplish this, all employees are asked to adhere to the company’s environmental mandates, integrate environmentally responsible practices, and seek innovative solutions to optimize operational efficiencies.
Environmental Mandates
The following corporate mandates provide guidance for adhering to policy and establishing priorities for environmental initiatives.
- Corporate priority. Establish policies, programs and practices for conducting operations in an environmentally sound manner.
- Integrated management. Integrate environmental policies, programs and practices into all functions, business units and global offices.
- Continual improvement. Continue to raise the bar on performance, aligning with technological developments, scientific understanding and stakeholder expectations.
- Employee education. Educate, train and motivate employees to conduct activities in an environmentally responsible manner.
- Assessment. Conduct impact assessments before starting a new activity or project and before decommissioning a facility or leaving a site.
- Products and services. Provide products or services that have no undue environmental impact throughout the product life cycle – from development to delivery, use and disposal.
- Customer support. Advise and educate customers, distributors and the public in the safe and environmentally responsible use, transportation, storage and disposal of SAS products.
- Facilities and operations. Develop, design and operate facilities and conduct activities with continual consideration for minimizing resource consumption, adverse environmental impact, and waste.
- Research. Conduct or support research on the environmental impacts of SAS activities and how to minimize adverse impacts.
- Contractors and suppliers. Promote these principles to SAS contractors and suppliers, encouraging and (where appropriate) requiring improvements.
Precautionary Approach
SAS supports a precautionary approach to minimizing anthropogenic impacts from business operations. This aligns with SAS’ philosophy in five meaningful ways:
- To ensure our business operations do not expose the public and environment to harm.
- To comply with all environmental regulations.
- To encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
- To promote environmental awareness via increased transparency and access to meaningful data so analytics can be used to make intelligent and responsible decisions.
- To show that environmental responsibility is not just good will; it makes good business sense.
ISO Compliance
The Environmental Management Program applies best practice ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) processes and structure to include:
- Using SAS® software solutions and other tools to measure and improve environmental performance.
- Ensuring environmental affairs are addressed by executive management.
- Addressing immediate and long-term impacts of products, services and processes on the environment.
- Providing global direction about addressing environmental concerns through the allocation of resources, assignment of responsibility, and ongoing evaluation of practices, procedures and processes.
- Enabling continual improvement of environmental processes.
Naturally, SAS uses its own technology to measure and analyze the performance of its sustainability initiatives. SAS software calculates the company’s global carbon footprint and the impacts of business processes and mitigation initiatives. SAS solutions support the application of global standards such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Global Reporting Initiative. Adherence to global standards provides for measurement and reporting in 57 countries in which SAS operates.
The environmental impact of business activities extends beyond the SAS campus and workspaces to the entire supply chain, from suppliers to distribution channels to product use. The Environmental Management Program researches ways to incorporate corporate social responsibility into procurement and reduce the environmental impact of supply chain processes. To accomplish this, SAS:
- Strongly encourages employees to give consideration and preference to suppliers with environmental practices and programs.
- Promotes the adoption of environmental principles by contractors and suppliers, encouraging or requiring improvements.
- Completes the annual Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) supply chain questionnaire related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and related climate change management.
- Makes extensive use of green products, such as environmentally friendly cleaning supplies and low-emissions paints and products for campus buildings. The procurement teams routinely assist with finding the most efficient and earth-friendly options.
- Maximizes investments by eliminating unnecessary purchases, extending the life of assets through repurposing, selling outdated equipment to employees, and donating materials to educational institutions. Only then are materials processed for responsible recycling.
As a software company, SAS has limited risks and concerns in regard to raw materials, hazardous wastes and supplier practices. Because the primary input to SAS products is intellectual property, SAS does not currently collect data on GHG emissions and climate change strategy from suppliers.
2013 Supply Chain Achievements
In 2013, SAS continued its ongoing research of options for incorporating corporate social responsibility elements into procurement processes and for reducing the environmental impact of supply chain processes. As in years past, SAS completed its annual CDP supply chain questionnaire related to greenhouse gas emissions inventory and related climate change management for 2012. SAS achieved a CDP disclosure score of 83 and a B performance rating, a 6 percent disclosure score improvement from 2011. The average score/rating of more than 2,400 supplier responses was 48/C.
SAS’ Environmental Management Program assigns top priority to minimizing energy consumption and related emissions from our operations. The energy and emissions management program includes energy sourcing, conservation and generation, policy compliance, and employee education and engagement.
SAS software improves processes for collecting, understanding and managing energy and emissions requirements for facilities worldwide, increasing the ability to report and proactively influence consumption trends. The program uses SAS to identify reduction strategies, develop and monitor performance indicators, understand relationships between measures, determine initiatives with the greatest effect, and communicate strategy, goals and objectives to facilitate execution.
Key energy and emissions mitigation initiatives include calculating and reporting global carbon footprint, building and maintaining buildings to LEED guidelines, investing in renewable energy, pursuing leading-edge, energy-efficient technologies for operating buildings and data centers, and proactively maintaining facilities to the highest efficiency standards.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS improved environmental performance reporting by applying its own in-memory analytics to global data and delivering analysis and visualization-enabled dashboards to SAS mobile devices. Global energy use and related emissions remained relatively flat in 2013, with energy consumption increasing by 0.3 percent and carbon emissions 3 percent, despite significant growth in operations. Contributors to energy and emission growth included:
- Increased customer demand and a major expansion project contributed to a 4.6 percent energy increase for data center operations.
