Code of conduct

1. Introduction

This code of conduct contains the main provisions adopted by Montea NV (Montea) in accordance with recommendation 2.18 of the Belgian Corporate Governance Code 2020. The board of directors of Montea Management NV, sole director of Montea, adopted this code of conduct at its meeting of June 22, 2021. It shall evaluate this code of conduct annually.

Montea's code of conduct offers a framework of the expectations relating to the Company's leadership as well as relating to the employees concerning responsible and ethical conduct, but is not exhaustive. Everyone at Montea must at all times try to use his/her common sense, care and attention in his/her day-to-day activities whereby the code of conduct is used as a guiding principle. The code of conduct does not create any rights for clients, suppliers, competitors, shareholders or other people or entities.

2. Scope of application

This code applies to all directors and all staff of Montea, irrespective of their contract type or location.

Violations of this code of conduct are not tolerated and can be considered a contractual breach or - for employees

  • lead to internal disciplinary action including dismissal, and can also even result, in accordance with relevant legislation, in criminal prosecution. Each case is evaluated objectively with full recognition of the circumstances.

3. Values

3.1 Equal opportunities and diversity

Montea aspires a work culture where equality, diversity and non-discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, cultural and social background, disability, religion, age, nationality, education or political opinion are key.

Diversity relates to all aspects in which people differ from one another. In other words, diversity not only relates to gender but also to other criteria such as skills, experience and knowledge. A diversification of the directors and staff of Montea contributes to a balanced decision-making process whereby decisions are made and potential problems can be dealt with by analysing them from different angles.

Diversity is also highly valued at board and employee level. This ensures in particular good dynamics and balanced decision-making and has already contributed greatly to Montea's growth.

  • You acknowledge that all people are unique and valuable and respect them for their individual skills.
    3.2 Human rights

Montea respects human rights and is committed to promoting them in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Guiding principles on human rights and labour relations. We avoid complicity in unlawful acts of others which violate international standards of conduct. We promote diversity and are fair and polite in our interactions with people both in and outside Montea.

  • You do not violate or circumvent human rights in any way and do not allow this to happen.

3.3 Child labour

Montea applies a zero-tolerance policy with regard to child labour and respects all children's rights as set out by the United Nations. Montea will not, except in the context of a vacation job or internship, employ children under

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the age of 18. Montea advises its suppliers and customers to introduce proper age verification mechanisms as partof the recruitment process, which must not be disrespectful or humiliating for employees in any way whatsoever. Such verifications are already in place at Montea. The aim of this principle is to protect children from any form of exploitation.

If it is ascertained that children are working directly or indirectly for a Montea supplier or customer, it is appropriate for the respective supplier or customer to seek a satisfactory solution to end such child labour and to support children to go to school and continue to go until they come of age. This all in the best interest of the child.

In the case of a vacation job or internship, Montea shall ensure that a) the type of work is unlikely to be detrimental to their health or development, and b) their working hours do not adversely affect their attendance at school, their participation in vocational scheme approved by the competent authority or their ability to benefit from training or education programmes. Montea puts in place the necessary mechanisms to prevent, identify and mitigate harm to these young people, with special focus on their access to effective complaint mechanisms and to training programmes. Montea advises its suppliers and customers to put the same value first.

  • You apply zero tolerance to child labour and respect the health, safety, spirit and development of every employee and young employees in particular.

3.4 Forced or compulsory labour

Montea does not tolerate forced labour, including bonded labour, or compulsory labour, i.e. work or services carried out under threat of sanctions or on a non-voluntary basis, nor any form of deposit, retention of identity documents, human trafficking or non-voluntary labour that violates fundamental human rights.

Employees must be free to leave their employer with reasonable notice.

  • You shall not permit forced or compulsory labour in any way

3.5 Freedom of association

Montea recognizes and respects the right of employees to freedom of association, to form and join trade unions of their choice in a democratic manner and to negotiate collectively. Employee representatives will not be discriminated against and will have access to the workplace to carry out their duties.

