CSR & ESG Strategy

At Select Market, we are deeply committed to making a positive impact on the community and fostering a culture of social responsibility. Our CSR strategy is guided by our core values and is designed to address key areas that align with our mission. We believe that by actively engaging with the community, prioritizing employee well-being, maintaining ethical supplier relationships, and ensuring customer satisfaction, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive environment for everyone.

1. Community Engagement: We understand the importance of being an integral part of the communities where we operate. Through our initiatives, such as social media contests and special promotions, we strive to connect with the local community and foster a sense of belonging. By actively engaging with community members, we aim to contribute positively to their lives and support their well-being.

2. Employee Well-being: Our employees are at the heart of our success, and their well-being is a top priority. We provide a safe and inclusive work environment that promotes growth, diversity, and equal opportunities. Our comprehensive wellness initiatives, training programs, and work-life balance policies ensure that our employees thrive both personally and professionally.

3. Supplier Relationships: We uphold ethical standards in our supply chain and work closely with our suppliers to ensure responsible sourcing and fair practices. We actively seek out partnerships with small producers that align with our values, promoting environmentally conscious manufacturing methods and reducing our carbon footprint in the production and logistics processes.

4. Customer Satisfaction: Our customers’ satisfaction is paramount to us. We continually improve our services by listening to customer feedback and addressing their concerns. We offer multiple order applications to enhance convenience and accessibility, ensuring that our customers have a seamless shopping experience and access to high-quality products.

Select Market is dedicated to integrating ESG considerations into every facet of our operations. Our ESG strategy is centered around sustainable practices that prioritize environmental impact reduction, social responsibility, and strong governance. By focusing on energy consumption and efficiency, reducing our carbon footprint, implementing effective waste management, and enhancing water management practices, we are committed to creating a positive and lasting impact.

1. Environmental Impact: We recognize the urgency of addressing environmental challenges. Our strategy includes utilizing clean energy solutions in core production processes, optimizing energy usage through technology, and adopting energy-efficient lighting systems. We actively promote sustainable brands and products, reduce wastage in food production, and prioritize the use of recyclable, compostable, or reusable packaging materials.

A. Energy consumption and efficiency: Select Market is dedicated to optimizing energy consumption and efficiency as part of our environmental commitment. We are integrating clean energy solutions into core production processes and have successfully maximized energy efficiency through closed-door chillers at our Baniyas and Al Reef 2 branches. The ongoing implementation of centralized systems for chilling and freezing underscores our focus on energy optimization. We’ve adopted smart practices, including turning off lights when not needed, reducing lighting in low-traffic areas, and utilizing occupancy sensors. Additionally, employee engagement, energy-efficient lighting installations, and plans for power reduction in all branches underscore our holistic approach to energy sustainability.

B. Reducing Carbon Footprint: At Select Market, our commitment to sustainability extends to actively encouraging environmentally conscious choices among our customers. We’re dedicated to sourcing from small producers that prioritize lower carbon production methods, ensuring our products are aligned with our values. Recognizing the impact of shipping and logistics on our carbon footprint, we’re working on innovative ways to reduce it. We champion local purchases over importing, thereby minimizing emissions associated with transportation, and embracing renewable energy sources is a cornerstone of our strategy. In line with this, we also endorse energy-efficient office equipment and limit business travel to further curb our carbon impact. By promoting local producers, we’re not only supporting regional economies but also reducing the carbon emissions generated by long-distance transportation.

C. Waste Management: Our waste management approach embodies sustainability through a paperless policy, efficient reduction and recycling of food production waste, promotion of sustainable products, and the incorporation of recycled materials for displays and packaging. We’re actively exploring upcycling, donations of unsold items, and investing in recyclable, compostable, and reusable packaging. By incorporating these practices and communicating our goals internally, we’re fostering a culture of responsible waste management across our organization.

D. Water Management: Our comprehensive water management strategy encompasses multiple facets of conservation. By transitioning to low-flow faucets and water-efficient toilets, we are actively regulating water consumption. We’ve implemented measures like leak detection and the use of hand detectors on taps to minimize water wastage. Additionally, we are committed to using water more responsibly by setting reduction targets and employing high-pressure, low-volume cleaning systems. Our dedication to sustainable water practices extends to replacingequipment with water-saving models, ensuring that our efforts contribute to a more efficient and environmentally conscious operation.

2. Social Responsibility: Our steadfast commitment to social responsibility is a cornerstone of our corporate ethos. We uphold human rights, ensuring equitable compensation and benefits for all employees while prioritizing their occupational health and safety. Our holistic approach encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at fostering a secure and supportive workplace. We implement Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) plans tailored to each area, integrating comprehensive safety regulations, subcontractor awareness, toolbox meetings, and employee training. This concerted effort seeks to achieve the goal of zero incidents, a target we’re determined to meet through ongoing improvement.

This commitment is reflected through the following key initiatives:

• Minimizing Environmental Impact: Our dedication extends to minimizing environmental impacts arising from our operations, contributing to the well-being of both our employees and the communities we serve.
• Healthy Work Environment: By nurturing a culture of consistent learning and supervision, we create a healthy atmosphere that reduces the potential for accidents and injuries.
• Safety Protocols: We prioritize safety protocols, employing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to mitigate risks and actively encouraging employees to voice safety concerns.
• Health and Safety Monitoring: To ensure the well-being of our workforce, we continuously monitor employees for potential health and safety risks.
• OHS Policies and Certification: We’re committed to forming Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies in adherence to relevant laws and regulations, and we’re initiating ISO 45001:2018 Health and Safety Management certification.
• Zero Incidents and Zero Accidents: Our aim of achieving “Zero Incidents and Zero Accidents” aligns with our resolute focus on the security of all workers, including vulnerable groups like migrant workers and women migrants, as well as those in precarious employment.
• Mental Health Support: Addressing mental health stigma is a critical concern, and our efforts are channeled towards providing the necessary resources to support employees in maintaining a balanced and stress-free work environment.
• Training and Development: Recognizing the impact of stress-related issues, we provide timely training to meet the evolving needs of our workforce.

3. Governance and Ethics: Our governance approach is anchored in unwavering ethical conduct and transparency. We are steadfast in our commitment to:

• Ethical Culture: Promoting ethical behavior and transparency across all organizational levels.
• Clear Code of Conduct: Implementing a robust code of conduct that articulates our values and expectations. We provide comprehensive training and support to empower employees in understanding and adhering to ethical standards.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Establishing robust systems for reporting and addressing ethical concerns or violations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and communities, to ensure their interests and concerns shape our decision-making processes.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization.
• Supplier Ethics: Upholding ethical standards in our supplier relationships, fostering a culture of responsible business practices.
• Leveraging Technology: Embracing technology to enhance reporting accuracy and compliance.