Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield's Commitment to Sustainability
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, often abbreviated as URW, has accomplished an impressive feat by receiving a top ‘A’ rating from CDP for the seventh consecutive year. This recognition is a testament to the company's continuous efforts and transparent actions in combating climate change, all structured under its strategic initiative known as the Better Places sustainability plan.
Recognition and Rankings
This recent award reflects URW's standing as a leader in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The company's proactive approach has been recognized in various sustainability rankings, including a significant rise in the Corporate Knights Global 100 ranking, moving from 70 to 24. Furthermore, URW is acknowledged by Equileap as the 75th globally and 10th in France for gender equality. Such recognitions underline URW's commitment to not only a sustainable future but also a socially equitable one.
Acknowledgement by Major Publications
Further establishing its reputation, URW has earned a spot on Time Magazine's list of the 100 most sustainable companies worldwide. This accolade solidifies the company’s position in the sustainability arena, showcasing its innovative strategies and impactful measures aimed at fostering a greener environment.
Chief Sustainability Officer's Insights
Sylvain Montcouquiol, the Chief Resources and Sustainability Officer at URW, expressed his pride in the continuous accolades: "We are delighted to be named in CDP’s ‘A’ list for the seventh consecutive year, continuing the recognition of the progress of our industry-leading Better Places plan, and in particular reinforcing our climate action and performance.” Such statements from leadership highlight the company's dedication and ongoing engagement with sustainability goals.
Significant Achievements in Sustainability
Over the past year, URW has accomplished remarkable milestones, such as a 42% reduction in carbon emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, the company has achieved a 37% reduction in energy intensity. Notably, URW has also initiated the rollout of its Better Places Certification, a pioneering sustainable standard for shopping centers that encompasses all necessary environmental and social dimensions. To date, this certification has been implemented across 14 assets, representing around 30% of URW's European retail portfolio, surpassing its initial target of certifying 10 assets by the end of 2024.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability Goals
URW looks towards the future with confidence, actively committing to enhanced sustainability practices. Detailed performance outcomes will be shared in their 2024 Universal Registration Document, set for release in the upcoming months. This document will provide further insight into the company's strides towards achieving its sustainability goals.
Contact Information for Investor Relations
For inquiries related to investment, URW provides accessible contact information. Meriem Delfi and Gonzague Montigny are available for investor relations questions, reflecting the company’s dedication to transparency and investor engagement. The company is committed to keeping stakeholders informed and responsive to their needs.
About Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
As a premier owner, developer, and operator of sustainable, high-quality real estate, URW operates in some of the most vibrant cities across Europe and the United States. Holding a portfolio of 71 shopping centers in 12 countries, including 39 under the iconic Westfield brand, the company attracts more than 900 million visitors each year. This not only provides vital interaction platforms for brands and consumers but encapsulates URW's mission of establishing prominent community hubs.
The company's asset portfolio extends beyond retail centers, covering high-quality office spaces and convention venues, along with an impressive development pipeline valued at €2.9 billion, primarily focusing on mixed-use projects. With the majority of its €50 billion portfolio consisting of retail, URW stands firm in its dedication to sustainable development strategies.
Commitment to Urban Regeneration
URW is not just about profit; it is a dedicated partner in urban regeneration efforts. By engaging in mixed-use developments and retrofitting buildings to meet leading sustainability standards, URW strives to create a positive impact on the urban landscapes and the communities they serve. Through their Better Places plan, they aim to make a meaningful contribution to the environment and society.
URW’s shares are actively traded on Euronext Paris (Ticker: URW), with additional listings available in Australia. The Group enjoys a BBB+ rating from Standard & Poor’s and a Baa2 rating from Moody’s, demonstrating its solid financial foundation and operational sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the ‘A’ rating from CDP?
The ‘A’ rating indicates that Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has demonstrated outstanding commitment and performance in sustainability and climate action efforts.
How does URW rank in gender equality?
URW is recognized as 75th in the world and 10th in France for gender equality according to Equileap.
What is the Better Places Certification?
The Better Places Certification is the first sustainable standard for shopping centers that addresses all environmental and social factors, focusing on sustainable operations.
How many shopping centers does URW operate?
URW operates 71 shopping centers across 12 countries, making it a prominent player in the retail sector.
Where can I find more information about URW's sustainability efforts?
More information can be found on the Sustainability section of URW’s website and in their Universal Registration Document, which will detail their sustainability performance for 2024.
