Sustainable Transportation
June 2024
Sustainability Message
by Mr. Khalil El Bawab
CEO of Capital Markets
As the CEO of Capital Markets at Beltone Holding, I am excited to share our ongoing commitment while providing a sustainable environment for the firm, its employees, and its clients.
Our Sustainable Vision
At Beltone Holding, we recognize the vital role we play in driving sustainable growth within the financial sector which is considered as the cornerstone of our strategic vision and operations. This vision is focusing on addressing the importance of climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality. Our commitment to sustainability is leading by example while integrating responsible practices into every aspect of our business in order to drive positive impact within the firm and the financial sector.
Internally, we have implemented a comprehensive sustainability program that aims to reduce our carbon footprint, promote resource efficiency, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship among our employees. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and providing sustainability-focused training and engagement opportunities which will help us to achieve our 2030 reduction target effectively.
Markets Division Initiatives
For the Markets Division, we are pursuing membership in the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), a global network of investors committed to incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their investment decisions. Focusing on ESG-related products will be a primary focus for us moving forward.
External Commitments
Our commitment to promoting transparency and ethical practices, while fostering a culture of commitment towards these goals, remains paramount. Offering our clients sustainable investment opportunities is a primary focus. We are structuring a growing suite of sustainability-related financial products, including green bonds, impact investing funds, and innovative financing solutions for renewable energy projects and sustainable infrastructure by directing capital towards these impactful initiatives, we are helping to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Collaborative Efforts We are actively engaged in collaborative efforts to advance sustainability within the financial sector and beyond. This includes participating in the mentioned industry-wide initiatives, supporting policy advocacy, and regularly engaging with our clients, partners, and communities to identify new ways to create positive change. At Beltone Holding, we believe that sustainable business practices and a commitment to social responsibility are essential for long-term success and resilience. We are dedicated to leading by example and inspiring others to join us in building a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
The Road to
Sustainable Transport Article
Transportation plays a vital role in addressing economic and social development challenges, as it currently accounts for approximately 64% of global oil consumption, 27% of all energy use, and a staggering 23% of worldwide energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. As we navigate the post-COVID era, it is crucial to reevaluate and transform our transit systems through structural changes. Doing so will not only reinforce the positive impacts on emission levels and air quality that emerged during efforts to combat the pandemic but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, resulting in an unprecedented drop in carbon dioxide emissions. For the first time since the Second World War, global energy-related CO2 emissions decreased by 5.2%, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Road transport activity accounted for 50% of the decline in global oil demand, closely followed by aviation at 35%. This highlights the intrinsic connection between sustainability and travel, emphasizing the need to integrate sustainable transport strategies into our post-pandemic planning.
5.2%
CO2 emissions
Decrease
50%
Global oil demand
Decrease
35%
Aviation
Decrease
64%
27%
23%
Global oil consumption
All energy use
Carbon dioxide emissions
Transjakarta, the city’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system, reached a milestone of serving one million passengers per day in February 2020 (ITDP, 2020). Opened in 2004, Transjakarta is the longest BRT system in the world, spanning more than 250 km (155 miles), with dedicated bus lanes that carry passengers around the city (ICCT, 2020). It also connects to smaller vehicles, including local buses and informal microbuses, allowing the system to serve a larger region and more residential areas that are inaccessible by BRT alone.
BRT systems provide metro-level services through dedicated lanes, with bus ways and stations typically aligned to the center of the road, off-board fare collection, and fast and frequent operations (ITDP, 2020). They are more reliable, convenient, and faster than regular bus services, and avoid traffic congestion and long lines to pay fares.
Ideas for Green Transportation
Encourage carpooling
Encouraging carpooling offers several benefits, making it an effective strategy to promote sustainable transportation. By sharing rides, carpooling helps alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and save on transportation costs. Additionally, carpooling fosters social connections, enhances productivity during the commute, and promotes a shared responsibility for creating a more sustainable and efficient transportation system.
Embrace cycling and walking
Cycling and walking are environmentally friendly alternatives that significantly reduce carbon emissions, enhancing air quality and mitigating the impact of climate change. Additionally, embracing cycling and walking promotes healthier lifestyles by incorporating physical activity into daily routines.
Encourage electric vehicles
Encouraging electric vehicles (EVs) offers numerous benefits, including reduced emissions, energy efficiency, cost savings, noise pollution reduction, technological innovation, and energy diversity. By promoting EVs, we contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.
World Environment Day
June 5th is World Environment Day, a crucial global event aimed at raising awareness about the environmental challenges we face. Established in 1973, this worldwide observance highlights urgent issues such as marine pollution, overpopulation, climate change, sustainable development, and wildlife crime.
