Aer Rianta International (ARI) has updated its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy in line with the marked change in consumer behaviour driven by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the organisation’s intention to develop a more conscious shopping offering.

The five-year strategy, which is based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals reinforces ARI’s commitment to conducting business in a socially, ethically and environmentally responsible manner for its customers, partners and team.

Led by Nuno do Amaral, Chief Operations & Business Development Officer, ARI the ESG programme is the culmination of several months’ work delivered by cross-functional working groups across the ARI estate.

Highlights from the strategy include achieving zero ‘waste to landfill’ in countries with the appropriate infrastructure by the end of 2022; eliminating single-use plastic bags in favour of bioplastic, recycled and recyclable alternatives and eliminating waste from single-use plastics from retail and office operations by the end of 2023; achieving a 15% drop in Carbon Dioxide (per square metre) emissions from all operations by the end of 2025; and improving energy efficiency in all operations by 25% by the end of 2025.

Other targets include a 300% increase in the number of product ranges which have sustainable unique selling points or are certified by third party best practice standards by the end of 2025; ensuring that 80% of all suppliers and 100% of new third-party service providers are committed to an aligned sustainable corporate code of conduct by the end of 2025; and implementing at least five CSV community outreach and climate initiatives in each market by the end of 2022.

A MORE CONSCIOUS SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

With over 200 ESG initiatives already underway or completed across 13 business units globally (as of March 2021), ARI is already demonstrating its commitment to creating a more conscious shopping experience.

Over the next five years, ARI will focus on three core areas. The first is supporting local communities and planet initiatives. A core component of this is to foster inclusive, diverse, ethical and healthy workplaces, that encourage, challenge and support colleagues, customers and partnerships, according to the retailer.

The second core focus is driving environmental efficiencies to reduce its carbon footprint. This is through plastics and waste reduction and energy efficiency within the current estate, but also in future refurbishments and new store builds.

Partnering with local suppliers and brands which share ARI’s sustainable business vision and working with them to supply a best-in-class range and service is the final core area.

Amaral commented: “As a global organisation, we believe in building a business that is good for our team, for our communities and for the planet.

“We believe in doing that not only for us, but also for generations to come. While I am immensely proud of ARI’s achievements to date, this new action plan will challenge us even further to transform the way we do business and ensure we are doing everything we can, to play our part and to recreate the future of travel retail, as we want to see it.”

Nuno do Amaral, Chief Operations & Business Development Officer, ARI will be part of the Lead by Example: Sustainable investments from Industry Leaders session on day two of Travel Retail Sustainability Week (19-23 April).

For more information about the event and webinar programme please contact [email protected].

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