WOOLWORTHS IS RECOGNISED AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN SUSTAINABILITYPress Release16 September 2011Woolworths has been recognised for its sustainability achievements by two prestigious organisations: the World Economic Forum and the Dow Jones.
1. The World Economic Forum
Woolworths was named yesterday as one of the sustainability champions of the developing world in a report issued by the World Economic Forum and the Boston Consulting Group.
The report highlights sustainable and innovative business practices from companies in emerging markets.
Over a thousand companies worldwide were assessed on the basis of sustainability, innovation, scalability, geography and size. Of the 16 companies that met the criteria, Woolworths was one of only three in Africa and is also the only retailer to make the list.
2. Woolworths included in Dow Jones Sustainability Index
Woolworths has been included in the world’s most respected sustainability index for the first time, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). Woolworths is the only South African retailer and one of only five South African companies to be listed on the DJSI.
Woolworths CEO, Ian Moir, said, “We are absolutely delighted to have been named by the World Economic Forum as one of the most environmentally aware companies in the developing world, and to have been included on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Woolworths has long held a deep commitment to sustainability, which we formalised in 2007 with the launch of our Good business journey.
“We have made substantial progress over the past four and a half years, and sustainability remains a key aspect of our business strategy and a commitment that our staff, our suppliers and our customers share. Through initiatives such as Farming for the Future, our energy and water efficiency programmes and the development of small-scale suppliers we are creating shared value for our stakeholders.”
Ends
Notes to editor:
The World Economic Forum report highlights a set of characteristics shared by the New Sustainability Champions:
• They are benchmarked against their peers and demonstrate superior performance.
• The companies master innovation and excel in cost-effective solutions that address resource constraints.
• They creatively engage with internal and external stakeholder groups from an economic, environmental and social perspective.
• These companies turn challenges into scalable opportunities and develop robust models of growth.
• They place environmental and social sustainability at the core of their operations and culture.
For more information see:
World Economic Forum
www.weforum.org/news/report-highlights-innovative-business-practices-sustainable-growth
Dow Jones Sustainability Index
http://www.sustainability-indexes.com/
About Boston Consulting Group
BCG is a global management consulting firm and the world's leading advisor on business strategy. They partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses.
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