LuLu Group, whose flagship hypermarket chain is one of the largest and fastest-growing retail chains in the Middle East and North Africa, will launch an ambitious ESG campaign this month that will shape the way the Group manages its response to environmental issues and sustainability, promotes social values such as diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and manages employee relations through good workplace governance.
The meticulously planned campaign is known as GOAL, which stands for Green. Oneness. Princess Haifa bint Faisal Al Saud, Chairperson of the Zahra Breast Cancer Association, launched the campaign. Given that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lulu has linked purchasing and using its recyclable bags to raising funds for the ZahraBreast Cancer Association.
The GOAL campaign will run from October 2022 to September 2023 to promote Lulu’s ESG targets. It will see the Group improve existing programmes and launch new ones with new goals and initiatives that welcome public participation.
A total of 12 unique “green ideas” have been chosen for implementation over the next year, each adding value to the Group’s existing environmental and sustainability track record while also bringing a new commitment to the campaign. These include using solar energy to power LuLu’s large warehouses and offering customers the option of using paper bags when shopping.
Other initiatives, such as the Saudi Green Initiative and National Food Bank projects, a sustainable fashion campaign, and a vegan promotion to explore alternative diets less harmful to the environment, will highlight the Group’s ‘green’ consciousness. A Green Office programme will also encourage employees to think environmentally.
Social goals will be met through campaigns such as a winter clothing collection drive and a Clean Up initiative, in which employees will volunteer their time and energy to assist residents in cleaning up wadis, parks, and gardens, as well as trash in desert areas. In addition, small businesses will be provided with a platform to promote their products and services in-store and a project to teach children crafts that reuse and upcycle household waste, particularly plastics.