World Environment Day has evolved into a global stage for public engagement and outreach. Inspiring millions around the world to actively contribute to the preservation and protection of Earth and its invaluable resources, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
The message calls on all of us to be agents of change, inspiring others to adopt eco-friendly practices and safeguard our precious Earth.
Exploring ESG, CSR, and Sustainability Meanings
ESG Stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, is a way for investors to evaluate the long-term viability and ethical impact of organizations they invest in. As investors increasingly seek to align their investments with their values and have a positive influence on society and the environment, ESG has gained significant popularity in recent years.
Sustainability Refers to the capacity of a system to maintain its balance and functionality over the long term without depleting its resources or posing a threat to the environment or society. In the business context, sustainability commonly refers to the practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes responsible resource management, environmental stewardship, and social well-being.
CSR Is a business approach that enables companies to consider the social, environmental, and economic impacts of their operations and decisions. It involves taking responsibility for the company’s effects on society and the environment and actively working towards making a positive contribution to the communities where it operates. CSR is typically assessed across four dimensions: economic, social, ethical, and environmental.
Landmark in
Waste Management
Total
Collected Waste
1,162 Kg
Recycled
Waste
864 Kg= (74.35 %)
Recycled
Wet Waste
19.79 %
Recycled
Cardboard and Paper Waste
44.68 %
Recycled
Glass Waste
0.81 %
Recycled
Plastic Waste
22.92 %
Recycled
Metal Waste
9.72 %
Recycled
Others
2.08 %
Landmark in
Waste paper
20 Kg
Total collected waste paper from Beltone's Premises to be recycled with Bekia
Successful Business Meeting with Beltone Mortgage
In our ongoing commitment to enhancing sustainability and ESG practices at Beltone, we have conducted a series of meetings with each line of business. Among these meetings, the session with Beltone Mortgage stands out as particularly successful, as it resulted in highly productive discussions and provided us with valuable insights into their operations.
Key highlights from the meeting include:
- Beltone Mortgage will provide yearly insights into the percentages of their clients’ green building projects within their portfolio, where applicable.
- Beltone Mortgage will incorporate a question in the KYC application, asking developers if they have a sustainability/ESG policy. This initiative demonstrates Mortgage’s commitment to promoting and encouraging responsible practices among their clients.
Embarking on a
New Chapter:
Beltone's Exciting Journey to a Sustainable New Premises
Get ready to be exhilarated, Beltone team! It’s time to celebrate a monumental achievement—the grand unveiling of our astonishing new premises! Brace yourselves for a wave of excitement as we venture into this extraordinary milestone. We’re not just moving to any ordinary building; we’re stepping into a vibrant, green wonderland that’s set to earn an esteemed green building certificate.
Imagine the thrill of working in a space designed to harmonize with nature, where sustainability takes center stage. Our new headquarter will be an emblem of environmental consciousness, showcasing Beltone’s unwavering commitment to a greener future. It’s a place where innovation and sustainability intertwine, igniting our passion for responsible practices and inspiring us to reach new heights.
The entire Beltone family will be part of this exhilarating transition, stepping into a realm of fresh possibilities. This remarkable chapter is a testament to our collective dedication to creating a positive impact on the world around us. So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey, filled with excitement, innovation, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, we will turn this new chapter into a resounding success, painting the future in vibrant shades of sustainability and unleashing our boundless potential.
Buckle up, Beltone team—it’s time to make waves in our eco-friendly haven!
Sustainability Team Spotlight
Panel Discussion with UCCD – AUC
( Integrating People with Disability in the Workplace )
Beltone’s Sustainability team recently had the honor of being invited to the University Centers for Career Development (UCCD) – AUC annual networking event in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and USAID. Our Chief People and Corporate Sustainability Officer, Sherry Bishara, represented Beltone as a panelist in a panel discussion titled “Integrating People with Disability in the Workplace,” which focused on the hiring of people with disabilities. Through our groundbreaking Train to Sustain program, we have become pioneers in the market, championing inclusive hiring practices and fostering a diverse workforce.
During the panel discussion, Sherry Bishara passionately shared our strong belief and vision for employing people with Down syndrome. She spoke about the transformative impact of our Train to Sustain program, which provides specialized training, mentorship, and support to people with Down syndrome. Sherry emphasized our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that goes beyond meeting diversity quotas. She shared inspiring success stories of employees with Down syndrome who have thrived in their roles.
The invitation to participate in this panel discussion serves as a testament to the remarkable work carried out by our Sustainability team. Their unwavering commitment to creating a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities has garnered recognition and admiration within the industry. By showcasing our inclusive hiring practices and the success of the Train to Sustain program, we hope to inspire other organizations to follow suit and create more inclusive and diverse work environments.
