Sands Achieves Milestones in Environmental and Social Goals
Sands Surpasses Key ESG Goals in 2024
Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) has recently released its comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report, showcasing its extensive efforts and achievements throughout 2024. The company has successfully surpassed its 2021-2025 goals in workforce development and community service, while notably exceeding its emissions reduction targets as well.
Commitment to Workforce Development
Sands demonstrated its commitment to workforce development by investing $220 million in initiatives aimed at enhancing job skills and career training for its employees and local residents. This spending has surpassed the initial ambition of investing $200 million by 2025. Notably, in 2024 alone, Sands allocated nearly $38 million specifically for training programs that empower hospitality industry professionals and enhance the skills of Team Members.
Community Volunteerism Achievements
The company also exceeded its community service goals, with Team Members contributing a staggering 255,955 hours of volunteer work between 2021 and 2024. This achievement greatly surpassed the target of 250,000 volunteer hours by 2025, reflecting Sands' deep commitment to supporting local nonprofits. In 2024, Team Members logged 33,132 hours for over 70 organizations, further reinforcing Sands' dedication to community engagement.
Emissions Reduction Progress
In terms of environmental performance, Sands has made significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint. The company reported a dramatic 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2024, successfully exceeding its targeted 17.5% reduction from the 2018 baseline year. This was accomplished through a mix of energy-efficient projects and strategic purchasing of energy attribute certificates, demonstrating Sands' commitment to sustainable operations.
Low-Carbon Transition Plan
2024 also saw the introduction of Sands' first low-carbon transition plan, which establishes an ambitious new goal of reducing emissions by 30% by 2025. This aligns with international efforts to adhere to the Paris Agreement standards aimed at keeping global temperature rise well below 1.5°C.
Advancements in Corporate Responsibility Pillars
Further advancements have been reported across Sands' core pillars—People, Communities, and Planet—in 2024. Under the People pillar, Sands invested $3 billion procuring services and goods from local and small-to-medium enterprises globally, stimulating local economies and job opportunities. The company also allocated $26 million to diversify its supplier base, ensuring that various businesses receive necessary support and growth opportunities.
Philanthropic Contributions
Contributing to local communities, Sands donated $12 million to nonprofit organizations this year, bolstering their efforts to provide essential services. The Sands Cares Accelerator initiative remains a cornerstone of these efforts, facilitating mentorship and funding to help nonprofit partners thrive. Notably, Sands China worked effectively on community revitalization, enhancing cultural landmarks and supporting local entrepreneurship.
Environmental Commitment and Waste Management
Sands not only exceeded its emissions reduction goals but also focused on waste management, improving its operational waste diversion rate by 6% over 2019 levels, surpassing the target of a 5% increase by 2025. The company successfully diverted 29% of food waste, aiming for a 25% diversion by 2025 by implementing strategic waste management processes.
Water Use and Sustainability Efforts
Another achievement includes an 11% reduction in potable water use intensity compared to 2019, which exceeds the 3% reduction goal set for 2025. Sands is also making strides to eliminate single-use plastics by committing to sustainable alternatives for branded products. Currently, they have achieved 62% sustainable solutions with a goal to reach 100% by 2025.
Looking Ahead
As Sands continues its journey toward sustainability, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, Katarina Tesarova, expressed the company’s drive to close the gaps in meeting 2025 objectives. The focus will be on maintaining momentum where successes have been achieved while also preparing for the next goal-setting phase for 2026-2030.
Highlighting its robust performance in 2024, Sands secured a spot on multiple significant sustainability indices and lists, showcasing its position among the top global companies in ESG practices. Sands stands out as the only U.S.-based company to be recognized in the casinos and gaming category within the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for the year.
About Las Vegas Sands
Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) is renowned for developing and operating integrated resort properties across the globe. The organization is committed to enhancing leisure and business tourism while yielding significant economic benefits and job opportunities for its host communities. Sands’ portfolio features iconic destinations such as Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and The Venetian Macao, all contributing to a sustainable future for their regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main highlights of the Sands 2024 ESG report?
The report showcases Sands surpassing key goals in workforce development, community engagement, and reducing emissions, all underlining its commitment to sustainability.
How much has Sands invested in workforce development?
Sands has invested a total of $220 million in workforce development initiatives, exceeding its commitment of $200 million.
What community contributions has Sands made?
Sands reported 255,955 team member volunteer hours provided to over 70 nonprofits, along with $12 million in philanthropic donations to various organizations.
What progress has Sands made in emissions reduction?
Sands achieved a 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2024, outperforming its target of 17.5% reduction from the 2018 baseline.
What environmental initiatives is Sands pursuing?
Sands is focused on waste diversion, reducing water usage, and transitioning to sustainable alternatives for products to fulfill its environmental goals.
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