Forbes Middle East has named Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, as one of the region’s top leaders in sustainability, recognising the firm’s drive in green warehousing, clean energy and investment.

 

Agility is the No 3 sustainability leader in the region’s Transport & Logistics sector, according to Forbes’ new Middle East Sustainability 100 list. Agility is one of only three Kuwait-based companies on the Forbes list.

 

Agility is pioneering the use of sustainable materials, designs and systems in development and construction of industrial infrastructure in the Middle East and Africa.  

 

Green building

A warehouse at the Agility Logistics Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was the first warehousing facility in the Middle East and North Africa to receive EDGE Advanced “green building” certification. The company’s warehousing complex in Cote d’Ivoire is the first in West Africa to receive EDGE Advanced certification, an IFC-backed standard for buildings that at least more 40% energy-efficient than the market.  

 

The company’s venture capital arm, Agility Ventures, has invested in startups and technology companies with innovations or disruptive business models that have a primary focus or quantifiable positive impact on the environment and social conditions. 

 

Among the technologies it has invested in: clean hybrid powertrain systems for long-haul trucking; electrified last-mile vehicles; EV charging networks and infrastructure; and solar thermal energy systems.

 

Operating businesses

Agility’s operating businesses are following their own sustainability roadmaps. Agility’s Menzies Aviation business, the world’s largest provider of aviation ground services, and its Tristar liquid logistics affiliate are piloting industry efforts to green ground, air and ocean fleets, and develop storage and distribution infrastructure required for the transition to cleaner fuels.

 

Agility is also being recognised for its investments in its communities. In the last decade, Agility has reached more than 1 million people in need, including deploying resources in the aftermath of natural disasters and complex humanitarian emergencies, as well as a long-standing focus on youth education, entrepreneurship, employment, and digital skilling. Agility supports education and training initiatives for young people in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, India and Egypt, among other countries.  

 

Tarek Sultan, Agility Vice Chairman said: “Agility has been investing in ESG leadership for nearly 20 years; it’s a core part of our culture, commitment, and value proposition to shareholders, customers, employees, and communities. We’re honoured by the acknowledgement from Forbes, and thank every one of our employees and stakeholders for being such a critical part of our sustainability journey.” 

 

Forbes recognised Agility and others on its Middle East Sustainability 100 list at a dinner chaired by Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.--TradeArabia News Service