Through Sherry’s passionate advocacy and the remarkable work of our Sustainability team, we continue to lead the way in promoting inclusive hiring practices and setting a new standard for diversity and empowerment in the industry. The panel discussion served as a platform to share our expertise, experiences, and insights on the transformative power of inclusive hiring.
Together, we will continue to lead the way in fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity, empowers individuals, and sets a new standard for inclusive hiring practices across the market.
Expand Knowledge on IFRS Standards
Beltone’s Sustainability team recently engaged in a virtual workshop hosted by EGX, where they had the privilege of attending an insightful workshop on IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) standards. This workshop provided a valuable opportunity for the team to enhance their knowledge and understanding of IFRS standards. By participating in this workshop, Beltone’s Sustainability team demonstrated their commitment to staying abreast of industry best practices and ensuring compliance with global reporting standards. Their active engagement in such workshops reflects Beltone’s dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability and responsible financial practices.
Masculinities in the Private Sector in the MENA Region
Our Sustainability and HR ambassadors attended the “Masculinities in the Private Sector in the MENA Region” training in Cairo from June 11th to 12th, 2024.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude UN Women, GIZ, Germany Cooperation, and Sweden Sverige, for making this training possible under the ‘Dare to Care’ program, aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s participation in paid employment. The training focused on gender-equitable masculinities and social norms in the workplace, particularly to boost women’s employment in the private sector. Participants from Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan joined the sessions, which provided valuable insights and practical strategies for fostering a gender-equitable work environment.
We are confident that this knowledge will enhance our efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in our workplace. This experience has strengthened our commitment to creating an inclusive environment with equal opportunities for all. We look forward to applying these insights to make a positive impact on our organization and community.
Green Honor: Beltone's Achievement
We are delighted to announce Beltone’s first sustainability rank which is
( c-satisfactory ), achieved through our comprehensive assessment conducted on the Synesgy Platform. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
The assessment process allowed us to evaluate our sustainability performance across various key areas, enabling us to gain valuable insights into our strengths and areas that require improvement. Not only this but also, it provided us with a robust action plan to address identified gaps and further enhance our sustainability efforts.
By implementing this action plan, we are committed to enacting tangible measures that drive positive change within our organization. Our focus will be on reducing our environmental impact, promoting social responsibility, and reinforcing corporate governance practices.
We acknowledge that sustainability is an ongoing journey, and this initial sustainability rank serves as a starting point for continuous improvement and progress. We are dedicated to regularly monitoring and reassessing our performance, ensuring that we not only meet but surpass industry standards while fulfilling our responsibilities as a corporate.
Moving forward, Beltone remains firmly committed to integrating sustainability into our core business operations and making a positive impact on the environment, society, and the economy. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and eagerly anticipate sharing our progress as we strive for a more sustainable future.
Together, let us forge a path towards responsible and sustainable practices, creating a better tomorrow.Cash for Microfinance Doubles Down on Empowering Upper Egyptian Youth Through CFYE Partnership
Cash for Microfinance (CFM) is celebrating a significant milestone in its ongoing partnership with the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE). The “Underprivileged Entrepreneurs Reach” project has demonstrably improved lives and livelihoods across Upper Egypt, with a particular focus on empowering young women and men.
CFM's Achievements
Boosting Financial Inclusion:
- A staggering 495 new loans were provided to young entrepreneurs, with a remarkable 62% going to females. This empowers financial independence and ignites a wave of new business opportunities in the region.
Fueling Business Growth:
- The impact extends beyond new ventures. CFM’s support has resulted in the improvement of 211 existing businesses, translating directly to increased income and local economic growth.
Investing in the Future:
- 96 individuals received crucial training at the CMF Academy, honing their soft skills, leadership, and loan management expertise. Over half (53) of these trainees were women, further propelling women’s economic empowerment in Upper Egypt.
Prioritizing Safety and Security:
- CFM understands the importance of safety in the field. Safety training was provided to 40 individuals, with a significant representation of young women, empowering them to confidently navigate their communities.
Expanding Horizons:
- Accessibility is key. CFM has significantly expanded its branch network, boasting over 77 branches across Upper Egypt. This growth was supported by the hiring of an additional 267 loan officers, with over half (137) being females.
Promoting Female Leaders:
- Three young women were recently promoted to branch manager positions, demonstrating CFM’s unwavering commitment to diversity and fostering a strong leadership pipeline.
Building a Brighter Future
These impressive achievements highlight the transformative power of the CFYE partnership. CFM remains proud to be a driving force in empowering young people in Upper Egypt, creating decent work opportunities, and fostering a thriving economic ecosystem in the region.
