Responsible CR management remains a core objective of the Company and it is gratifying that we continue to be ranked as a leader in this field in the property sector by the major benchmarking agencies:- Business in The Community Corporate Responsibility Index, FTSE4 Good and JSE SRI Indices in 2007.
The widely held acceptance of the damaging effect of climate change calls for urgent action by businesses and individuals to reduce carbon emissions. Energy, waste and transport are all ingredients of this growing problem. Liberty International is working with The Carbon Trust and a major specialist consultancy in calculating the carbon footprint for its shopping centres. The next stage is to work with the Trust to influence energy efficiencies at each property.
We satisfy most of our electricity supply requirements from renewable sources and the majority of the waste generated by retailers and the public at our shopping centres is being recycled or converted into energy.
Comprehensive travel plans have been published for most of our shopping centres providing the full range of travel options for our shoppers.
Our shopping centres continue their role in economic regeneration providing employment opportunities, recycling derelict or underused land back into productive use and generally acting as a core amenity promoting social interaction for communities they seek to serve.
Substantial progress has been made by the company in 2007 through partnering charitable organisations’ supporting voluntary work, particularly with young people in areas where our businesses are located
We are proud to be working alongside organisations such as Sea Cadets Association and Crime Concern in engaging with young people. Our partnership with Crime Concern is particularly satisfying as it addresses issues relative to anti-social behaviour and citizenship. Progress to date confirms that youngsters, given the chance, respond positively to challenges and acquire life skills which enable them to play a full role in today’s society.
I thank our staff for their enthusiasm and dedication without which it would have been impossible for Liberty International to drive forward its CR agenda in this increasingly complex and competitive world.
We remain committed to making further progress in 2008 and beyond. Our corporate responsibility objectives should flavour all of our work and we will seek to enhance communication amongst all our people on both what is being achieved and our plans for the future. We will share our vision and encourage active participation from staff throughout the organisation to achieve our goals.
As our business continues to expand and mindful of further challenges we have strengthened our CR resources by the appointment of Alexander Nicoll as Director of Corporate Responsibility.
We owe a considerable debt to Peter Badcock whose advice and guidance on CR matters over the last six years has been invaluable. Peter has announced his retirement as a consultant, but I am delighted he will remain available to provide support on specific community projects.
Corporate Responsibility remains an integral part of our management philosophy and core to the values which we believe are essential in the stewardship of our business.
Sir Robert Finch
Chairman