- Global headcount increased by 5.3 percent and office space increased by 3.9 percent.
- A slight increase in emissions is attributable to updated global warming potentials (GWP) from the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5).
The environmental footprint for physical growth was mitigated by ongoing investment in energy-efficient technologies, solar, retrocommissioning of primary office buildings, and adoption of LEED best practices. Gains in energy efficiencies for office buildings globally reduced energy consumption five percent in 2013 – despite increased space and headcount.
Use of renewable energy remains a priority for SAS as an integral part of a strategy to reduce emissions. In 2013, SAS added a solar rooftop system on its LEED Gold certified building in Sweden, bringing the worldwide total to eight solar energy systems. Clean, renewable energy generation totaled more than 3.6 million kWh this past year.
In addition to countless tours of the solar farm, campus and LEED-certified buildings, SAS fields numerous requests for sharing environmental data and best practices, and helping solar projects get started. In 2013, SAS hosted a STEM Career Day teacher conference and demonstrated how solar data could inspire student interest in renewable energy, statistics and data exploration.
SAS continued support for electric vehicles by installing six new charging stations and dedicating premium parking for electric vehicle plug-in stations. Through 2013, employees at the world headquarters campus represent approximately 5 percent of registered plug-in electric vehicles in the state of North Carolina.
Renewable Energy
Since 2008, when SAS broke the solar energy 1-megawatt barrier for the southeastern US, the capacity of solar installations in North Carolina has grown to 557 MW, ranking third nationally in 2013. SAS proved solar was viable, and the community responded.
At a combined 2.2 MW in capacity, SAS’ solar farms are located on 12 acres at world headquarters in Cary, NC. The photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays generate 3.6 million kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy each year, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2,000 tons annually – the amount of emissions produced by consuming more than 367,000 gallons of gasoline.
- Solar Farm I (December 2008): 1 MW in capacity, 5 acres, 5,040 panels; generates 1.7 million kWh of clean renewable energy each year.
- Solar Farm II (July 2010): 1.2 MW in capacity, 7 acres, 5,236 panels; generates 1.9 million kWh of clean renewable energy each year.
- Building C: 405 roof-mounted panels, 74 KW-capacity solar PV system; generates 100,000 kWh of electricity annually.
- Building R: 702 roof-mounted panels, 169 KW-capacity solar PV system; generates 200,000 kWh of electricity annually.
- SAS Sweden: 80 roof-mounted panels, 20 KW-capacity solar PV system generates 25,000 kWh of electricity annually.
- Building T: 24 roof-mounted 4-by-10-foot solar thermal panels provide hot water for on-site cafeteria.
- Building G: 42 roof-mounted 4-by-10-foot solar thermal panels provide hot water for showers and laundry for the campus gymnasium.
- Building C: Eight roof-mounted 5-by-6-foot evacuated-tube type solar thermal panels produce hot water for on-site cafeteria. The system works in concert with a building HVAC chilled water system and uses additional heat extracted from water-to-water heat pumps.
Eco-Commuter Program
SAS encourages employees to mitigate the environmental impacts of daily commutes by providing:
- Preferred parking spaces for low-emission, fuel-efficient vehicles and carpools.
- Subsidized employee vanpools.
- Bike racks at all office buildings.
- Electric vehicle charging stations with premium parking locations and free charging. Employees share the charging station infrastructure by following the SAS EVSE Use Policy and Guidelines.
View SAS’ participation in the Department of Energy’s Workplace Charging Challenge
Data Center Operations
Energy for data center operations is the largest contributor to SAS’ environmental footprint. Over the past decade, the challenge of delivering timely information to support enterprise analytics has increased exponentially. Additional computing and storage solutions, combined with IT globalization, has increased demand for energy and data center space. To maintain the support expected by customers, SAS invested in high-efficiency technologies and design to construct a new, dedicated computing facility, emphasizing efficiency, flexibility and sustainability.
Data center operations regularly achieve an average power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.35 or better. A PUE of 2.0 means that for every watt of IT power consumed, an additional watt is consumed to cool and distribute power. Thus a PUE closer to 1.0 indicates greater efficiency.
The SAS Waste Management Program at world headquarters measures and monitors the waste stream, with significant environmental benefits resulting from efforts at individual or local levels. For example:
- SAS provides on-site recycling for aluminum, batteries, cardboard, electronics, magazines, glass, newspaper, pallets, paper, plastic bottles, printer cartridges, scrap metal and more.
- SAS strives for 100 percent e-waste recycling by repurposing equipment for internal use, recycling with responsible vendors, and donating to educational institutions.
- Polystyrene-based disposables have been replaced with compostable options.
- Cafeteria food waste is composted and used by SAS landscapers; waste vegetable oil is recycled and converted into biodiesel fuel.
