By Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the leading construction companies in Nigeria, Julius Berger Plc, has assured that it would carry everyone along as regards the integration and implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in its day-to-day operations.
This assurance was given by the Managing Director of the firm, Mr Lars Richter, while commenting on the 2021 Sustainability Report of Julius Berger released to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited on Wednesday.
“We aim to stimulate growth and local participation in the development of healthy, environmentally friendly, and inclusive development by being ever more accountable and transparent in the management of environmental, social, and governance risks and opportunities,” Mr Richter said.
He stated that the primary goal of the organisation’s sustainability vision is to ensure that projects carried out for clients have a positive and lasting effect on communities and the environment
The MD said that based on this, the company’s socioeconomic investments increased by 14 per cent to N458 million in 2021, in accordance with its commitment to bolster our contributions to the nation’s greater development.
“We continue to foster innovation and sustainable community development across our operations and activities.
“Through regular evaluation of our business in view of ESG practices, we continually work to ensure that we are adhering to the highest ESG compliance standards for the creation of tangible and meaningful shared value.
“Proudly, we can report that the accomplishments of our projects, programs, and initiatives in 2021 accelerated our progress toward a safer, greener, more equitable, and more prosperous future.
“Our contribution to Economic Growth and Innovation within the country resulted in a 40% rise in revenue from N241 billion in 2020 to N351 billion in 2021.
“95 per cent of our workforce consisting of indigenous people and 70 per cent of our expenditures going to domestic vendors and suppliers, with a focus on benefitting the communities in which we operate,” he stated.
Mr Richter said Julius Berger would continue to develop environmentally and socially responsible infrastructure solutions and be a sustainability leader.
Also commenting, the Chairman of Julius Berger, Mr Mutiu Sunmonu, assured that the organisation’s sustainability efforts would remain aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Global Compact’s core sustainability principles.
“We remain committed to operating sustainably to support the global sustainability agenda through business practices that support the achievement of climate goals and strengthen the future resilience of the built environment.
“With positive impact and transformation as our objective, we will rely on cross-industry innovation, collaboration, and strategic alliances and partnerships to achieve this journey together with our peers in Nigeria and across the globe,” he said.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka