Chalhoub Group – the leading Middle East-based luxury retail group which employs 13,000 people across eight countries – has published its 2021 sustainability report outlining its commitments to create a positive impact on People, Partners, and the Planet by further embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the core of its operations.

The report explains how the Group is paving the way to net-zero emissions across all its operations by 2040 in alignment with local and global targets; adopting principles of the circular economy to maximize the lifecycle of products with the objective of sending zero waste to landfill by 2030; and enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by creating a welcoming environment for People with Determination and promoting gender balance, with women making up 53% of employees and 47% of middle managers.

“With the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference being described as “the last chance to save the planet,” it’s become clearer than ever that all of us around the world must take bold action to operate more sustainably,” said Group President Patrick Chalhoub. “As a board member of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, I am personally invested in all aspects of our journey to improve ESG performance across our businesses, and to report transparently on our objectives, achievements, and challenges.”  

“We’ve brought together our ESG initiatives under the umbrella of Chalhoub Impact, which is tangibly improving our sustainability performance in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” explained Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer. “Activities that over the years involved promoting education, offering humanitarian relief, and supporting cancer patients are also continuing through longstanding Chalhoub family philanthropy.”

PEOPLE 

The 2021 sustainability report cements Chalhoub Group’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, emphasizing that the past year’s focus was on enhancing gender balance through various initiatives including its Women in Leadership programme, and enabling the right working environment for People with Determination. The Group is also supporting youth employment, with 78% of its workforce consisting of people under 30 years old; and remains committed to nationalization, with Gulf Cooperation Council citizens currently making up 25% of its workforce.  

Chalhoub Group’s IBTIKAR programme, which promotes innovation and creativity, is growing to provide employees with increased support to realize their full potential; and the Group continues to offer the next generation of entrepreneurs more opportunities to succeed through its Greenhouse, which incubates emerging disruptors in its fields of operation.

PLANET 

Chalhoub Group is paving the way to net-zero by 2040; reducing its direct carbon emissions across all its operations, transforming its buildings across the region to become as energy efficient as possible, shifting to renewable energy sources, and extending carbon reduction mechanisms. The Group is also adopting circular business models and improving waste management with the objective of sending zero waste to landfill by 2030.

PARTNERS 

The report outlines how the Group is working with suppliers and partners to ensure the application of the highest ethical, responsible, and transparent business practices. It’s also joining forces with innovators and entrepreneurs through its retail tech accelerator and startup studio to support regional designers and talents, as well as drive local economic development.

Chalhoub Group’s volunteering programs, “Creating impact together” has impacted close to 100 thousand people through more than 230​ initiatives implemented with the involvement of close to 11,000 volunteers in 2021 alone, in spite of COVID-19 restrictions. 

To download the full report, click here