- Online resources reduce paper consumption globally.
- SAS strongly encourages the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials.
- Building construction projects regularly exceed 85 percent waste diversion from landfills.
- Grassroots programs for employees reduce waste and encourage recycling efforts.
- Since 2009, operational waste diverted from landfills has increased from 26 to 50 percent.
2013 Data: Globally, SAS disposed of 3,492 tons of operational waste in 2013 – paper, food, cardboard, composting, aluminum and plastic, and other nonconstruction waste material – 9.6 percent more than 2012. This increase is directly related to global growth. Highlights from 2013 include:
- SAS diverted 50 percent of waste (nearly 2,000 tons) from landfills through recycling and waste management worldwide – a 13 percent increase across all operations.
- Construction projects at world headquarters achieved an astounding 88.2 percent landfill diversion rate on more than 500 tons of waste.
- SAS diverted 100 percent of e-waste from landfills by repurposing equipment for internal use, recycling and donating to educational institutions.
- Since 2008, the employee electronics recycling program (US) has collected more than 60 tons of personal electronic hardware for recycling. In 2013, a record 14 tons of equipment was collected from environmentally responsible employees.
- SAS improved environmental performance reporting by applying in-memory analytics to global data and delivering enhanced analysis and visualization-enabled dashboards to SAS mobile devices.
- In 2013, SAS had no hazardous material, oil, fuel, waste or chemical spills, and no fines for noncompliance with environmental regulations.
Hazardous Materials
As a software company, SAS does not handle raw materials, conflict minerals, hazardous wastes or related supplies typical of traditional manufacturing. While risks are minimal, SAS places the utmost importance in abiding by industry best practices and governing regulations, including:
- Compliance with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for handling hazardous materials.
- Plans for Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) that meet US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
SAS’ 900-acre headquarters in Cary, NC, and 13 owned sites globally use water for office and data center cooling, cafés, gymnasiums, landscaping and employee consumption. Water conservation is of paramount importance to SAS, with many facilities operating in communities where water shortfalls and water use restrictions are standard. At SAS headquarters, coupling water-saving technologies and practice with increased employee awareness has resulted in significant savings. For example:
- Low-flow and electronically activated plumbing fixtures greatly reduce employee water consumption, saving 63 percent more compared to standard fixtures.
- Rooftop rainwater collection systems capture water for use in bathrooms.
- Cooling towers are replaced with high-efficiency models that use reclaimed water.
- Wastewater options such as reclaimed and gray water lower potable water consumption.
- Reducing and customizing irrigation schedules avoids over-watering plants.
- Collecting rainwater in retention ponds and cisterns minimizes stormwater runoff and provides water for landscape irrigation.
- Native and drought-resistant plants and warm-season grasses require less frequent irrigation.
2013 Data: Globally in 2013, SAS’ water use increased by 5.1 percent, consistent with operational growth, and reflects efficiency gains over recent years.
SAS’ expanding use of reclaimed and wastewater helps reduce the impact on local reservoirs and minimize the energy needed to treat water to potable quality. In 2013, extending a reclaimed water line to additional buildings increased reclaimed water usage 221 percent – from 8,135 to 26,113 cubic meters.
SAS US operations used 140,519 cubic meters of municipal water, 26,113 cubic meters of reclaimed water, and 44,182 cubic meters of groundwater from 15 wells in 2013. SAS’ 13 other owned facilities worldwide used 83,006 cubic meters of municipal water.
Global municipal increase is tied to expanded leased office space in China and India and growth in office space in Sweden, Netherlands and Belgium. SAS reduced the use of global surface water by using wastewater for irrigation.
In 2013, SAS improved environmental performance reporting by applying in-memory analytics to global environmental data and delivering enhanced analysis and visualization-enabled dashboards to SAS mobile devices.
SAS strives to be a leader in environmental sustainability. Around the world, SAS is committed to making a difference. To achieve this goal, SAS embraces Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines for new construction and remodeling and retrofitting existing buildings.
SAS’ five LEED-certified buildings include Platinum-level certification for the Executive Briefing Center at world headquarters. Platinum is the highest level awarded by the US Green Building Council. SAS holds a Silver level national membership with the US Green Building Council. For offices located in countries that do not use LEED, SAS is incorporating country-specific best practices and pursuing equivalent certifications for new construction and maintenance.
Examples of our commitment to green building practices include:
- SAS US, Cary, NC, Headquarters: Building C – LEED Platinum Certified Office Building
Building C includes the Executive Briefing Center, café and an office tower for employees. The Executive Briefing Center uses cutting-edge technologies to help customers learn about SAS software. Building C achieved LEED Platinum certification for water and energy conservation, the first for any building in Wake County and only the fifth in North Carolina at the time. The building consumes 40 percent less energy and 50 percent less water by integrating highly efficient technologies and sustainable features:- Photovoltaic panels generate 100,000 kWh annually to support lighting and building systems.
- Solar thermal panels provide hot water for the café.
- Thermal slab floor cooling uses water cooled in off-peak hours by building chillers to help maximize air conditioning efficiencies.
- Radiant floor heating is used in the atrium for greater occupant comfort and minimizes heat loss through the roof.
