Sonae recognises its dependence and influence, directly and indirectly, upon natural ecosystems, through its activities, products and services. Sonae’s commitment to reducing the environmental impacts of its businesses and operations is evident in its strategic approach to sustainability, particularly in the areas of decarbonization, circularity, biodiversity and water, which was structured taking into account a systemic process of materiality assessment.

In this sense, at the level of our businesses, we seek to know our main impacts along the value chain and manage the related environmental risks, with an active approach that includes the definition of policies, objectives and goals, management practices and monitorization of performance metrics, aligning with the best market practices, methodologies and the regulatory context. In order to promote the continuous improvement of the environmental performance of the infrastructures and operations and to strengthen the process of compliance with legal obligations, the companies have adopted an environmental certification program, according to the international standard NP EN ISO 14001:2015, accompanied by an independent accredited certifier.

Considering the specificities of its sectors of activity, MC defined its Environment Policy, Worten published its Sustainability Policy and Sierra assumed its Safety, Health and Environment Policy, where they establish compromises to minimize the environmental impact of their activities.

In 2023, Worten implemented and certified its environmental management system according to the NP EN ISO 14001:2015 standard at a corporate level, where 88% of Worten’s operational area was certified by the Environmental Management System. Following the same approach, MC has a roadmap for the continuous improvement of environmental management, aiming at a more efficient use of resources in stores and warehouses, so that by the end of 2023, About 58% of the MC’s operating area had a system certified by NP EN ISO14001: 2015.

In addition, the Azambuja warehouse has the certificate for NP EN ISO14001: 2015 implemented in logistics operations to support the retail and wholesale businesses of the Fashion Division and Worten.

Sierra applies the highest standards in its business activities and is renowned for its sustainable approach to buildings. Sierra is focused on enhancing the environmental certification of all projects in development and of the assets in operation, through certification schemes such as LEED, BREEAM, DGNG, ISO 14001 and 45001. In 2023, 42% of our shopping centres were certified with ISO 14001 & 45001 and 63% of its assets had BREEAM In-Use Certifications.

Therefore, Sonae, through its companies, is committed and invests significantly in the continuous improvement of the environmental management of its businesses.