PHOTO
Dubai, UAE: Summertown Interiors, the UAE’s leading sustainable fit out contractor, has recorded positive environmental, economic, and social results in its 2021 Sustainability Report, putting it on track to achieve its ambitious ‘JOURNEY2030’ sustainability goals.
The company’s sixth annual sustainability report, that covers the financial year ended 31 March 2021, is a testament to Summertown’s long-standing commitment to building a sustainable future. The report details Summertown’s impact and performance against eight material issues that matter most to its stakeholders: economic performance; environmental impact; people; health, safety and environment; responsible procurement; community; technology; transparency and anti-corruption.
Despite this year’s challenges the COVID-19 pandemic thrust upon the world, Summertown Interiors successfully met all its sustainability targets with the exception of office water usage, which was due to increased hand-washing and extra hygiene measures taken to protect staff. During the pandemic, Summertown streamlined its operations, identified new and more efficient ways of working, enhanced its technology infrastructure and focused on the health and wellbeing of its people.
Summertown acted swiftly to implement additional health and safety measures across both office and project sites, in accordance with local COVID-19 guidelines. It also continued to uphold its exceptional health and safety record with zero or serious or major injuries in the past 12 months. The company rapidly implemented a hybrid working model and also helped clients to adapt, refine and upgrade their workplaces to efficiently transition to a new normal.
Summertown’s sustainability strategy is underpinned by its ‘JOURNEY2030’ goals, which are to deliver 100% of projects that meet external sustainability accreditations, ensure zero waste to landfill and improve workplace happiness and wellbeing. This year, the company achieved positive environmental changes including a 5.5% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHC) emissions, and diverted 19 tonnes of project waste by recycling, reusing and ensuring the use of sustainably sourced materials. Furthermore, 48% of materials used in client projects came from sustainable sources, while that figure reached 87% for Summertown’s own office upgrade.
The company successfully completed three Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited projects, further demonstrating its commitment to achieving 100% of all projects satisfying externally accredited sustainability standards by 2030. To encourage more businesses to adopt green, efficient, and healthier sustainable interiors, Summertown offers free LEED certified level certification for clients with spaces over 2,000sqm.
The fit-out contractor’s own office waste continued to decrease, with 27% less total waste going to landfill versus last year. Despite diverting 19 tonnes of project site waste from landfill this year, Summertown recognises that waste from the construction and fit out sectors needs to be urgently addressed and has set an aggressive short-term target of 30% to be diverted from landfill by 2023.
Another key pillar in the company’s sustainability strategy is the improvement of workplace happiness and wellbeing. This year, 57% of its people reached the milestone of 10 years of service and 30% for 5 years. While employees had to adapt to working from home for some of the year, Summertown took steps to ensure positive staff morale by introducing initiatives including a series of online mental sessions, and additional communication in response to the impacts of COVID-19. As a result, 90% of staff rated the company 9 out of 10 for its transparent communication throughout the year.
Summertown’s 2021 economic performance was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While annual turnover for 2020-21 saw a 22% decrease compared to the previous financial year, it remained 3% above the 5-year average.
In line with the Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan to enhance happiness among residents, Summertown developed new training and education programmes commencing with Personal Develop Plan training, with further training to be rolled out together with its Health and Wellbeing programme in the coming year when possible. Summertown is also committed to giving back to the community with an Employee Volunteering Scheme, while COVID-19 restrictions prevented volunteering activities to take place this year, Summertown supported local communities through sharing of knowledge online.
Marcos Bish, Managing Director of Summertown Interiors said: “We are passionate about achieving our JOURNEY2030 goals and we are confident in the progress we’ve made despite navigating a tumultuous year. Looking ahead, the main challenge for us will be to overcome the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our focus will be on enhancing our employee wellness programme to become a ‘best place to work’ in the UAE, and to increase the number of sustainable projects we deliver to do our part in helping Dubai achieve green city status. We are proud of our ability to deliver sustainable building solutions for clients, and of our people who make it happen.”
Summertown Interior’s sustainability strategy is aligned to the global United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and regional sustainable ambitions including the UAE Green Agenda 2030 and the National Programme for Happiness and Positivity.
Summertown’s 2021 Sustainability Report can be downloaded from the website here: https://www.summertown.ae/2021-sustainability-report-released/
-Ends-
About Summertown Interiors:
For over 24 years, Summertown Interiors has been among the UAE’s leading and most sustainable contractors, offering superior quality interior fit out solutions. Reputed for its green expertise and exceptional client service, the company specialises in commercial, healthcare, and education projects for global Fortune 500 companies, government authorities and local businesses.
Summertown Interiors was the first fit out contractor to occupy LEED Gold certified interiors in the UAE, and has also been awarded the LEED gold certification for its existing building; operations and maintenance (LEED EBOM). All projects are executed in accordance with the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.
Summertown Interior’s mission is to consistently deliver high end interior projects on time and within budget, whilst helping companies to achieve their environmental goals, directly resulting in operational savings and a better workspace for employees.
Media Contacts:
Lara Obeidat
Mojo PR
lara@mojo-me.com
© Press Release 2021
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
