United Development Q P S C : UDC Achieves Highest CSR Accreditation For Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility

Doha, Qatar - September 13, 2023: United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has been awarded the highest Gold Certification by CSR Accreditation, a leading UK-based organization associated with Buckinghamshire New University that delivers a global standard of social responsibility.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for UDC, as it is now the first in Qatar to receive such recognition from a notable accreditation-giving body. UDC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence in all aspects of its operations.
The Gold Certification from CSR Accreditation acknowledges UDC's dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and governance initiatives across various areas. UDC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the 4-Pillar CSR Roadmap, which encompasses Environment, Workplace, Community, and Philanthropy. This remarkable achievement is a testament to UDC's strategic approach that places great importance on responsibility towards its employees, the community, the environment, and corporate governance standards.
UDC's relentless efforts in corporate social responsibility and governance activities have rightfully earned it this prestigious award, with recognition in the following areas:

ISO Certifications

UDC has achieved a remarkable feat by securing five certifications that underscore its commitment to adhering to internationally recognized standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These certifications encompass a range of critical areas, including Quality Management (ISO 9001), Environmental Management (ISO 14001), Occupational Health & Safety Management (ISO 45001), Information Security Management (ISO 27001), and Business Continuity Management (ISO 22301).
By attaining these certifications, UDC not only underscores its dedication to upholding the highest standards but also showcases its unwavering commitment to the continuous enhancement and progression of its community initiatives. These certifications serve as a testament to UDC's meticulous planning, diligent execution, and steadfast pursuit of excellence.

Environmental Initiatives

UDC has taken substantial measures to integrate sustainable practices into its operations, resulting in a significant reduction of its carbon footprint. One of these initiatives involves the conservation and utilization of treated sewage effluent water, amounting to an impressive 15,430,212 m3 from 2018 to the present day. This approach not only demonstrates UDC's commitment to responsible water management but also plays a vital role in preserving this valuable resource.
Furthermore, The Pearl and Gewan Islands' carefully selected flora primarily comprises local and native plants and trees, which are well adapted to the region's environment. This choice not only enhances the island's natural beauty but also reduces water consumption, contributing to water resource preservation.
UDC has also led the way by creating the first-ever biodiversity map for The Pearl and Gewan Islands. This map has facilitated the planting of over 8,000 mature trees, each more than a decade old, along with the incorporation of soft landscapes featuring natural trees and living plants that collectively span an area equivalent to 90 football fields. These endeavors are part of UDC's ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and actively engaging in carbon sequestration efforts.

Seabin Project

In 2021, UDC proudly introduced its Seabin initiative, aimed at promoting pristine beaches and marinas throughout The Pearl Island. A Seabin is a cleverly designed floating trash collector constructed from recycled materials, with the capacity to hold up to 20 kilograms of waste. Since its inception, the Seabin has made a remarkable impact by efficiently gathering a total of 1,740 kilograms (1.74 tons) of debris from Porto Arabia Marina.
Recognizing the growing demand for such environmentally responsible solutions, UDC has decided to expand its Seabin project by incorporating an additional 10 Seabins into its operations.
Furthermore, it's worth highlighting that The Pearl Island Marinas, operated by UDC's subsidiary, Ronautica Middle East, have recently earned the esteemed International Clean Marina Accreditation from the Marina Industries Association. This recognition follows a meticulous assessment process that underscores the marinas' unwavering commitment to environmental compliance, thereby setting the gold standard for clean and pollution-free marina facilities. UDC continues to demonstrate its dedication to preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings while offering world-class amenities and experiences to its residents and visitors.

Employee Tree Planting

UDC, in partnership with the United Nations and The Green Organization, has planted a total of 160 trees as part of a global campaign to plant one trillion trees. Additionally, UDC has planted 600 trees through its tree planting carbon sequestration initiatives where a tree is planted for every employee who joins the company.

Recycling Initiatives

In 2022, UDC achieved significant milestones in its waste management efforts. A total of 57,135 m3 of solid waste, comprising plastics, paper/cardboard, aluminum cans, e-waste, and batteries, were successfully recycled. This impressive initiative resulted in an impressive 38% recycling rate. Notably, among the recycled materials were 2.3 tons of plastic waste generated within the community, which were effectively repurposed into useful products.

Marine Ecology

UDC is currently undertaking a vital project focused on marine ecology surveys for The Pearl and Gewan Islands. These comprehensive surveys have a twofold objective: first, to assess the quality of water and sediment within the marine environment, and second, to evaluate the health and diversity of various organisms residing in these waters. This includes benthic infauna, zooplankton, and phytoplankton, all of which play crucial roles in the marine ecosystem. Through these surveys, UDC seeks to gain a comprehensive understanding of how its operational activities may impact the marine environment. Additionally, these studies enable UDC to gauge the effectiveness of mitigation measures that have been put in place to safeguard the habitats and biodiversity in its production areas.

ESG Report

UDC takes great pride in its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, as demonstrated by its recently published Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report for the year 2022. This comprehensive report serves as a testament to UDC's dedication to addressing critical issues such as climate change, pollution, natural resource conservation, and biodiversity preservation.

Moreover, UDC recognizes the importance of safeguarding shareholders' rights, further exemplifying its strong corporate governance principles. As a prominent Qatari public shareholding company, established in 1999 and listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange since June 2003, UDC is proud to have achieved an impressive overall ESG score of 94%. This score breakdowns as 100% for Environmental, 93% for Social, and 89% for Corporate Governance, aligning with the stringent requirements set forth by the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Sustainability standards. UDC remains committed to upholding these high standards and continues to be a beacon of responsible and sustainable business practices in the region.

CSR Summit

UDC took part in the Corporate Social Responsibility Summit hosted by Qatar University, where it was recognized with the award for 'Best in Corporate Social Responsibility'. The event covered a wide range of topics related to corporate social responsibility and environmental social governance.

Ongoing Commitment

UDC's continuous success in project delivery and its unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of quality across all its operations have garnered well-deserved recognition through a multitude of prestigious awards and certifications. This latest accolade, the CSR Accreditation, is yet another shining testament to UDC's steadfast commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The remarkable impact of UDC's sustainability initiatives and responsible business practices within the community is truly inspiring. This achievement solidifies UDC's standing as a trailblazer in the realm of responsible and sustainable development within the region, and it sets an exemplary standard for others to aspire to.