In alignment with the Year of Sustainability, Burjeel Holdings, based in Abu Dhabi, has unveiled its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. This initiative is part of their extensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, which encompasses promoting a healthy environment, supporting the community, enhancing governance, and optimizing their healthcare system.
To reach this carbon-neutral goal, Burjeel Holdings is focusing on reducing its Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Direct emissions from the company’s activities are categorized as Scope 1, while Scope 2 and 3 involve indirect emissions, such as those from energy usage and external business activities. The company aims to significantly cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2024, emphasizing energy efficiency in its operations, including vehicle fuel and electricity usage. Additionally, Burjeel plans to devise a strategy for managing its Scope 3 emissions by the following year.
An integral part of their environmental commitment is to tackle medical waste, with a target to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2040. In the previous year, Burjeel Holdings reported a reduction in medical waste production, amounting to 1,575 tonnes, showing progress towards their waste management goals. Furthermore, they aim to decrease water consumption by 10% by 2030, with plans to reuse 5% of the total water used annually.
Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, the founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, emphasized the company’s dedication to upholding international environmental and governance standards, reflecting their core mission of sustaining community health care.
Moreover, Burjeel Holdings is setting social and governance benchmarks, including influencing over 7 million lives annually through community programs by 2026. The company is also encouraging employee participation in community service and focusing on patient education for chronic conditions.
To solidify its commitment to sustainability and good governance, Burjeel Holdings has established a board predominantly consisting of independent directors and formed a Business Development and Sustainability Committee. This move aims to integrate sustainability throughout the organization’s operations.
Additionally, Burjeel has set ambitious targets for workforce development, including enhancing data privacy and security training, promoting ethical practices, and ensuring health and safety. The company is also focused on achieving gender balance and increasing female leadership representation.
John Sunil, the CEO of Burjeel Holdings, highlighted the intrinsic link between the company’s ESG performance and its mission to deliver superior healthcare in the GCC, underlining the organization’s holistic approach to sustainability and community welfare.