Where the right to freedom of association and/or collective bargaining is limited by law, Montea will facilitate the development of alternative forms of independent and free employee representation and bargaining to the best of its ability.

  • Everyone is free to associate and/or join an association of his or her choice.

3.6 Environment

Before purchasing a building, Montea thoroughly examines all anomalies and environmental risks. To avoid any risk of pollution, Montea also has an investigation conducted into the quality of the soil, subsoil and groundwater for buildings where high-risk activities are or were carried out. In the event of proven pollution, Montea makes every effort to manage the potential associated risks with due care and attention. In addition, Montea periodically checks its installations, which may possibly pose a risk to the soil.

  • As far as possible, you limit harmful emissions to the environment that have an impact on air, water and soil.

3.7 Privacy

Montea attaches great importance to respecting the constitutionally guaranteed right to privacy.

In the context of the cooperation with anyone to whom this code applies, Montea processes personal data relating to employees (identity, family situation, marital status, date of birth, place of residence, national register number, internal identification number, assessment data, etc.), self-employed workers (name, address, etc.), (potential)

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staff (name, address, education, etc.) or (potential) customers. This processing is carried out for purposes related to the cooperation with the respective persons.

Montea processes the collected information within the context of the cooperation (human resources management, payroll processing to comply with its legal obligations, mainly with regard to tax and social security) or the potential cooperation.

The responsible for the processing of the personal data is Montea.

The personal data may also, under orders of Montea, be processed by subcontractors (e.g. payroll processing company or suppliers for data storage). They may also be transferred to third parties for the purposes of managing payments (banks), certain types of insurance (insurance companies), public institutions (tax administration, social security institutions) or other third parties.

In the context of intra-group cooperation, Montea may also transfer personal data to other companies of the group, for example for the purposes of managing internal mobility or implementing a coordinated human resources policy at group level.

Anyone has the right to access and rectify their personal data at any time and may contact the HR manager to do so.

  • You respect everyone's privacy, just as Montea respects your privacy and takes the necessary measures to that end.
    3.8 Social development

Montea has always encouraged its staff to get actively involved in socially relevant initiatives in addition to their work. Montea believes that participation in such initiatives fosters the spirit of its staff and promotes mental well- being. These initiatives are therefore often supported by the organization.

Montea undertakes to provide further support in the future to organizations and/or initiatives that are committed to social development or awareness and in which it believes, in a variety of ways.

In addition to support for general social development, Montea believes strongly that together with their families, its staff forms the cornerstones of its business. That is why Montea organizes family-centred events on a regular basis. Moreover, Montea attaches great importance to continuing to stimulate solidarity among colleagues. To this end, team building events are held at regular intervals. A good corporate culture in which staff feel supported and can further develop themselves both physically and mentally also ensures positive results for the company.

Montea wants to share its extensive expertise with as many partners as possible and therefore organizes interesting seminars and inspiration days regularly, sometimes in conjunction with partners. Furthermore, Montea is a regular guest speaker at seminars organized specifically for the real estate sector.

Various Montea staff members also make their knowledge and experience available to academic training courses, professional training courses and sector seminars. In addition, Montea regularly invites its own guest speakers to inspire its staff.

  • You support the social development of your environment, your employees, your colleagues and their families.

3.9 Societal health and safety

Montea's buildings represent long-term investments. Therefore, new projects always take into account the following aspects, among others:

  • circularity and life cycle
  • energy consumption
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • well-beingof the customers
  • no use of harmful materials and substances
  • flexible design

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The aim is to ensure the longevity of the buildings. Montea will therefore reassess continuously its choice of materials and look for innovative and circular materials that last a long time and/or allow easy repair, dismantling, reuse or recycling.

All guidelines have been compiled in a construction manual and include how to work with suppliers. Suppliers are asked to process all waste on site and/or to transport construction materials by water where possible.

  • When developing projects, you take maximum account of circularity and life cycle, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, customer well-being, no harmful materials and substances and flexible design.

