Hesperia recognised in 2022 Australian Financial Review Sustainability Leaders List

Driven by a belief that business can be a force for good, Hesperia is committed to adopting and implementing processes that address the impacts of climate change in the property sector. This approach has been acknowledged by the Australian Financial Review as part of their 2022 Sustainability Leaders list, with Hesperia recognised as a Category Innovator in the Property and Construction category.

The AFR Sustainability Leaders list celebrates Australasian companies who are making real and evidential progress in tackling sustainability challenges whilst delivering business value along their journey. Entry onto the list is based on an assessment of a company’s nominated sustainability innovation, whether it is an initiative, product, service or strategy.

It is Hesperia’s Sustainability Strategy 2021-26 that underpins this recognition, presenting a staged pathway to sustainable leadership. Endorsed by the Board of Directors in September 2021, the Strategy formalised important sustainable practices that guide the way Hesperia operates and delivers projects.

A key initiative of this strategy is our Net Zero Commitment. Hesperia is reducing the carbon footprint of both our operations and projects, and offsetting to reduce the overall effect to net-zero. As the first property developer in WA to become a Certified B Corporation, Hesperia delivers renewable energy, recycled materials and carbon services to projects as viable additions to the business.

Managing Director Ben Lisle said the AFR Sustainability Leaders List is important verification, recognising Hesperia’s approach to driving meaningful change in the industry.

“We believe that a crucial component of igniting change more broadly is being open and truthful about our experience,” Ben said.

“It is our hope to encourage the broader sector to implement change and demonstrate that it is not only for the good of the environment and community, but for tenants, purchasers and financiers too.”

Hesperia is championing the Strategy in three key areas: resourcing, investment and governance. Resourcing is supported through the establishment of Hesperia’s Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) group, which currently has four employees and plans to grow.

In the second area, Hesperia is investing additional budget funds directly into new enterprises with a sustainability emphasis as well as supporting ongoing projects that are helping to achieve the goals of the Strategy.

Governance focuses on important procedures and policies that have been implemented to support the Strategy, and include project evaluations, corporate sustainability accreditations, and social initiatives such as flexible working policies and a First Nations Plan.

Thank you to the Australian Financial Review for recognising our approach to sustainable practices. We extend our congratulations to all companies nominated. It is heartening to see many impressive initiatives, products, services and strategies across Australasia driving a greener future.

More information about Hesperia’s sustainability initiatives is available here.