Chalhoub Group has unveiled its annual Sustainability Report for 2023, aligning with the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) Standards Core. This marks the 10th edition of the report, spotlighting the company’s endeavors in advancing its United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Centered on three crucial pillars of people, partners, and planet, the 2023 Sustainability Report outlines the group’s progress through the Chalhoub Impact sustainability strategy. Throughout its operations, this strategy emphasizes Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

Additionally, the report highlights Chalhoub Group’s designation as an Early Adopter by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) through the UNGC Forward Faster program.

The report highlights significant progress in pay parity and gender equality, with women comprising over 32% of executive leadership and 30% of the Executive Committee. Additionally, in 2023, the company conducted more than 8,800 training sessions.

The group has also dedicated efforts to securing sustainability-linked loans with leading UAE banks and launching the ‘Unity for Change’ consortium to reduce the retail industry’s ecological footprint.

The group has undertaken several initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. These include conducting detailed calculations of greenhouse gas emissions for 2021-2023, installing LED lighting in regional warehouses to reduce electricity consumption by 10-20%, and sourcing 30% of energy in UAE headquarters from renewables.

Additionally, the release of the ‘Circular Fashion Potential in the GCC’ report offers valuable insights into the re-commerce market for the benefit of the planet.

Patrick Chalhoub, Group President at Chalhoub Group, said, “The power of cross-industry collaboration and working towards shared objectives plays a significant role in driving meaningful change. The ‘Unity For Change’ consortium exemplifies this commitment to working as a collective unit to confront shared challenges, seek joint solutions and advance towards a sustainable and inclusive future for all.”

Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer at Chalhoub Group, remarked that 2023 has been a pivotal year for the group, particularly in strengthening its sustainability commitments. “This foundational work sets the stage for the following year, which will be a year of stabilization. 

During this time, we will evaluate the adoption of policy changes and initiatives by our team, suppliers, and partners, ensuring that our sustainability efforts are deeply integrated and effectively implemented across the board,” she added.