We are convinced in Chedraui that sustainability is an indispensable element of growth and the continued existence of the Company over the long term. This why our good economic performance is intimately linked to a solid strategy of environmental care and social responsibility, both inside and outside the Company.

 

Our People

Due to our innovative focus on human capital, our associates represent more than a resource – they are the most important investment of Grupo Chedraui. At December 31, 2012, we had a workforce of 36,112 associates consisting 57% of men and 43% of women. Another 8,296 volunteers work as packers for us.

 

We provide training for our personnel through Chedraui University, a virtual classroom that offers tools for improved performance in daily activities. We measure the performance of each associate based on indicators that aid us in evaluating their technical and management abilities so that we can always have the right person in the right position. We offered 315,000 man-hours of training to our personnel during 2012 at a total investment surpassing $5,000,000 pesos.

 

We have a firm conviction to offer equal opportunities to our associates with reference to hiring, training, development and promotion. We promote a healthy work environment in which teamwork is given priority that is free of discrimination whether by race, gender, religion, age, disability or sexual preference.

 

We respect human rights and the individual liberties of our associates and insist that they are respected. We only hire persons older than 18 years of age and no one is forced to work in the Company against their will. We also have programs to rehire elderly persons.

 

In March 2012, we were certified as one of the best companies to work for by the Great Place To Work Institute México as recognition of the actions Chedraui has implemented to have the best conditions and practices for its most important asset and greater competitive advantage: its extraordinary team of associates.

 

Environment

Grupo Chedraui wants to leave behind a better planet for future generations. To this end, we have taken concrete actions to protect the environment and avoid its degradation.

 

With reference to optimization of energy usage, during 2012 we strengthened our campaigns and programs aimed at awareness and saving electricity and gas.

 

Through numerous actions and programs such as the replacement of traditional lighting by new energy saving devices, added to our good operating practices and other integrated projects, we were able to achieve savings of over 47 million kilowatts of energy in 2012. As a result, we ceased emitting 37,407 tons of CO₂ and saved 103,481 trees.

 

Water is the most precious resource that the Earth offers us. Thanks to our wastewater treatment plants, the modernization of our sanitary service systems and continuing awareness campaigns in this area, among other actions, we were successful in saving over 101 million liters of water.

 

Through our programs to save paper, a reduction in the consumption of this product was achieved amounting almost eight million pages, thus avoiding the cutting of almost 1,000 trees. We also recycled a total of 25,371 tons of cardboard that was equivalent to saving 431,000 more trees.

 

In the framework of our program of recycling plastic, we processed 973 tons of this material in 2012 and consumed 4,865 fewer barrels of petroleum. In addition to these efforts, we utilize recyclable plastic bags with oxy-degradable technology in our stores. Moreover, we have strict management and separation of wastes both inside and outside our stores, shopping centers and offices.