UAE's GMG Achieves 89 Percent Green Energy Usage

In a significant boost to its sustainability credentials, UAE-based conglomerate GMG, a global distributor of food, health, and consumer goods, reported 89 percent green energy use in its logistics operations between 2022 and 2023, avoiding 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and showcasing the company’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its core business practices.

The details were unveiled in GMG’s inaugural Sustainability Report, which highlights the company’s progress toward its environmental goals set under the ‘Make a Difference’ strategy. This framework aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UAE’s Green Agenda-2030, aiming to slash the country’s emissions to below 100 kWh by the end of the decade.

Mohammad A. Baker, Deputy Chairman and CEO of GMG, emphasized the importance of a robust ESG framework in evolving the business and mitigating risks. “This report underscores our commitment to transparency and our goal to set a benchmark in corporate sustainability,” he stated.

The report outlines GMG’s achievements across three strategic pillars: Planet Forward, Inspire People, and Own Change. Under the Planet Forward pillar, GMG reduced fuel usage in its logistics fleet by 13 percent through efficiency improvements and now sources 7.5 percent of its energy from clean sources. The company also installed water filters in its Dubai offices, saving over 1 million plastic bottles, and utilised 89 percent green energy through rooftop solar panels at its Dubai warehouse.

In water management, GMG treated and repurposed over 685,000 gallons of wastewater, accounting for 20.8 percent of its total water consumption. The company also minimized paper usage by over 428 kg and replaced 35,000 square meters of plastic tape with paper alternatives, working towards a zero-waste-to-landfill goal. 

The company’s product line now features eco-friendly materials, reducing its environmental footprint. Razan Akrouk, GMG’s Chief People Officer, noted that the report adheres to the GRI Standards, offering a comprehensive view of the company’s sustainability impacts. “This report provides a transparent and balanced account of our sustainability initiatives and outcomes,” Akrouk said.

GMG’s Sustainability Report marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to lead by example in corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship.