RA Sonae 59.indd

5. Main sustainability milestones
at the Sonae Group
1985
Definition of the Ten “Guiding Principles” for Sonae’s managers.
1986
Contacto Programme
The Contacto Programme began, aimed at identifying
high potential University students.
1994
The environment as a factor of competitive
advantage
The Chairman of Sonae challenges the businesses to
become environmentally responsible, and develop this
aspect as a competitive advantage.
1995
Launch of the “Projecto Horizonte”
“Projecto Horizonte” was Sonae’s first Group-wide
project, involving representatives from all businesses. The
objective was to strengthen environmental management
as an integral part of business management, as a factor of
differentiation and as a source of competitive advantage.
Membership of the WBCSD
Sonae is invited to become a founder member of the
World Business Council for Sustainable Development
(WBCSD). By accepting this invitation, Sonae committed
itself to active membership and participation in key
projects of the Council.
1996/1997
Sustainable Forestry
Sonae Indústria sponsors an independent study which
presented some proposals for the Strategic Plan for the
Sustainable Development of Forestry.
Implementation of “Projecto Horizonte” and
creation of the “Environmental Forum”
As a result of the “Projecto Horizonte”, the sub-holdings
began building their environmental management
structures. A need was felt to set up discussion groups
where environmental information, experiences and best
practices could be shared among the sub-holdings.
As a result, the “Forum Horizonte” (Wood Based Panels
business) and “Environmental Forum” (Retail and
Shopping Centres businesses only) were set up.
1999
Launch of the ECO 2 XXI corporate programme
With the growth of Sonae’s portfolio to six sub-holdings
in 1999, a corporate structure was needed that could
promote synergies and integrated and harmonious
environmental management development in all Sonae
businesses. The Programme’s objective was to encourage
the implementation of eco-efficiency opportunities
across all Sonae businesses. It served as an effective driver
for the launch of consistent environmental management
actions, acting not only as a framework to solve existing
problems, but also to avoid potential liabilities. The name
of the Programme - Eco 2 XXI - itself demonstrates Sonae’s
belief in reconciling economic growth with ecological
protection, as a guarantee for future sustainable business
development, this approach being a key strategic
direction for the XXI century.
1 st Sonae annual environmental conference
The conference brought together around one hundred of
Sonae’s top managers from the different business areas. It
was an excellent opportunity to present and discuss the
Eco 2 XXI Programme and to inform participants about the
main environmental action plans in each business area, as
well as to share information on international trends and
experiences.
Principles and Values
Sonae Business Principles and Values are defined and
include sustainable development issues, governance,
respect for human rights and anti corruption practices.
2000
Sonae’s environmental policy and
environmental management system
The Sonae Board of Directors formally approved the
Group’s Environmental Policy and Environmental
Management System (EMS). The former makes clear
Sonae’s commitment to reconcile socio-economic
development with environmental protection, based on
the principles of eco-efficiency.
Environment Forum
Sonae broadened the Environment Forum, to include
for the first time Environmental Coordinators from all
sub-holdings. It was a platform for sharing information,
experiences and best practices across Group, and
for challenging the sub-holdings to take action on
environmental issues.
Sustainability Report 06
Sonae SGPS, S.A.
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