SAS 2011 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

From the CEO

Now in our 36th year of operations, SAS remains focused not only on providing innovative, high-quality products but on a deep commitment to corporate social responsibility. At SAS, we want to be the company others call first to solve complex business problems. SAS produces software that is second to none because people are our No. 1 priority. Employee and customer satisfaction are at the heart of SAS’ success and sustainability. SAS’ structure allows us to use the risk and volatility of a challenging economy as opportunities, not constraints. This applies to sustainability practices as well. By embedding sustainable principles into our business decisions – particularly those that involve employees and capital investments – organizations can emerge from uncertain times on a foundation of stability and prosperity.

A key factor for SAS has always been and will remain our employees. SAS retained its No. 1 position on the Fortune Best Companies to Work For list in the US and secured the No. 2 spot on the first-ever Top 25 World's Best Multinational Workplaces list from Great Place to Work. In line with these achievements, in 2011 we grew our workforce by more than 9 percent while maintaining a low turnover rate of 3 percent.

This year we continued our efforts as a leader in sustainability by further investing in innovative technologies that help minimize the environmental impacts of our business. 2011 saw the completion of a new LEED®-certified building. The building is expected to use 50 percent less water and 40 percent less energy compared to industry standards and incorporates solar-generated hot water and electricity, a building cooling system and a one-acre green roof that filters and slows the rate of stormwater run-off.

We will continue to implement LEED guidelines and best practices in the pursuit of formal certification for new and existing buildings, as well as leased and owned office renovations.

At SAS, we believe in improving lives through learning and, by focusing on one particular area of concern – education – we believe we can be more effective in making a difference in our community. Our education initiatives inspire more students to study science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) – knowledge required to solve global concerns about limited natural resources. We continue to provide 21st century technology, expertise, professional development and instructional materials to prepare students for college and their careers; collaborate with Change the Equation national initiative to define metrics for evaluating and sustaining viable STEM initiatives; and engage the global corporate community in prioritizing efforts that strengthen education and increase the numbers entering careers in STEM. This year we donated nearly $20 million in grants, software, equipment and training for students and educators.

Furthering our commitment to international efforts on corporate responsibility, SAS joined the UN Global Compact, an initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.

This CSR report, our fifth, reflects our commitments and performance as well as future goals to ensure that our business incorporates operating both responsibly and sustainably while contributing to the communities where we work.

Sincerely,