The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Sustainability Network recently hosted an informative seminar at the chamber’s premises where members of the Network’s Sustainability in Supply Chain Task Force spoke about best practices and projects which have helped them reduce environmental impact and business costs.

Established by the chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network serves as the focal point for the business community to share and exchange best practices in implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR). The network provides an opportunity for local companies to network, learn, share experiences and constitute CSR leadership.

The presentation from CHEP, a leader for returnable packaging solutions, provided an overview of its Supply Chain Planning Network Optimization Project which has removed inefficiencies in its supply chain network across the Middle East and North Africa and significantly reduced CO2 emissions, said a statement from the chamber.

Representatives from CHEP explained how the project helped the company map key customer operational locations and identify requirements for future service centres across the region, it said.

During the event, representatives from Chalhoub Group, an expert in retail, distribution and marketing services, presented a case study on a new supplier scoring system put in place by the company with the aim of encouraging suppliers and partners to adopt sustainable business practices and policies, it added.

For his part, Dr Belaid Rettab, senior director, economic research and sustainable business development sector, Dubai Chamber, explained that the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network regularly hosts events where its members collaborate, share knowledge and discuss opportunities and challenges related to CSR and sustainability.

He noted that the recent seminar served as an ideal platform for members to learn about other companies’ experiences in developing tangible solutions that address sustainability challenges, adding that sharing and encouraging such practices should help raise industry standards.

The CRB was established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2004 to support and promote CSR and sustainability. The centre’s objective is to engage the Dubai business community in assuming greater responsibility for the emirate’s social and environmental needs.

The CRB also promotes Dubai as the GCC’s gateway for global commerce by offering its business partners an environment of transparency and rule of law.- TradeArabia News Service