- Highly efficient HVAC systems integrate economizers, enthalpy wheels, variable speed drives, and various heat recovery systems to increase energy savings.
- Regenerative drive elevators produce power for the building on descent.
- T5 fluorescent and LED lighting fixtures – along with individual lighting controls, motion sensors and automatic timers – save energy.
- A 1-acre sedum green roof minimizes stormwater runoff and insulation, significantly reducing the heat-island effect for this microclimate.
- Low-flow and electronically activated plumbing fixtures greatly reduce employee water consumption, saving 63 percent more compared to standard fixtures.
- A rainwater collection system with two 20,000-gallon cisterns captures water for use in bathrooms.
- A 655,000-gallon retention pond collects stormwater runoff for landscape irrigation.
- SAS US, Cary, NC, Headquarters: Building D – LEED Gold Certified Data Center
The 38,660-square-foot facility includes two server farms, providing additional data handling for expanded SAS OnDemand offerings, hosted solutions and continued R&D growth. Environmental technology designed into the building, which earned LEED Gold certification by the USGBC, include a reclaimed water system and mechanical and electrical systems emphasizing efficiency of operation. - SAS Solna, Sweden: LEED Gold Certified Office Building
Sweden’s newest office building was awarded LEED Gold certification. The facility features geothermal energy wells for efficient heating and cooling, rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, a sedum-covered green roof, and even on-site beehives, which provide natural honey for the cafeteria. - SAS Toronto, Canada: LEED Silver Certified Office Building
SAS Toronto was the first LEED-certified new office building in Canada. With rainwater harvesting and energy conservation measures saving more than 6 million kWh of energy per year, the SAS building has served as an inspiration for many other new buildings in Toronto.
2013 Data: Green building highlights from 2013 include:
- LEED certification for an existing office building at the world headquarters.
- Advanced retrocommissioning for two buildings to ensure systems are operating as efficiently as designed.
- LEED certification for an office renovation in São Paulo, Brazil.
- LEED Gold certification for SAS Sweden’s new office building.
SAS is careful to minimize impact on biodiversity and surrounding habitats as it grows and expands its operational footprint. SAS adheres to the US Green Building Council LEED guidelines for protecting natural environments and promoting biodiversity in areas where the company operates. Of approximately 900 acres at SAS headquarters, about 100 acres feature buildings, roads or other impervious surfaces. The remaining 800 acres are retained as old growth woodland, lakes and streams, farmland, natural areas and approximately 60 acres of maintained lawns, primarily for employee recreation and landscaping.
The company applies LEED best practice guidelines for new and existing building projects, smart land use planning and campus landscaping, such as:
- Preserving large areas of open space in construction projects to minimize disruption to local ecosystems.
- Reducing the heat island effect by installing white reflective materials and planting sedum on rooftops. Sedum increases insulation, minimizes stormwater runoff and provides habitat for wildlife.
- Collecting rainwater from rooftop systems, retention ponds and cisterns to minimize stormwater runoff and provide water for landscape irrigation.
- Harvesting timber from construction sites so artisans can craft unique pieces of furniture and accent walls for buildings.
- Restoring land disturbed by construction projects with native and adaptive drought-tolerant plants that help local ecosystems thrive and reduce dependence on water and chemicals.
- Growing local produce for SAS cafeterias in the on-site culinary farm.
The SAS Austin, TX, office is located on 94 acres of mostly undisturbed land where deer and other wildlife freely roam. Only about 3 acres are used for facilities and access roads. The property has intentionally been left wild and features a long, winding driveway and natural walking trails surrounding the more landscaped areas around the building.
The Austin property is home to several types of endangered birds and spiders, which are protected by landscaping and conservation guidelines, such as the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP). The BCCP is a joint venture of the City of Austin and Travis County that protects habitats for locally occurring species protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. SAS works closely with BCCP to maintain the natural integrity of these important habitats.
2013 Data: In 2013, the construction of SAS Sweden’s new LEED Gold certified office included a sedum cover on part of the roof, providing a natural habitat for some species, and on-site beehives that provide pollination for surrounding plants and a natural honey source for the cafeteria.
In addition to employing sustainability measures globally, SAS promotes environmental education and awareness. Activities include educational campaigns, speaking engagements, SAS solar farm visits, companywide Earth Day activities, articles on the internal green website, white papers and webcasts. By engaging with customers, employees, industry leaders and world leaders, SAS seeks to extend the reach of its sustainability initiatives.
SAS works with leading international organizations to apply technology to address greenhouse gas emissions, as well as other environmental and social concerns. Customers use SAS software to generate power efficiently, promote better utilization of critical resources, minimize waste, assist environmental protection agencies, and improve the production and delivery of goods.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS employees joined in various activities to raise awareness about reducing waste, conserving energy, reducing water use, and protecting the environment. SAS held weeklong Earth Week celebrations at its world headquarters campus, while offices around the globe engaged employees with stewardship initiatives. Some US activities included:
- Second annual Junk Swap. Employees donated gently used, unwanted items that were offered free to other employees or donated to the Salvation Army. More than 300 employees donated household items, including furniture and kitchen appliances, sporting goods, books and loads of toys.
