du has released its fifth Annual Sustainability Report in line with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 directives. 2015 has been a year of transformation and innovation, and du's efforts throughout the year have helped it pave the way towards a future that is not just smart, but also very sustainable.
The company's commitment to supporting the UAE leadership and its Vision 2021 is portrayed through the noted achievements towards quality Emiratisation, youth empowerment, education and environmental impact. Through its efforts, du exemplifies that it is more than just a telecommunications provider, but a responsible corporate citizen that creates value outside its core business that is in line with government objectives today and for future generations.
du was lauded for its sustainability efforts in 2015. The organization was awarded the H. H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Excellence Award (MRM Business Excellence Award), the highest level of recognition for business excellence in the UAE; the Gallup Great Workplace 2015 Award for the second consecutive year; the Dubai Chamber CSR Label for the third time, in recognition of du's commitment towards embedding sustainability within the business. du was also the first company globally to earn the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Building Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Certification, assuring exceptional indoor air quality for all its office buildings.
As a result of its continued efforts, du's Emiratisation program has encouraged the participation of Emirati youth from a grass roots level. du's Masar Graduate Trainee Program saw eight additional graduates join in 2015, bring the total graduate trainees to 40. Moreover, the staff turnover rate for Emirati employees was just 8%.
Furthermore, du has fostered the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship in the region in order to drive the economy from a grassroots level. du introduced its youth entrepreneurship program, the 'Agent 055 Network' initiative to emphasize innovation, as well as diversification of revenue streams towards being a knowledge-based economy.
Environmentally, du undertook massive efforts to reduce its carbon foot print, by recycling and redistributing more than 320 tonnes of electronic waste. Moreover, the company increased its ratio of recycled paper for office consumption and encouraged a larger percentage of customers to use the e-billing service.
During Ramadan 2015, du had 3.5 times the number of volunteers than the previous year - a total of 981 of the UAE's residents, including popular social media influencers and corporate groups, contributed over 3,100 hours towards the community based initiative. In 2015, 1,296 du members of staff together with UAE residents contributed over 5,500 hours in a variety of volunteering initiatives.
