Integrating Sustainability into the Core of Operations
Innscor Africa Limited has embedded sustainability into its DNA, ensuring its operations benefit stakeholders and safeguard the environment. This commitment is demonstrated through – Compliance with local laws, regulations and requirements in the places where we operate.
• International best practices and standards held by the Group companies, which include the International Management System Standards (MSS) of ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System), ISO 14001: 2015 (Environmental Management System); ISO 45001: 2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System); ISO 17025 (competence of testing and calibration laboratories); and FSSC 22000 (Food Safety Management).
• ISO 26000 (Guidance on Social Responsibility) to manage environmental and social issues within the Group’s companies.
• Protocols and commitments adopted or signed by the Government that have a bearing on business sustainability, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) , along with Zimbabwean frameworks such as Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, National Development Strategies NDS1 (2021- 2025) and NDS2 (2026-2030), National Climate Policy, Climate Response Strategy, and upcoming Climate Change Management Bill.
• Group Sustainability and Environmental policies and Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ) procedures.
• Global Reporting Standards (GRI, 2021) on disclosure and sustainability reporting.
IAL and its Group Companies are dedicated to sustainable growth, integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into their strategies. Key Sustainability disclosures included in its Sustainability Report contained in the IAL Annual Report are as follows:
• Carbon Footprint Management: IAL reported significant changes in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Reducing diesel usage due to fewer power cuts led to lower Scope 1 emissions, while Scope 2 emissions increased as reliance on electricity rose. This underscores the need for renewable energy investments.
• Renewable Energy: Solar power is a key focus, with solar installations powering 52 of 57 Profeeds branches and additional capacity planned for other facilities.
• Recycling Innovations: The company recycled over 1,052 tonnes of plastic and 873 tonnes of paper, as well as using innovative waste management practices, including incinerating 1,467 tonnes of non-recyclable waste.
Commitment to Water Conservation
The group’s water usage increased due to expanded dairy farming activities, including a third farm. While this growth supports higher production capacity, it highlights the necessity for advanced water conservation technologies. Future initiatives might include waste-water recycling systems and water-efficient irrigation techniques.
Sustainable Agriculture and Local Sourcing
IAL’s agricultural initiatives, such as the “A-Growth” contract farming scheme, reflect its commitment to food security and local economic empowerment. By investing $19.4 million in cultivating over 12,000 hectares of farmland, Innscor ensures a steady supply of raw materials and supports hundreds of local farmers.