- With support from the SAS employee volunteer Eco Advocates group, SAS conducted a dumpster dive for one of our larger campus office buildings.
- SAS employees at the Cary, NC, headquarters brought in more than 14 tons of IT equipment to the semiannual personal electronics recycling event – a new record.
- SAS volunteers spent a day revitalizing trails in the state park adjacent to the Cary, NC, campus.
- SAS hosted a STEM Career Day teacher conference and demonstrated how solar data could be used to inspire student interest in renewable energy, statistics and data exploration.
Employees & Culture
SAS’ world-renowned culture is based on trust, flexibility and values.
Because employees bring their whole selves to work, SAS strives to reduce stress and distraction so they can do their best. SAS’ culture, anchored by meaningful work, excellent leadership and a world-class work environment, is reflected in every customer engagement and underpins the company’s continuous revenue growth. A model for many companies and a source of great pride for all who are part of it, it’s also the source of our success.
The exceptionally creative and collaborative employees SAS attracts and retains directly affect the company’s bottom line. More than a loyal, dedicated workforce, they’re the driving force behind SAS’ consistent revenue growth, profitability and expanding products and solutions line since the company’s inception in 1976.
SAS is a workplace like no other, based on the belief that happy, healthy people have a passionate engagement with life – and bring it to work. By easing distractions that often enter the workplace, SAS makes it easier for employees to focus on building innovative products. A few ways the company does this include:
- World-class benefits, such as on-site health care, daycare, campus fitness facilities and dedicated open spaces.
- Art collection – a rich array of artwork displayed in offices worldwide, both inside and outside, fuels creativity and helps customers and employees tap into creative impulses.
- Trust and flexibility – SAS trusts employees to do their jobs and make decisions, and allows them the flexibility to work in a way that keeps them inspired and innovative.
SAS’ engaging environment enables employees to build lasting relationships with customers and drive the innovation that sustains the company’s leadership in advanced analytics. SAS is recognized worldwide for being a great workplace and for working to ensure employees stay healthy, active and engaged.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS earned 27 workplace culture awards, including the No. 2 ranking on the Great Place to Work list of World’s Best Multinational Workplaces. SAS Switzerland, SAS Greece and SAS Netherlands were all ranked No. 1 on their countries’ Great Place to Work lists.
As part of the Great Place to Work program, SAS participates in GPTW’s Trust Index Survey. This survey aggregates data from the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list to rate participating companies. SAS’ results demonstrate why it is annually recognized as a top employer in the US and beyond.
Great Place to Work Trust Index Survey (US only) | ||
SAS US Score | 100 Best Companies US (Average) | |
Credibility | 91 | 86 |
Respect | 93 | 86 |
Fairness | 90 | 84 |
Pride | 94 | 89 |
Camaraderie | 95 | 89 |
This is a great place to work | 96 | 91 |
SAS cultivates the optimal environment for creativity, encouraging employees to take risks and exceed expectations while helping them balance work and life.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS maintained its perennially low turnover rate while growing the worldwide staff by 3.5 percent. In 2013, there were no reported incidents of discrimination and no grievances filed regarding labor practices. At the end of 2013, SAS had 13,719 employees worldwide and 6,601 US employees.
Voluntary Employee Turnover
In the US, the average employee tenure is 10 years, compared to an industry average of 4.6 years[1]. Reducing turnover reduces recruitment costs, helping the company retain knowledge and deliver deeper, longer-term customer relationships. This means our employees spend more time on productivity and less time training new hires on their roles in the company. SAS sees a strong connection between employee loyalty and business success.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS’ voluntary employee turnover rate was 4.5 percent. The average industry turnover rate is 15 percent.
US Turnover Summary – 2013 | |||
US Staff Turnover | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
Type | |||
Turnover number | 184 | 220 | 300 |
Turnover percentage | 3% | 3% | 4.5% |
By age group | |||
19-31 | 32 | 32 | 50 |
32-44 | 72 | 98 | 105 |
45-63 | 72 | 77 | 112 |
64 and up | 8 | 15 | 33 |
By gender | |||
Female | 68 | 85 | 126 |
Male | 116 | 135 | 174 |
Diversity / Equal Opportunity
Our work teams thrive on a diverse interplay of ages, backgrounds and perspectives. Our collective strength and passion for what we do ignites big ideas and powerful bonds. SAS continues to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees regardless of age, race, color, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, veteran status, pregnancy or any other protected class as defined by federal, state or local law.
To promote diversity and equal opportunity, we engage in the following:
- Standing Behind Veterans.
- Women’s Initiative Network (WIN).
- Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH).
- Food and Service Training (FAST).
- Vocational Rehabilitation of North Carolina.
- R3, a summer student program that symbolizes our commitment to “Recognize, Recruit and Retain” women and minorities in fields of technology.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS reported zero incidences of discrimination or harassment against SAS or employees of SAS.
