Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW)
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023)
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Sustainability in Retail
- Entrepreneurship
- Omnichannel Retail
- Circular Economy
- Environmental Responsibility
- Social Responsibility
Environmental Achievements
- Supported retail startups with strong environmental commitments (e.g., CleanlyEco reducing CO2 emissions by 94% in transportation compared to conventional laundry detergents; The Seam extending the lifespan of clothing through repair services; Qisu providing transparent information on material origins).
Social Achievements
- Supported 310 retail startups across Europe, many founded by women and young entrepreneurs.
- Highlighted the positive correlation between social commitment and higher pricing, indicating fair wages and working conditions.
Governance Achievements
- Developed the Sustainable Retail Index in collaboration with Good On You to assess and elevate sustainability performance of brands within Westfield malls.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Greenhushing (under-reporting or hiding green credentials)
- Consumer distrust of sustainability claims
- Competition in online channels for digitally native vertical brands (DNVBs)
Mitigation Strategies
- Promoting transparency and verifiable data on sustainability commitments.
- Educating consumers about eco-friendly initiatives.
- Supporting DNVBs in expanding their customer base, developing omnichannel distribution, and securing external financing.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Emphasis on local production and transparent supply chains