The text was created as part of a project co-financed by the European Union titled Future leaders of ESG in the business sector.
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From 2024, in accordance with the EU CSRD directive, all the largest companies will be required to report their activities in the field of sustainable development. Green Holding, one of the leaders in the production of fresh green vegetables in Poland, has already published its first ESG report this year - in response to the recently implemented "We are Green" strategy. The Capital Group, consisting of five companies, clearly defined its goals until 2025 and 2030. They plan, amongst other things, to use 20% of green energy from their own sources in the production processes, as well as to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 30%.
Photo by Francesco Gallarotti on Unsplash
Green Holding has been consistently implementing a responsible business model for years. According to the guidelines of the European Commission, the largest companies will be required to report non-financial information from 2024, but Green Holding is doing it now. The report not only summarises their annual activity, but also presents the strategy and specific goals until 2025 and 2030.
"The family DNA of the company has provided the solid foundations on which our business is now built. Being aware of the impact of our business on the environment, society, and economy, we have implemented the ESG strategy, which sets the directions for our activities in four main areas: caring for the planet, products, partnerships, and people. We want to show how important ESG issues are to us, which is why this year - although it is not obligatory - we are sharing the ESG report for 2021. We have set specific goals for 2025 and 2030, which relate to the ESG area. By fulfilling them, we want to make a real contribution to changing the world for the better,” -explains Przemysław Januszko, Chief Operating Officer and member of the management board of Green Holding.
What does "We are Green" mean?
In their ESG report for 2021, Green Holding presents, amongst other things, the results achieved in all five companies belonging to the Capital Group as part of the sustainable development strategy "We are Green". The report analyses actions taken within four strategic areas included in the strategy: "We care about the planet", "We care about the product", "We care about partnership" and "We care about people".
In taking care of the planet, Green Holding applies sustainable agriculture solutions, such as reducing the use of mineral fertilisers. It also consciously uses natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, and reducing electricity consumption by 10%, with as much as 20% of it coming from its own renewable sources. In this area, the group also plans to reduce the use of water in production processes and irrigation of crops by 5%. Fuel consumption in agricultural vehicles and plastic packaging will also be reduced.
In taking care of the product, Green Holding will extend the shelf life of products by 10% by 2030. Product management is not only about ensuring the highest standards, but also preventing food waste. In 2021 alone, the Group donated a total of 90 tons of products to food banks and, in line with the adopted strategy, plans to continue these activities.
As part of the "We take care of partnership" pillar, the group implements activities that build an ethical culture of the organisation and the entire supply chain. Therefore by 2025, it will train 100% of its employees in ethics, and will implement an even more detailed assessment of suppliers and require them to comply with the ‘Supplier Code of Conduct of Green Holding’.
The "We care about people" pillar is, in turn, a response to the needs and expectations of employees and consumers. Green Holding supports professional development, ensures the highest safety standards, and educates how to change eating habits. By 2025, an employee satisfaction survey will be conducted in all companies. Charitable activities will also be continued, such as support for Noble Box, or activities within the Ronald McDonald Foundation.
The first report of ESG Green Holding is a compendium of knowledge about the activities and goals of the group, but also an inspiration for companies that have yet to create their first report. The entire report can be read at:www.greenholding.pl
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Author: Bogusław Mazur (Fundacja im. XBW Ignacego Krasickiego). The text was based on Green Holding materials.
The text was created as part of a project co-financed by the European Union titled Future leaders of ESG in the business sector No. 2022-2-PL01-KA210-VET-000094045. The project is implemented by the Foundation for XBW by Ignacy Krasicki, in partnership with the Irish company EDU SMART TRANING CENTER LIMITED.