[1] US Bureau of Labor and Statistics
SAS supports the idea that all employees have a natural desire to learn and grow. As part of our culture and benefits for employees, we provide many opportunities for employees to develop, whether for specific job skills, business acumen or interpersonal competence. Training ranges from instructor-led classrooms to e-learning and live web training. Employees at all levels are encouraged to pursue training to keep their skills sharp and learn new techniques to improve their professional capabilities.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS employees in the US devoted 96,950 hours to professional training.
Employee Type | Average Time in Training |
Full-time | 22 hours |
Part-time | 8 hours |
68% of employees participated in professional training | 96,950 hours |
In addition to skills training, SAS has created a program specifically for employees pursuing leadership and management training. Courses are offered at different levels within the organization to cultivate and nurture internal talent. In 2013, SAS held 13 leadership development workshops training 529 participants, and 73 customized consultations across multiple SAS entities.
SAS offers a wide array of training options that enable employees to find their best learning method to meet work and career goals.
Training | Breakdown |
Classroom | 30% |
Webcast and video | 43% |
E-Learning | 25% |
Reading material | 2% |
Training programs include:
- Leadership development.
- Interpersonal development.
- Sales training.
- Technical training.
SAS offices manage their own health and safety programs. Around the globe, SAS provides a safe and healthy working environment for all its employees. Each SAS office manages its own health and safety programs. Resources and best practices are available from the headquarters office in the US; however, each program is designed to fit the needs of that particular location.
Many of our offices around the globe have exercise facilities on-site or have access to regional fitness clubs. All employees have health care coverage that is tailored to the cultural norms and local laws of each region. At the worldwide headquarters in Cary, NC, an on-site health care center provides comprehensive health care services that promote optimal health. The health care staff includes family nurse practitioners, physicians, registered dietitians/nutritionists, nurses, medical laboratory technologists, a psychologist and physical therapists.
The Security and Safety and Risk Management departments investigate any incidents that pose a danger to company employees or third parties and take measures to reduce or eliminate these hazards. These departments provide additional training and resources to help identify and prevent similar incidents from causing injury or damage to individuals.
SAS also has an Ergonomics department that supports our employees through personal assessments and training. The department provides further educational resources through an intranet site, which includes FAQs, tips, and information about a safe work skills program for manual labor employees. It also provides an assessment request form that employees can complete for a personal work-site evaluation by one of our two full-time ergonomics specialists.
Absenteeism
By providing a safe, nurturing work environment, SAS strives to keep employees productive and effective in their roles. One measure of that success is the absenteeism rate.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS recorded an absence rate of 3.9 days per full-time employee2. This accounts for all types of nonvacation and holiday time, including sick, bereavement, jury duty, military leave of absence, and worker’s compensation.
Injuries/Lost Days - US3 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
Total Employees | 6,207 | 6,556 | 6,716 |
Compensation Claims | 22 = 0.35% | 39 = 0.59% | 30 = 0.45% |
Lost Working Days | 328 | 334 | 116 |
Injuries/Lost Days – US3
2Numbers may vary based on a dynamic time frame.
3Numbers may vary based on a dynamic time frame.
Education Philanthropy
Improving Lives Through Learning
SAS CEO Jim Goodnight calls education the engine of economic growth. As a high-tech company, SAS depends on a well-educated workforce for its long-term success. By supporting efforts that prepare more graduates for college, work and success in the 21st century, SAS continues to play a vital role in the global community.
SAS focuses its philanthropic activities on creating programs at its headquarters in Cary, NC, that can be replicated elsewhere. To that end, the company provides materials and best practices to help employees at any office launch a program that is a good fit for the community and meets local educational needs. In North Carolina and around the world, SAS targets education initiatives in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
This philosophy of establishing and then replicating success helps build strategic education initiatives that benefit the worldwide community. SAS is committed to supporting STEM initiatives and ensuring that the next generation of computer innovators has the knowledge and skills to succeed.
The quality of education in the K-12 system directly affects economic growth and prosperity. In its effort to increase access to skills in the critical areas of STEM, SAS offers several products and services at no cost to schools.
SAS® Curriculum Pathways® and SAS® Mobile Learning Apps
SAS Curriculum Pathways provides interactive, standards-based resources in the core disciplines for middle and high school students in traditional, virtual or home learning environments. From preschool children to lifelong learners, SAS mobile learning apps engage students of all ages. SAS Curriculum Pathways and SAS mobile learning apps are available to every educator in the world at no cost. In 2013, more than 42,000 schools and nearly 120,000 teachers used the free resources.
SAS® Programming for High School
At no cost to educators, SAS provides five days of training – along with all the necessary instructional materials, assessments and teaching guides – to teach SAS programming in high schools. Participants leave this course prepared to sit for the SAS Certification exam, a globally recognized accreditation. In 2013, SAS trained eight high school programming teachers and 24 advanced placement statistics teachers.
STEM Career Showcase for Students With Disabilities
SAS partnered with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences to create an annual event where students with disabilities in grades three through 12 interact with college students and professionals with a variety of disabilities, who have forged successful career paths in STEM fields. Students network with role models who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge, building innovative products, and creating the technologies of the future.
Support for 1:1 Learning
SAS was a founding partner of the North Carolina 1:1 Learning Collaborative, a public-private partnership providing laptops, professional development and critical support to schools in rural areas. The results from the project, now freely available, have established best practices for schools and districts undertaking a 1-to-1 initiative.
