The sustainability pillar’s primary focus areas are to integrate ESG considerations into business operations, improve performance and readiness for the ESG journey in the long run, and pursue responsible investment opportunities that positively impact stakeholders, society, and the environment.
This strategic pillar highlights the Group’s commitment to sustainability and ESG principles. The primary goal of this pillar is to ensure that the Group’s long-term strategy and business operations align with global sustainability standards and ESG principles.
To achieve this, the Group is dedicated to strengthening its in-house sustainability performance, positioning itself as a business with top-tier sustainability standards and a commitment to ESG principles. The sustainability pillar’s primary focus areas are to integrate ESG considerations into business operations, improve performance and readiness for the ESG journey in the long run, and pursue responsible investment opportunities that positively impact stakeholders, society, and the environment.
The Group’s sustainability core values include transparency and fairness, which are prioritized by regularly reviewing the governance model. Through this strategic pillar, the Group aspires to become a top-tier organization that grows sustainably and responsibly, improves society, and sets new benchmarks for corporate governance and environmental sustainability. The Group’s commitment to sustainability is a testament to its dedication to building a better future for all.
Social responsibility
The Group is dedicated to conducting business with the utmost ethical standards and values. The commitment to ethical business practices includes close collaboration with the general public, the business community, and the support and expansion of local communities.
To ensure that its commitment to ethical practices is maintained, Jahez strictly adheres to a set of principles. The Group believes in constant and transparent communication with the public about operational activities and their impacts. This helps to build trust with the community and ensure that we are held accountable for our actions.
Furthermore, we strive to develop initiatives that promote local development and create sustainable opportunities for neighboring communities. This includes investing in local development projects, giving both indirect and direct support to charitable organizations and offering employment opportunities to individuals within the local community. By prioritizing the development of local communities, we hope to contribute towards the social and economic growth of these areas.
The Group also believes in prioritizing community goods during the procurement of materials. By doing so, the Group supports local businesses and contributes towards the economic development of the region. Being aware of how business and operations affect employees, shareholders, and the local community, the Group strives in following relevant laws and regulations while preserving the prosperity of the local community and economy.
Developing entrepreneurship in the Kingdom
Sustainability initiatives provide various entrepreneurship training courses in cooperation with leading educational and training institutes, mostly geared toward the management and operation of restaurants and cafés.
Environmental stewardship
The Group’s commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility is exemplified by the dedication of the Board of Directors to conducting all operations in line with the Group’s values and guiding principles. The Group complies with applicable laws while taking a range of environmental precautions to minimize pollutants that could harm the environment and human health.
Moreover, the Group recognizes the importance of reducing carbon emissions and energy use to mitigate the impact of climate change. The Group has taken the initiative to support local organic farming supply chains and implement a tree planting program that aims to reduce carbon emissions. Starting with 2,500 trees, the Group hopes to create a small-scale impact that contributes towards the global movement to mitigate climate change.
During the year, the Group also participated in a conference supporting innovation in water sustainability, demonstrating our commitment to be involved and drive best-in-class practices in resource management - a vital component of corporate responsibility in ensuring the planet’s sustainability.
Jahez also carried out a national awareness campaign called the “Igda Initiative”, where the general public was educated on dates, their types, benefits, and the various ways one can preserve the palm trees they come from. This program was regarded as both culturally and environmentally important to the Kingdom. An in-app banner was dedicated to the campaign and free delivery was issued throughout its duration in March 2022.
To further enhance its sustainability efforts, the Group is gradually introducing eco-friendly systems and green practices. For instance, the Group has implemented plastic and paper recycling programs and is committed to using recyclable and eco-friendly materials in its operations.
By adopting these eco-friendly practices, the Group hopes to maximize its environmental contribution for a better sustainable future for all.
The Management’s commitment to the Group’s vision of creating a better and more sustainable world is demonstrated through the sustainability solutions to address day-to-day operations as well. Some of these initiatives are:
- Office spaces designed to maximize the use of natural light
- Installation of light (photoelectric) sensors for “follow-me lighting” to ensure that artificial lighting comes on only when necessary
- Office spaces designed to have different lighting level (lumens) requirements according to specific work needs across the organization - achieved through the development of a zoning plan for the spaces.
- All workstations being equipped with an LED task light to give employees an option should they require more targeted lighting.
- Availability of a variable air volume system that is set up within the air conditioners to accommodate areas with different usage/occupancy needs. This system is useful in accurately assessing the cooling requirements across the office space.
- Emphasis on good indoor air quality for employees by monitoring the carbon dioxide concentration throughout the office and periodic indoor air quality tests are performed in this regard.
- Office space constructed from regionally sourced, environmentally friendly materials.
- Workstations, furniture and fittings with low volatile organic compounds which contribute to good indoor air quality are procured and used as well.
ESG focus for 2023
We recognize that achieving progress on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues is a complex and ongoing process that requires a long-term commitment to continuous improvement. As we move into 2023, we are more committed than ever to making changes to our business practices and processes that will help us to achieve our sustainability goals.
In 2023, we will be focusing on several key areas to drive our ESG efforts forward. This includes integrating ESG considerations into our business operations by improving
our performance and readiness for the ESG journey in the long run. As a result, an ESG roadmap for 2023 is set
to be implemented.
The ESG approach for 2023 will be divided into three key pillars, with emphasis on each of them individually:
- Sustainability in the environment: To reduce negative effects on the environment and work to safeguard and preserve natural resources.
- Social Impact: Create a positive and inclusive workplace culture and to support the well-being of our employees, customers, and communities.
- Integrity in governance: To uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and to operate with integrity in all of our business dealings.
We will also be examining and pursuing responsible investment opportunities that can have a positive and long-lasting impact on our stakeholders, society, and the environment. Furthermore, we will continue to prioritize reviewing our governance model on a regular basis to ensure transparency and fairness, which are core values of sustainability.
The coming year will also see the launch of our first sustainability report. This report will highlight the Group’s commitment to sustainability and ESG principles, as well as provide transparency on our progress towards achieving our sustainability targets. We believe that by releasing this report, we will be able to build trust with our stakeholders and demonstrate our commitment to ESG issues.
We believe that by focusing on these key areas, we will be able to position ourselves as a business with top-tier sustainability standards and a commitment to ESG principles.