Woolworths sustainability index and the gri g3 guidelines

Woolworths views sustainable growth and development as an ongoing journey. As part of this journey, we have developed our own sustainability index, working methodically through the business to understand the key issues and how they impact the society in which we operate. This index has been mapped back to the gri g3 guidelines in this document although the gri g2 guidelines provided the initial check in the development of the Woolworths index.

This sustainability report, together with the 2006 annual report, report against the Woolworths indicators, in more detail in some areas than in others. The decision around the level of detail included in the report has been made based on (a) what level of detail is available within the business and (b) the relevance of this data to the expected readership. In all instances, where further, non company-confidential data is available, it will be released upon request. Please visit www.woolworthsholdings.co.za for further information.

building design aspect	action considered
bulk earthworks and civils	no importing of material useful topsoil retained and used for: landscaping; the creation of berms for water retention; boundary berms for planting and screening; and agricultural beds on site.
landscaping	create natural ecosystems; planting to: be indigenous as far as possible; facilitate eco friendly nutrients; provide landscaped parking areas; and create water wise environments; irrigate with recycled water; and vegetated roof areas on appropriate office buildings for insulation and natural environment.
transport	source materials close to site; control traffic out of peak hours; battery powered staff transport around site; organised traffic flow around site; rest zones and shade for truckers; clear signage to reduce unnecessary travel; weighbridge system to prevent over-loading during construction; and tachograph records for speed control.
workplace environment	create interesting work environment including: use of colours internally; viewing zones to the outside from the main depot perimeter; roof garden at main office block; and include quiet places and restful zones.
building materials	South African sourcing; preference for reconstituted building materials; use of indigenous timber; non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials, for example lead free paints; and white reflective roof sheeting and side cladding to reflect light.
mechanical	natural ventilation including openable windows to offices and cross ventilation; good insulation properties to perimeter envelope and roof overhangs for summer shading, winter sun; controlled, attenuated and filtered air waste; and evaporative cooling system.
electrical	energy efficient lighting; solar powered water heating; management system for lamp disposal; use of natural South light in zones; Building Management System for light switching – natural light; and reduce light pollution to the surrounding areas.
recycled water	roof rain water and apron rain water into separate system; recycle tray wash, chiller and fridge condensate and other grey water; create filtered retention ponds; water storage tanks to provide for WC flushing; and irrigate with recycled water.
waste recycling	facilities to cater for recycling, for example cardboard, glass, aluminium, plastic.
refrigeration	glycol refrigerant; ammonia (electrically reduced) under-floor system; and re-use of plant heat generated in cold periods of the year.
disabled facilities	paraplegic parking bays; ramped wheel chair access; paraplegic ablution facilities; braille/voice lift button and intercom facilities; and safe zones for disabled persons on higher floors to gather in emergency.