Algebra Readiness Initiative
This collaboration helps math teachers develop effective instructional practices and address disparities in achievement related to race and income. Schools in the Triangle High Five partnership, which includes five public school districts, are striving to prepare more students to be successful in math and achieve their highest potential. In 2013, nearly 800 elementary and middle school teachers attended the fifth annual Math Summit at SAS, a two-day professional development event.
SAS supports a range of efforts devoted to improving the quality of education, including BEST NC, the North Carolina E-Learning Commission, Wake Education Partnership, North Carolina Public School Forum, Business Roundtable and other nonprofits.
SAS® Analytics U
Big data has created an unprecedented demand for analytics talent that outpaces qualified applicants. To help fill the skills gap, SAS launched SAS Analytics U, a broad higher education initiative that includes free SAS software, university partnerships and engaging user communities that support the next generation of SAS users.
Free Software for Higher Education and Adult Learners
Through SAS University Edition and SAS OnDemand for Academics, professors, students, researchers and adult learners have free access to SAS software for teaching and learning valuable analytics skills. Students and adult learners can jump-start careers and attract the attention of talent-hungry employers by building analytics expertise. Professors and researchers can augment instruction and power their research with industry-leading analytics.
Support to Universities and Community Colleges
The SAS Education Division provides training and teaching materials to help professors and instructors incorporate SAS into their teaching. Resources include slides, data sets and printable/editable files of the student manual. SAS gives professors copyright permission to use any of the content in their own class notes. SAS also regularly sends guest lecturers to universities and community colleges at no cost. SAS trained more than 200 university professors in the use and instruction of analytics in 2013.
Analytics Degree Programs
SAS partners with colleges and universities worldwide to create degree and certificate programs that generate the analytical talent organizations are clamoring for. SAS supports Master of Analytics programs at North Carolina State University, Texas A&M, Louisiana State University, University of South Carolina, Lehigh University, Northwestern University, Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Cincinnati and others, and has partnered with colleges to create more than 50 certificate programs around the world.
SAS Student Programs and Scholarships
SAS operates many programs that recognize, support and propel students toward careers in analytics or other STEM fields. Through opportunities such as the SAS Student Ambassador Program, the SAS Scholar Award Program, the SAS Data Mining Shootout and the SAS Global Forum Student Scholarship Program, students receive valuable assistance, experience, networking and professional exposure at major SAS events.
SAS directs support toward sustainable programs that help teens succeed in the classroom and graduate from high school. In particular, SAS champions programs that focus on technology that will strengthen the education system and increase the number of students entering STEM careers. Programs must generate a long-term impact and affect significant numbers of people, without discrimination. Examples include:
- Communities in Schools, the nation's largest dropout prevention organization.
- Common Core State Standards, an effort to define common learning standards for all states.
- DonorsChoose.org, a national nonprofit that connects donors with classrooms in need. Each year, SAS matches employee contributions to the cause.
- In-kind donations for nonprofit organizations that need computer equipment or software. SAS gives hundreds of thousands of dollars in surplus computer hardware, office equipment and other tangible items to community groups that can benefit from the donation.
- North Carolina Center for International Understanding, a program to ensure that North Carolina is the most globally engaged state in the nation.
- Mapping the Nation, an online resource that reveals the importance of a globally competent workforce and citizenry.
- North Carolina Science Festival, a statewide showcase of science activities.
- NC State University, a leading land-grant institution globally recognized for its leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- Triangle High Five, a partnership committed to seeing that students graduate from high school ready for higher education and careers of their choice.
- University of North Carolina Public Television broadcasts award-winning, educational programs that are watched by more than 4 million viewers each week.
- Wake County Public Schools, the largest school district in North Carolina and the 16th largest in the nation.
- Wake Education Partnership, an independent nonprofit organization that mobilizes business and community involvement in Wake County schools.
- Wake Technical Community College, a two-year, public institution serving Raleigh, NC, and surrounding Wake County.
- YMCA of the Triangle, with 16 facilities to meet community needs through programs that promote good health, strong families and solid communities.
Contributions
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS donated nearly $24 million dollars to nonprofits across the globe. Nearly $3.2 million in community grants was managed by local offices worldwide. In the US, SAS donated more than $20 million of in-kind training, software, hardware, services, volunteer time, and surplus equipment and furniture.
2013 Donations | Type | Global Total |
Cash donations | $3,169,622 | |
In-kind donations (US only) | Software, hardware and services | $6,219,165 |
Value of in-kind of training for students and educators | $14,094,215 | |
Surplus equipment/furniture/hardware | $245,829 | |
Total | $23,728,831 |
As an integral part of SAS culture, the company encourages employees to donate their talent, time and/or money to projects supporting education, the environment and social welfare. Offices across the globe manage programs tailored to fit the needs of their communities and the interest of SAS employees.
To foster a culture of volunteerism at SAS, the company manages the Employee Volunteer Fund (EVF), which contributes cash to education-based nonprofit organizations after an employee has provided at least 50 hours of volunteer support in three out of four quarters over 12 months.
