Sustainability
Colonial First State Global Asset Management recognises the value of sustainability in delivering effective risk management to ensure a high standard of corporate responsibility. Integrating sustainability aspects in our operations provides the opportunity to enhance operational efficiency and improve environmental performance.
Through stakeholder engagement, we recognise that our activities have social, environmental and economic impacts on clients, investors, tenants, our employees and our communities.
Through corporate governance and business practices, together with our key partners, we are able to deliver value to our investors, tenants and clients by investing in, developing and managing retail property while:
Utilising resources in an efficient manner
Anticipating and managing risks and opportunities across all levels of business
Recognising stakeholder expectations with regards to economic, social and environmental performance, and
Providing social value for our communities and customers.
In 2005, we introduced a retail sustainability manual in all of our shopping centres. This document clearly outlines our strategic objectives and provides our centre managers with a framework for sustainability integration into all relevant business activities. The manual covers everything from the way we treat our customers and operate in our local communities, to formulating strategies for sustainable waste, energy and water consumption and the delivery of sustainable design and development projects.
We recognise that the achievement of a more sustainable shopping centre is not the sole responsibility of the owner, the designer, the centre manager or the tenant - each have a shared responsibility and role. Importantly, we recognise the need to ensure our supply chain understands our aspirations and their responsibilities to support our sustainability objectives. Colonial First State Global Asset Management has a key role to play in the communication of this message.
As a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, Colonial First State Global Asset Management recognises the opportunity to deliver enhanced value through an integrated approach to sustainability.
Connecting with the local community
Our experience in shopping centre management tells us that successful centres are those which connect with their local community, focus on a positive customer experience and actively participate in being a good corporate citizen.
Our shopping centres around Australia demonstrate corporate responsibility through:
The sponsorship of local schools, sport clubs and community groups
Participation in local community events and celebrations
The donation of mall space or shopping centre vouchers to charities and not for profit organisations
Participation in community campaigns such as Earth Hour and multi centre campaigns in support of organisations such as the Australian Conservation Foundation.
