Endeavour Group has launched its first sustainability strategy, ‘A positive imprint, made together’, today.
The company has set a range of goals and commitments anchored to its purpose of ‘Creating a more sociable future together’.
“While sustainability has always been central to how we operate,” says Endeavour Group CEO and MD Steve Donohue, “the launch of our first sustainability strategy as an independently listed business is a significant milestone in setting the course for the next phase of our journey.
“Our ambition is to leave a positive imprint on the communities we are part of, the people we connect with and the world we all share. We have worked closely with a range of diverse stakeholders to identify the areas where we can make the greatest impact.”
Endeavour Group’s sustainability strategy is built around three core principles – Responsibility & Community, People, and Planet – and is underpinned by a series of goals and commitments that will guide our work over the coming years.
Responsibility & Community
Under the Responsibility & Community principle, Endeavour Group pledges to amplify its recognised leadership in the responsible service of alcohol and conduct of gambling by partnering with health experts, regulators, government and industry to invest in research and projects that aim to reduce alcohol and gambling harm in the community.
“We acknowledge that with leadership comes responsibility, which is why we will continue to invest in new technologies and solutions that promote responsibility,” says Mr Donohue.
“An example of a research-led industry partnership is our recent collaboration with DrinkWise whose research found low-and non-alcoholic drinks options can help customers moderate their drinking.
“On the back of this research, we are now trialling dedicated zero, low and mid-strength sections in selected Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores to see how we can best help customers who wish to reduce their alcohol consumption.
“We are also working with a leading global research firm to trial predictive algorithms to identify customers who may have a problem with gambling, to steer them towards harm minimisation programs.”
As part of Endeavour Group’s commitment to partner and work with the community, the company will establish a Community Advisory Committee in Darwin next year. The Committee will consist of a local, expert panel that will explore initiatives that seek to reduce the harm from the misuse of alcohol or problem gambling in that community and will direct the company’s investment into the causes that mean the most to that community.
“Although we have committed to our goals on a national and even global level, we acknowledge that our sustainability strategy also needs to be implemented at a local level because every community is unique,” says Mr Donohue.
“We’re committed to listening and engaging with local communities to find local solutions.”
People
Under the People principle, Endeavour Group sets the path to begin work with Reconciliation Australia to develop its first Reconciliation Action Plan.
“We are at the beginning of our reconciliation journey, and as such we must first listen and learn from those with lived experience so we can create meaningful, clear and measurable reconciliation goals,” says Mr Donohue.
Endeavour Group employs more than 28,000 team members. The People principle outlines a commitment to build a safe and culturally diverse team. This includes a 40:40:20 diversity balance in senior leadership and at Board level by 2030.
Planet
The third principle, Planet, outlines the company’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact. This includes sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and having net zero emissions by 2050.
The company supports The Paris Agreement and will develop its own climate change strategy to guide its activities to reduce its carbon emissions.
Endeavour Group also supports the United Nations Global Compact’s Ten Principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
“The launch of our sustainability strategy is just the beginning of our journey,” says Mr Donohue.
“We’re committed to listening and learning, sharing our progress and leaving a positive imprint on the communities we’re part of. We also know that it will be important to adapt and refine our approach along the way.”