2013 Data: In 2013, SAS employees in the US volunteered more than 24,000 hours through the EVF program, resulting in more than $84,000 paid to schools across the country, primarily in North Carolina. Globally, SAS employees volunteer their time in the community. Whether it is collecting toys at Christmas in France, adopting a local school in Canada, raising money for the food bank in Pittsburgh, collecting coats for kids in North Carolina, or building Habitat for Humanity homes across the US, SAS employees generously give their time to improve their communities.
Some SAS volunteer projects in 2013 include:
- UNC-TV Festival 2013. SAS volunteers helped raise $170,669 for UNC-TV, the statewide public television network. Since 2000, SAS has helped raise more than $2 million for public television.
- Habitat for Humanity. SAS employees across the US help build homes with Habitat for Humanity, an international nonprofit providing access to affordable housing for low-income families. In 2013, SAS employees participated in the “polar bear plunge,” building homes during the winter.
- SAS STEM Career Day. SAS STEM volunteers visited schools and described their careers, how they chose their career paths, and how SAS and its customers use math, science and technology. The goals are to increase student interest in STEM careers and courses, to help students connect what they do in school with an exciting STEM career pathway, and to familiarize them with the varied STEM careers at SAS and other organizations. SAS also provided a STEM Career Day for Teachers on the SAS campus.
- Coats for Kids. Employees from the Cary, NC, office annually donate warm clothing for children and adults for a local Coats for Kids campaign that provides winter clothing to those in need. In 2013, SAS employees donated hundreds of coats, gloves, scarves, hats, shoes and blankets.
- Friends of JMP. JMP, a division of SAS, offers its statistical visualization software and support free to a variety of nonprofit organizations through this program. In 2013, JMP distributed software worth $44,895 among recipients, including Science Buddies, Save the Redwoods League, Women’s Microfinance Initiative, Hawaii Marine Mammal Consortium, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, American Museum of Natural History and Mercy Corps. These in-kind donations help organizations analyze data on donors, events and other metrics that help them scale their fundraising. By visually depicting data, these organizations can help foundations and corporations communicate the impact their funds have in the community, making it easier to increase their fundraising capacity.
- Adopt a School. SAS Canada has adopted two local schools, located in Toronto and Ottawa. Employees volunteer in learn-to-read and learn-to-skate programs, and raise funds for technology and other needs in the schools. In 2013, students at Market Lane Public School held a drawing competition to create the 2013 SAS Canada holiday cards. More than 180 students participated, with five students’ cards selected as finalists. Finalists’ artwork is being distributed to customers, partners and vendors.
- Holiday toy collection. Each year before Christmas, SAS France organizes a toy collection. Employees bring gently used games, soft toys and other playthings to donate to Secours Populaire (“people rescue”) for children who would not otherwise enjoy Christmas gifts. In 2013, SAS donated toys for approximately 600 children.
Community Board Membership
SAS staff members carry the company’s corporate responsibility values outside the office by sitting on the boards of community organizations that support education, disaster relief, the arts, science innovation, environmental conservation and other issues important to employees.
2013 Data: The following are some of the boards on which SAS employees served in 2013:
- American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) Executive Council
- Atlantic Council Board of Directors Member
- Business Education Board
- Cary Academy Board of Directors
- Council of Americas
- CSC Strategic Advisory Board at NC State University – Board Emeritus
- EDF National Council
- Friday Institute for Educational Innovation (NC State University)
- IEI Education Council
- Kids 'N Community Foundation, Carolina Hurricanes
- LEARN NC
- North Carolina Community College System
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- North Carolina Public School Forum
- North Carolina Science Festival
- NC State University – Board of Trustees
- North Carolina Marbles Kids Museum Board of Directors
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – Friends
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Advisory Board
- The Center for International Understanding Council
- TNC Africa Advisory Council
- US Council for International Business Board of Directors – Executive Council
- University of North Carolina Board of Governors
- Wake Education Partnership
- World Wildlife Fund US
- YMCA of the Triangle
SAS’ corporate philanthropy supports strategic initiatives that increase interest and achievement in STEM, with an emphasis in the region surrounding SAS world headquarters.
If your organization meets all the below criteria, proceed with the donation application process.
- Have nonprofit tax exemption status under Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3).
- Have a responsible board of directors serving without compensation.
- Show financial stability as evidenced by annual financial statements.
- Employ ethical methods of publicity, promotion and solicitation of funds.
- Raise funds without payment of commissions, street solicitations or mailing of unordered tickets.
- Operate from a detailed annual budget.
- Request funds for programs or operations with a minimal portion applied to overhead.
- Use the in-kind donation to benefit organizational members or constituents.
- The SAS Community Relations program does not consider funding or in-kind donations for the following:
- Sponsorship of professional athletic or amateur sports teams or individuals.
- Single events such as walk-a-thons, fundraisers, workshops, seminars, etc.
- Religious causes.
- Political parties, candidates or issues.
- Organizations that are in any way exclusive.
- Trips, tours.
- Independent film/video productions.
- Requests from individuals.
- Sponsorship of professional athletic or amateur sports teams or individuals.