Our Journey » 2008

Winner of the first Green Thinker Award at the 2008 ExpoReal European Property Awards. The Green Thinker Award honours the real estate development company with the greenest strategy in Europe. The jury commented that they "were looking for a commitment at all levels of the organisation that goes beyond straight compliance. Sonae Sierra is absolutely outstanding in all dimensions. The strategy comes through at all levels and is well thought-out."

ISO 14001 certifications obtained for the Environmental Management System (EMS) of five completed development projects and a further 18 operational shopping centres in 2008.

First company in Europe to achieve OHSAS 18001 certification for our Corporate Safety and Health Management System which covers all company activities and operations. Sonae Sierra also certified the local S&H Management Systems of three shopping centres under operation.

Became a partner of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign, as a result our strong commitment to sustainability and potential to contribute to the Campaign's objectives. The Campaign is a European Commission initiative which aims to raise public awareness and promote sustainable energy production and use among individuals, organisations, private companies, public authorities, energy agencies, industry associations and NGOs across Europe.

Continued to participate in the WBCSD Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EEB) project by contributing to the publication of the EEB Facts and Trends Full Report .

Participated in the XVIII World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in South Korea, we were the only real estate company to present our experiences as part of our commitment to the World Safety Declaration.

First place in the Euronatura Climate Responsibility ranking. This evaluates the performance of Portuguese companies, across different sectors, in terms of their ability to handle the challenge of climate change.

Launched a CR Supplier questionnaire aimed at our high risk suppliers to gain a better understanding of the Corporate Responsibility practices of our large, repeat suppliers for both development and property management services. We also included CR clauses in our contracts with significant development and property management service suppliers.

Environmental Accounting Tool launched for shopping centres in operation.

Launched Green Travel Plans at five shopping centres following the successful pilot project at Centro Colombo in 2007. These aim to increase the use of sustainable modes of travel to and from the centres for the benefit of staff, tenants, suppliers, visitors, local communities and the environment.

On-site renewable energy systems installed at El Rosal (Spain).

Off-site waste composting began at a further three shopping centres and four shopping centres began sending waste to energy recovery facilities, allowing us to divert more waste from landfill.

Launched seven new Community Advisory Panels at shopping centres in Portugal, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Romania and at development projects in Portugal and Brazil.

Our "Community Day" enabled staff to volunteer 2,308 hours to a wide range of projects in collaboration with local NGOs in November 2008.

Introduced Non-Discrimination, Diversity and Part-Time Working policies setting out our commitment to a meritocratic culture and encouraging a positive work life balance for our staff.

Personæ Awards presented to five tenants and Parque D. Pedro (Best Shopping Centre Management Team) for outstanding achievements in S&H performance during 2007.