3.10 Tenant/customer health and safety

Montea has set up a "Tenant Engagement Programme" to help its customers emit fewer greenhouse gases and to reduce energy costs.

In addition, Montea has a standard set of requirements for new construction projects that is regularly assessed, where the health and safety of the tenants take high priority.

  • The health and safety of tenants/customers and their employees is monitored within the Tenant engagement programme.

3.11 Tenant/customer satisfaction

Montea is committed to consulting its tenants regularly and to involving them in the decision-making processes. It wishes to create a long-term partnership with them and is consequently always available via platform, e-mail, telephone, meetings, etc. Each site has its own Montea facility manager who is the direct contact for the tenant in question so as to ensure the closest possible relationship. In addition, Montea makes an online platform called "My Montea" available to all its customers.

  • The satisfaction of tenants/customers is regularly tested and monitored in order to secure a long-term partnership.

3.12 Employee involvement

Montea values the insights and opinions of its staff and is therefore committed to consulting and involving them regularly in decision-making processes through:

    • Weekly management check-ins
    • Monthly team lunch and/or team moments
    • Quarterly strategy and project updates
    • Annual evaluation interviews
    • Annual satisfaction survey
    • At least one teambuilding event per year
    • Continuous provision of trainings
  • You listen and value the insights and opinions of your colleagues. 3.13 Employee health and well-being

Montea complies with all statutory regulations on employee health and well-being.

  1. Health and safety

Montea spares no effort to improve the physical and mental health of its employees. That is why the FIT@Montea programme was launched. Employees also always have access to fresh fruit.

A company bicycle is available to all staff.

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Team building events are organized at regular intervals and at least once a month we have a meal together. Staff members are also encouraged to take part in sports events (e.g. Immorun, Roparun).

Montea works with flexible schedules and resorts to teleworking regularly to meet staff members' wishes.

b) Personal development

Montea would never be able to achieve its ambitious objectives without the daily efforts and knowledge of its management and employees. Continuously strengthening and expanding the knowledge of its employees consequently constitutes a major priority for Montea.

All employees are therefore given access to training.

Every person in a managerial position at Montea devotes one hour per employee (who reports to him or her) per week to catch up and evaluate the work. In addition, a feedback moment is scheduled annually with all employees.

An employee satisfaction survey is conducted at least once a year. Each manager discusses the results of that survey with his or her team and works out the necessary steps to increase satisfaction as and where necessary.

Managers and employees support Montea's success through their professional expertise, experience, social skills and commitment. The continuous development of employees is accordingly one of our overriding priorities. We apply various measures from our human resources policy to enable our employees to support our company's strategy and give them the opportunity to work successfully for our company in ever-changing circumstances.

  1. Labour standards and conditions

Montea observes strictly the labour legislation and international standards in force in the countries in which it operates. It will always make sure to provide its employees with a safe and healthy working environment. Every employee can always express his or her concerns about the working conditions without having to worry about reprisals or harassment. Montea will always provide drinkable water, good lighting, appropriate temperature, ventilation, clean sanitary facilities and personal protective equipment, together with well-equipped workstations at its premises. In addition, all facilities are built and maintained in accordance with the standards set by the applicable laws and regulations.

  • A healthy mind in a healthy body.

3.14 Employee remuneration

Montea offers an attractive remuneration package, with a number of extra-legal benefits in addition to the monthly salary. The gender of the person receiving the remuneration is not taken into account when putting together a remuneration package. Any differences in remuneration between men and women can therefore be explained primarily by the positions held.

Montea also offers its employees a long-term incentive plan. Montea decides annually whether such a plan will be set up, and if so for whom and under what conditions.

Montea regularly consults reports and studies to ensure it is up-to-date with the latest developments and the market conformity of the offered remuneration packages. These packages are also evaluated annually by the remuneration committee (which in turn provides advice to the board of directors).

For more information on the remuneration of its executive management and its directors, Montea refers to its remuneration policy, which is available on its website.

  • A fair remuneration for the rendered services.

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Montea COMM.VA published this content on 28 October 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 09 November 2021 10:32:03 UTC.