ESG report Archives

RAK Ceramics has published its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report for the year 2023.

The company’s core divisions including Tiles, Sanitaryware, Tableware and Faucets, focused on bolstering sustainability efforts through targeted goals and initiatives in 2023, it was shared.

In total, they executed 32 projects aimed at optimising resource usage and reducing environmental impact.

The company also noted that the recently opened Smart Factory helped boost productivity and reduce power and gas consumption.

The sanitaryware division reportedly reduced its energy consumption in air compressors by nearly half through implementing a number of measures, including investing in one of the largest tunnel kilns in the industry, SMART-controlled compressors, and VDF installations.

Meanwhile, the report notes that the faucet division enhanced chrome production productivity, achieving a 48.78 per cent reduction in energy intensity.

The tableware division also decreased the energy intensity of sales and production processes, while the installation of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) on 34 machines and equipment helped reduce the overall electricity consumption.

RAK Ceramics also moved towards greater circularity through a “multifaceted approach,” in which 100 per cent of non-hazardous waste was either reintroduced in production or recycled by third parties.

The factories reused 16.7 per cent of fired sanitaryware rejects, 92.5 per cent of reclaimed glaze and 100 per cent of greenware sanitary ware rejects.

It also highlighted its partnership with DHL Global Forwarding and Rail Direct (ETIHAD RAIL) for “sustainable logistics solutions.”

Further, RAK Ceramics’ efforts were recognised with the EcoLabel Certification Award by the Ras Al Khaimah Environmental Protection and Development Authority.

On social responsibility, RAK Ceramics increased its Emiratisation rate and the representation of women among administrative employees, and successfully onboarded 319 professionals and optimised the workforce to enhance production capacities, which resulted in 762 employees transitioning to new opportunities.

The company also highlighted its investment in various CSR initiatives last year.

In response to the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, RAK Ceramics partnered with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation to supply over 1,000 pallets of tiles and sanitaryware products for construction assistance.

Additionally, AED 100,000 was raised and donated to the Emirates Red Crescent UAE and UNICEF to support their ongoing relief efforts in the affected areas.

Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO of RAK Ceramics, commented: “In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability, RAK Ceramics achieved many important sustainability goals in 2023, including increased energy efficiency, conserving natural resources, and implementing eco-friendly solutions across our entire value chain. We are proud to announce ongoing investments and advancements in our manufacturing capabilities across key regions, including the UAE. This strategic investment not only enhances our production capacity but also reflects our unwavering dedication to delivering excellence in quality, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainability.”

Aster DM Healthcare has released its annual ESG Report, which details its achievements and upcoming commitments. This includes detailing its strategically integrated renewable energy sources, water utilisation optimisation, waste management and sustainable transport management practices.

The company shared details on its integration of renewable energy sources, including 3,679,200 KWh solar energy, 2,300,000 KWh wind energy, and 3,569,298 KWh hydro energy, contributing to a reduction of 6,824 tCO2e, despite what it called “significant operational expansion.”

Further, it shared that its decarbonisation initiatives continued across five hospitals, with a new solar plant of 650 kWp commissioned at Aster Wayanad Specialty Hospital – poised to reduce 460 tCO2e per annum.

On water conservation, it shared a 17 per cent reduction in consumption across operations, with 85,515 KL water savings achieved through practices such as recycling and rainwater harvesting.

Meanwhile, its responsible waste management efforts have resulted in recycling 423,806 KG of waste.

It also shared details of its corporate social initiatives, including the Aster Volunteers program, which it said has impacted over four million lives through healthcare outreach to the underprivileged in the past year.

Other initiatives include planting 2,000+ saplings, aiding 10,000 beneficiaries through programs like Aid for Assam and building 250 homes for victims of the Kerala Floods.

The company also launched its three-year plan, which includes a targeted reduction of 2,000 tons of carbon emissions in GCC and India.

It also aims to reduce paper usage by two-thirds across the GCC and India.

Further, it noted the goal of planting 3,500 trees in these regions.

Aster also plans to build a large-scale solar plant spread across 55 acres in Kasargod, which would power seven hospitals in Kerala, India.

Looking ahead, by 2025, the organisation plans to reduce overall electricity consumption by 5 per cent throughout GCC and India, alongside a 5 per cent overall reduction in water usage across these regions by FY2025.

Measures including solar-powered lights across Aster Hospitals and solar car charging stations are set to be introduced.

The Aid Program will expand disaster support to two additional regions in FY24, it noted, and plans also include establishing five Tele-Med Centres in the same fiscal year.

Aster Volunteers Mobile Medical Services will see an expansion from 32 to 41 units in FY24, covering diverse regions.

Volunteer engagement targets an 18 per cent increase in registered Aster Volunteers in FY24, with external partnerships key in achieving these objectives.