PENNY Romania has launched its 2023 sustainability report, a document that reflects the company’s commitments towards a responsible business model. The report, prepared in accordance with the international standards Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2021 and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), provides a detailed picture of the company’s impact on society and the environment, from a governance (ESG) point of view.

“The 2023 sustainability report aims not only to present the results, but also to reconfirm our long-term vision: to develop a responsible, sustainable and community-oriented work system. In a complex economic and social landscape, we aim to continue concrete actions and develop firm commitments for a better future,” said Dan Crișan, COO PENNY Romania.

The report highlights PENNY’s key achievements in 2023, structured around four strategic pillars of sustainability: one that sets the boundaries and directions, Corporate Governance and Business, and three other operational ones, Sustainable Assortment; Energy, Climate and Resources; Employees and Society, within which the action areas integrate economic, environmental and social responsibility at the core of our strategy, governance and operations.

The main results of 2023 presented in the seventh PENNY Romania sustainability report:

Sustainable assortment

• 86 percent of total purchases were made from local suppliers in Romania

• 58 percent of suppliers have a contractual relationship with PENNY for over 5 years

• 69 percent of food products sold were of regional origin, from Romania

• 2023 marked the collaboration with 198 partner butchers and local producers

• 84 ecological and special diet items included in the assortment

• 246 new products developed with FSC certified secondary packaging, in line with the objectives of reducing environmental impact

Energy, climate and resources

• 13 percent reduction in CO2 emissions

• 12 percent decrease in specific electricity consumption

• 7,681 MWh of green energy produced internally with the help of 88 photovoltaic panel systems

• 65 locations equipped with charging stations for electric cars, supporting sustainable mobility

• 102,000 sqm of landscaped green spaces

• In 2023, there were 38 BREEAM certified PENNY stores and another 39 in the process of certification

• 2,725 tons of food saved from waste, in partnership with profile organizations

Employees and society

• 7,285 active employees at the end of 2023

• 160,000 hours of training for the professional development of the team

• 90 percent of management positions were filled through internal promotion

• 302 women in management positions, ensuring diversity

• 49 percent of managers have more than 10 years of experience in the company

• 2.3 million euros invested in community initiatives

• 1,160 volunteer hours provided by employees to support local communities

“Through all these results, we demonstrate once again that sustainability is an integral part of our vision and guides our every action and initiative. We aim to be a trusted partner for customers, communities and employees, approaching business in an ethical way, respecting human rights and adopting fair and transparent business practices and investing in innovative solutions that create a sustainable positive impact. We appreciate the climate targets proposed for 2030 as an opportunity to increase the level of cooperation with our partners and thus have a significant impact on all levels of our supply chain”, emphasized Claudia Ivan, Sustainability Manager PENNY Romania.