Sustainability is a core focus at Crown, and we are proud to announce that we’ve achieved EcoVadis Gold, with a score of 75/100, placing us in the top 2% of our industry globally.
This recognition highlights the incredible progress we’ve made in a short period and demonstrates our commitment to embedding sustainability into all aspects of our operations. Over the past year, we have taken significant steps to address key areas for improvement, using the feedback from our last EcoVadis assessment as a clear roadmap for change.
Turning Feedback into Progress
In our previous submission, we received a Silver Medal scoring 64/100, which provided a strong foundation but also identified areas where further action was needed. Since then, we have implemented new policies, strengthened measures, and worked collaboratively across teams to make impactful changes.
The results are clear:
- Environment: Up 11 points, reflecting advancements in emissions tracking, waste reduction, and circular economy initiatives.
- Labour & Human Rights: A 13-point increase, driven by enhanced policies to protect and support people both within Crown and across our supply chain.
- Ethics: Improved by 9 points, showcasing stronger governance and integrity measures.
- Sustainable Procurement: Up 9 points, reflecting a more responsible approach to sourcing.
Advances in Carbon Accounting and Waste Management
One of our major achievements has been improving the accuracy of our carbon accounting. For Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, we now rely entirely on activity-based data, providing us with a precise understanding of our operational footprint. For Scope 3 emissions, our calculations are currently based largely on spend data, but this year, we are prioritising the collection of activity-based data in key areas.
This will enable us to develop more targeted strategies to reduce these emissions while awaiting advancements in technology to further tackle Scope 1 challenges.
For 2022 and 2023, we have calculated our full emissions footprint, and we are on track to finalise 2024 data soon. In terms of action, we’ve already reduced Scope 1 emissions by 101 tonnes through a combination of:
- Investing in EVs.
- Upgrading our fleet where feasible.
- Increasing the use of rail transport, reducing reliance on road-based logistics.
On the waste front, we have also made significant progress. After completing an RFP process and adding additional waste streams, we are now capturing waste data with greater accuracy, enabling us to better understand our impact and set clear reduction targets.
Driving Change in a Challenging Industry
The transport and logistics sector in New Zealand faces unique sustainability challenges, from emissions reductions to supply chain complexities. While debates over the best path forward continue, Crown has shown that meaningful progress is possible, and achievable in a short timeframe with the right focus and determination.
Achieving EcoVadis Gold is a testament to the dedication of our teams across the business, from HR’s work to enhance Labour and Human Rights policies, to operational teams improving waste management and emissions reduction, and the leadership that has driven these efforts forward.
Looking Ahead
While this milestone is a significant achievement, it is not the end of our journey. We remain committed to improving data accuracy, refining strategies, and investing in solutions to further reduce emissions and drive positive change.
By continuing to innovate and collaborate, we aim to not just meet global sustainability standards but set new ones for our industry.
