Our CR Strategy and approach to management, governance and reporting significantly evolved and continuously developed into one which has earned Sonae Sierra a strong reputation and various awards. This section contains a summary of the key events and achievements over the past twenty years that have enabled us to gain this recognition.
Winner of the European Commission's Sustainable Energy Europe Awards Market Transformation Award, acknowledging Sonae Sierra's innovative approach to sustainable energy production and conservation which we have demonstrated through the implementation of our "Green Centre" concept.
Winner of the Best Risk Training Programme in the 2009 European Risk Management Awards for our Personæ Project: This Safety and Health project was launched in 2004 with the aim of creating a safety culture across all operations and locations where we operate. We estimate that over 70,000 people were involved in the project's activities such as seminars, workshops and behavioural safety preventive observations.
First place in Euronatura Climate Responsibility Ranking in Portugal for the fourth time (third consecutive year).
ISO 14001 certifications obtained for the Environmental Management System (EMS)s of two completed development projects and a further four operational shopping centres were certified to this standard in 2009. Over 80% of the shopping centres in our operational portfolio are now certified to ISO 14001.
OHSAS 18001 certifications obtained for 11 of our shopping centres and one construction project, totalling 14 certifications for shopping centres and one construction project.
First company in Europe to obtain OHSAS 18001 certification for the Safety and Health management of a shopping centre construction works. The certification of LeiriaShopping reinforces Sonae Sierra's commitment to preventing all workplace health and safety risks, particularly since this certification covers the construction phase, when accidents are more likely to occur.
Became a founding member of the Greenprint Foundation, a global industry initiative supported by key players in the property sector who wish to reduce the carbon footprint of their portfolios in an economically feasible manner in line with the current Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) goals for global greenhouse gas stabilization by 2050.
Became a member of the European Association for Investors in Non-listed Real Estate Vehicles (INREV's) Sustainability Working Group, launched in 2009, to inform and educate INREV's members about fund-level sustainability issues and relevant regulation, industry benchmarks and practices.
Became a member of the International Sustainability Alliance (ISA), a joint initiative developed by key stakeholders associated with the built environment which aims to lead the transformation of the market for sustainable buildings.
Achieved Level A+ of the Global Reporting Initiative's G3 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for our annual CR Report, which was independently verified by external auditor Deloitte.
Completed a more comprehensive review of material CR issues for our business and set new ambitious long-term objectives for Environment and Safety and Health.
On-site renewable energy systems installed at Shopping Campo Limpo (Brazil) and rain water harvesting system installed at Shopping Plaza Sul (Brazil).
Organic waste composting (on-site and off-site) began at a further six shopping centres. Now we have a total of 25 shopping centres separating composting waste.
Green Travel Plans (GTPs) rolled out to a further three shopping centres in operation. We now have a total of 10 shopping centres with GTPs.
Introduced "SuperComm" project within our own organisation to reduce business staff travel and associated environmental impacts.
Launch of the Shop Spots format to help new entrepreneurs and existing retailers to promote their products in a prime location with strong visual impact and a competitive cost structure.
Launched seven new Community Advisory Panels (CAPs) at shopping centres in Portugal, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Romania and at development projects in Portugal and Brazil. We now have a total 15 CAPs throughout our portfolio.
Over 3,001 hours dedicated to community volunteering initiatives by our staff in all countries of operation, during work time.
First Sonae Sierra Healthy Month for employees, involving 417 participants in a wide range of health and well-being initiatives.
Personæ Awards presented to 12 tenants and Shopping Penha (Best Shopping Centre Management Team) for outstanding achievements in S&H performance during 2008.
Continued to participate in the WBCSD Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EEB) project by contributing to the publication of the EEB Transforming the Market, and by signing the WBCSD Manifesto for Energy Efficiency in Buildings.