With this strategy, the Group became the first listed real estate company to address, in addition to its own direct emissions, the various indirect emissions resulting from construction works, tenant energy consumption and transportation of visitors to access its assets. One year after the formation of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the Group is taking this ambition one step further. The programme now extends to the new regions of the Group (the United States and the United Kingdom), making each of its countries, assets and 3,700 employees active contributors to its CSR objectives.
Better Places 2030 rests on three pillars: Better Spaces, Better Communities and Better Together. The Group’s ambition to halve its carbon footprint remains central. In addition, Better Places 2030 will tackle new challenges such as responsible consumption and the circular economy. CSR will also be instrumental in the Group’s HR strategy, through an increased commitment to diversity and inclusion. All employees will have a personal CSR objective as part of their annual targets.
Christophe Cuvillier, Group CEO at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “Corporate Social Responsibility has been part of our DNA for more than a decade. I believe we have the power to positively impact the environment and local communities in all our regions and all our assets. Our shopping centers welcome 1.2 billion visits annually in 12 countries, our office buildings are home to hundreds of companies, our Convention and Exhibition venues host millions of visitors from all over the world. The potential is immense, so is our responsibility”.
Astrid Panosyan, Group Chief Resources Officer at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “In less than three years, Better Places has significantly changed the way we do business. Our CSR ambition is now embedded in all key decision making processes. Our efforts have been recognised by industry stakeholders and investors, with major international CSR awards. It has been an inspiring journey that confirms that acting together is key: our decision to partner with local authorities, start-ups, corporates and local NGOs was the right one. Today, we accelerate with an upgraded strategy, and deploy it in all the countries in which the Group operates”.
Better Places 2030 addresses the main challenges facing commercial real estate: moving towards a low-carbon economy and sustainable mobility, fully integrating business activities within local communities and empowering teams on sustainability and diversity.
