Community Engagement
Initially the Group's sustainability platform aligned commercial, environmental and social objectives by focussing on reducing impacts that could deliver corresponding cost reductions and strong returns on investment (i.e. cutting energy and water consumption, improving the management of safety). It has now evolved to also recognise the revenue and relationship-building potential of better social and environmental performance evidenced by the publication of the Green Lease Guide, our annual tenant surveys, continuous monitoring of residential customer feedback, post occupancy reviews and staff engagement surveys.
As a good corporate citizen, Investa has a responsibility to give back to the communities in which it operates. In addition, our relationship with our local communities plays an important role in facilitating the approvals process. We do not take our licence to operate, to build houses, commercial buildings or residential developments for granted. We also take seriously our responsibility to facilitate development in such a way that is appropriate for the surrounding communities.
All the projects discussed in last year's report continue to be developed as they were, i.e. with high standards in place. There have not been any new residential developments commenced during the period.
'Investa in the Community' initiatives include:
- Financial contributions to community organisations in which Investa employees are involved;
- Providing each employee with up to one full day each year to participate in community activities sponsored by a selected group of charities; and
- Granting Earthwatch Fellowships to two employees each year which provide for participation in specific Earthwatch projects for two weeks in remote locations.
Charitable contributions in the last financial year were: $119,679. In-kind giving through employee volunteering during paid working hours was approximately $7,300.
Involvement in Industry Bodies
Investa is involved in a number of industry bodies including the Property Council of Australia (PCA), the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), the Australian Direct Property Investment Association (ADPIA), the Green Building Council of Australia, the United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiative's Property Working Group (UNEP FI – PWG), Australian Property Institute (API) and many others. Investa is able to use its involvement in these bodies to advocate for public policy positions that support our sustainability platform.
'World's Greatest Shave'
As part of Investa's Active in the Community Program, during the period we participated in the Leukaemia Foundation's 'World's Greatest Shave': one of Australia's biggest fundraising events with over 100,000 people across the country shaving or colouring their hair. Proceeds go towards supporting patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders. Senior Investa staff including Campbell Hanan, Group Executive, Internal Funds and Les Vance, Group Executive, Internal Funds agreed to shave (see attached photos) providing great incentive for Investa staff to donate. Staff raised $15,218 which was then matched by Investa dollar-for-dollar, bring the total raised to $30,437. As a result, Investa was one of the top 30 fundraisers nationwide.
Earth Hour
More than 2 million residents turned their lights off at 7.30 pm on 31 March as part of Earth Hour in Sydney . The event, which was promoted by WWF, the Sydney Morning Herald and the City of Sydney, achieved a 10.2% drop in energy usage across the Sydney CBD, according to the local electricity network provider.
As the City's major landlord, Investa was prominently involved from the outset and opportunities for ongoing energy savings were identified.
The City of Sydney and WWF are now hoping to achieve international support for an annual worldwide Earth Hour event, a contrast to the annual New Year's Eve fireworks that feature Sydney so prominently.
Cycling in the City Program
A number of Sydney-based staff participated in Investa's team in the City of Sydney's Cycling in the City program during the period. The aim of the program is to encourage more people to ride bicycles to work on a regular basis. Up to 10 major businesses are eligible to put 10 riders forward to participate for the 10 week program each year.
Our team successfully logged their rides to work each week and one of our riders, David Sylvester, managed to travel an astonishing 1,582km – an average of 158km/wk and further than any other participant. Our involvement in the program was part of Investa's commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
Case Studies
Commitments for Financial Year 2008
- Expand home-buyer education initiatives, including training for Clarendon staff.
- Develop strategy for social sustainability.
- Develop plan for enhancing sustainability across Investa Commercial Developments.
- Enhance knowledge transfer across the Commercial Developments business.
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