Latest news with #responsiblegrowth


Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
ALEC Holdings' 2024 ESG Report reflects operational excellence and resilience for sustainable, long-term growth
Dubai, UAE – ALEC Holdings (ALEC), a leading construction and related services company, today published its latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability report, underscoring the company's commitment to responsible growth and sustained operational excellence across its UAE and KSA operations. The company's sustainability achievements have been recognised externally. ALEC was awarded the Dubai Chamber of Commerce ESG Label and earned the 'Committed' sustainability badge from EcoVadis. The EcoVadis assessment covered 21 criteria across Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement, further validating ALEC's robust ESG posture. 'We take pride in the results which showcase our maturing sustainability strategy that's fully integrated into our business model — not as a compliance exercise, but as a lever for resilience and regional growth. As ALEC continues to deliver complex, high-value projects across the region, our ESG commitments serve as a key enabler of operational excellence and stakeholder trust,' said Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC Holdings. 'Our 2024 report reflects the tangible progress we've made in enhancing transparency, building workforce resilience, and embedding sustainability into every level of the business — from our project sites to the boardroom.' ALEC's reputation for governance and compliance was further reinforced this year by the successful rollout of 'ALEC ALERT' — a secure whistleblowing platform enabling employees, subcontractors and vendors to report unethical conduct anonymously. With 73.5% of staff* in the UAE and KSA completing ethics training, ALEC is fostering a culture of accountability that supports robust decision-making. This ethical foundation directly contributes to transparent financial practices and sound business stewardship, offering confidence to partners and stakeholders alike. ALEC completed a comprehensive double materiality assessment — a significant step in refining its ESG priorities. By engaging a wide array of internal and external stakeholders including employees, investors, clients, auditors, consultants, and community partners, the company ensured its ESG and decarbonisation approach reflects evolving risks, opportunities, and expectations. This emphasis on governance is matched by ALEC's enduring investment in people. In 2024, more than 4,600 workers were trained at ALEC's dedicated trade skills facility, contributing to a healthy pipeline of internal promotions from labour to staff roles and measurable employee career advancement. With 68 nationalities represented and nearly 40% of managers* having completed gender diversity training, ALEC is building an inclusive workforce that reflects the increasingly global nature of clients and communities it serves. 'Talent is one of the most critical assets for a business like ours, and our ability to attract, retain and grow top-tier professionals directly impacts the quality of what we deliver,' added Lewis. 'By investing in both upskilling and wellbeing, we ensure ALEC remains an employer of choice — and a partner clients can rely on to bring visionary projects to life.' On the environmental front, ALEC has taken impactful steps to decarbonise operations and strengthen climate resilience across its assets and operations. Most of the company's offices and factories in the UAE and KSA were refurbished in 2024, not just to improve energy and water efficiency, but also to enhance workplace experience. With solar-diesel hybrid generators and battery energy storage systems (BESS) deployed at four ALEC Construction project sites, ALEC is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels to power its sites while enhancing operational efficiency. These efforts align with national renewable energy strategies in both major markets for the company. Eight ALEC projects achieved LEED certification and five received a Pearl Estidama rating, with more under review. Beyond operations, ALEC continues to play an active role in enriching communities. Over 1,100 employees participated in CSR activities last year, contributing more than 548 volunteering hours that positively impacted over 6,300 people. Through partnerships with Dubai Cares, SmartLife (NPO/NGO) and Emirates Red Crescent, ALEC directed hundreds of thousands of dirhams towards education, labour welfare, and humanitarian initiatives in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Nepal. 'As we target an aggressive phase of regional growth, we believe our ESG strategy not only protects value, but actively drives it,' said Lewis. 'Our goal is to set the benchmark for sustainable construction operations in the Middle East — delivering world-class projects while raising the bar for ethics, environmental responsibility and workforce empowerment.' Methodology ALEC Holdings 2024 ESG report covers the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 and relates to the company's UAE and KSA operations. The report partially aligns with leading global ESG frameworks including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the United Nations Global Compact's 10 principles, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Engineering & Construction Services metrics, and the Dubai Financial Market's ESG reporting guidelines. About ALEC ALEC Holdings, part of the Investment Corporate of Dubai (ICD), is a leading construction and related businesses group operating in the UAE and KSA. The company builds and provides construction solutions that set industry benchmarks for quality, safety, functionality, and aesthetics. ALEC Holdings offers its clients complete turnkey solutions in construction, MEP, fit-out, marine, oil & gas, modular construction, energy efficiency and solar projects, heavy equipment rental, technology systems and asset maintenance. With these capabilities, the company successfully serves a diverse range of sectors including airports, retail, hotels & resorts, high-rise buildings, and themed projects.


Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hisense awarded ESG label by Dubai Chamber of Commerce for commitment to sustainable growth
Dubai, UAE – Hisense Middle East has been awarded the prestigious Dubai Chamber of Commerce ESG Label, in recognition of its outstanding efforts in embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices into its regional operations. The accolade reflects Hisense's broader ambition to drive responsible growth, while aligning with global sustainability benchmarks and local regulatory standards. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce ESG Label is a developmental framework designed to help companies assess and improve their ESG performance while gaining recognition for their progress. Developed by the Chamber's Centre for Responsible Business, the Label serves as a catalyst for sustainable business growth and resilience across the UAE's private sector. With sustainability at the core of its global operations, Hisense has taken bold steps to reduce environmental impact, advance social equity, and promote good governance across every level of its business. This includes transforming production facilities to be more eco-conscious, developing energy-efficient products, and embedding ESG into business strategy. In the Middle East, Hisense continues to push for low-emission and environmentally responsible practices as part of its long-term vision to build a century-strong legacy powered by purpose. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Hisense Middle East undertook a detailed self-assessment through the ESG Label program in 2025. Jason Ou, President of Hisense Middle East and Africa, commented: 'We are immensely proud to receive the ESG Label from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce which serves as a strong endorsement of our regional and global sustainability ambitions. At Hisense, ESG is not a buzzword, but a business imperative. This recognition reaffirms our belief that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand, and we remain committed to creating long-term value for our customers, employees, partners, and the communities we serve.' Hisense continues to lead on multiple ESG fronts. In 2023, on a global level, the company reported 7,926.73 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, achieving a 14.36% reduction in carbon intensity compared to its baseline year. The company aims to cut carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 and include 50% of its suppliers in its emissions management system by 2025. Across product categories, Hisense has secured 5-star certifications for energy and water efficiency in the UAE, while simultaneously reducing raw material usage and increasing reliance on recycled and sustainable materials. From a social and governance perspective, Hisense Middle East upholds high employee satisfaction, ensures pay equity, and drives inclusive practices. The company maintains rigorous standards for ethics, health and safety, data privacy, and anti-competitive conduct. Hisense further solidifies its regional presence through its dedicated Research & Development (R&D) Centre in Dubai, which plays a key role in local product innovation and market-specific solutions, reinforcing the brand's strategy of combining global expertise with local relevance. The ESG Label recognition is a testament to Hisense's mission to integrate sustainability across all aspects of its business, helping shape a better, more responsible future for generations to come. As a brand driven by the philosophy of 'Technology for Good, Business for Good,' Hisense remains committed to shaping a more sustainable, equitable future for all. For more information, please visit About Hisense Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognised leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specialising in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 2 worldwide in total TV shipments (2022-2024) and No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2024). As the first official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide. With 34 industrial parks, 30 R&D centres and 66 overseas companies, Hisense continues to lead the industry with a diverse range of products. With regional headquarters in Dubai, UAE, and 5 offices across the MENA region, Hisense ensures efficient manufacturing, innovation, and distribution, to meet the evolving needs of consumers in the market. Stay updated with all the latest developments on the website: For media inquiries, please contact hisense@