How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

Jeddah: Saudi companions in multiple industries are increasingly integrating environmental, social and governance principles into their corporate strategies, which drives sustainable growth while balancing the administration of the entity.

This strategic change is aligned with the Vision 2030 roadmap of Saudi Arabia, an economic diversification transformative plan, and its ambitious objective of 2060 zero emissions, reinforcing the position of the nation as a sustainability leader.

Sawaco Water Group exemplifies this transformation, embeding sustainability in its central operations.

“Sustainability is not just an objective; it is a responsibility,” said CEO Nizar Kammourie A Arab News, emphasizing the company alignment with the 2030 Vision approach in environmental and social progress.

He added: “In Sawaco, we integrate ESG in each operation, from optimizing the efficiency of resources to guaranteeing transparent governance and community participation.”

Subining this commitment, Sawaco has implemented an advanced operations intelligence software to improve energy efficiency in little wing plants.

“We are hepiating avant -garde technology to reduce the energy and consumption of chemicals while extending the life cycle of our assets,” Kammourie said.

The company also tracks carbon emissions through its Remedium platform, which admits data -based reduction objectives.

“The precise accounting of carbon allows us to establish tangible objectives based on data to reduce our environmental footprint, ensuring that our growth is responsible and sustainable,” he added.

To address resources optimization, Sawaco has associated with an American company for pioneers in brine minimization technology.

“Water is one of our most precious resources, and we are committed to maximizing its use,” Kammourie said.

“Our innovative brine minimization system improves the recovery of fresh water from seawater, while reducing significant brine discharge, preserves marine ecosystems and supports coastal livelihoods.”

Governance reforms further solidify Sawaco ESG leadership. A dedicated committee on alignment with international sustainability standards, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Ethical governance is the basis of a sustainable business,” said Kammourie “by integrating real -time data analysis, third -party audits and the participation process of interested parties in the process, we ensure responsibility at all levels.”

He added: “Sustainability must be measured, not only discussed. We also integrate ESG’s metrics into performance reviews, which makes it part of the culture of our company instead of only a corporate initiative.

“We are not only providing water, we are safeguarding the future of water sustainability in Saudi Arabia. Our goal is to promote a significant change that aligns economic success with long -term sustainability.”

These efforts reflect a broader national impulse, since Saudi companies close profitability and planetary administration to establish new reference points for ESG leadership in emerging markets.

Similarly, Luisa Javier, CEO of Wayakit, highlighted how her biotechnology company directed by women has embedded ESG in her DNA, transforming hygiene solutions into aviation, transportation and management of facilities.

“We are not only creating products; we are creating solutions that have a measurable environmental and social impact,” he told Arab News.

Wayakit’s flagship disinfectant eliminates 99,999 percent of viruses and bacteria in just 30 seconds using biodegradable components of 93 percent.

By replacing the compounds of harmful quaternary ammonium with biodegradable modified citric acid in aircraft cleaning processes, the company says it has reduced the environmental impact by 94 percent.

In addition, its environmental footprint tracker measures progress in energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution reduction and health improvements.

“Sustainability is compliance, it is innovation,” Javier said. “We have to rethink traditional approaches and develop solutions that align with the future.”

Wayakit also integrates the principles of ESG in their governance and transparency measures. Its C-Suite led by women strengthens the diversity of decision-making, while blockchain technology safeguarded sustainability metrics, avoid ecological washing and guarantees precise reports.

“Authenticity is important,” Javier said. “Each sustainability statement we make is backed by rigorous third -party laboratory tests. We are establishing a new standard for how biotechnology companies can be profitable and response.”

Community participation is another ESG strategy of cornerstone or wayakit. With 70 percent of its workforce consisting of women, the company provides technical training in biotechnology and leadership development to promote professional progress for Saudi women.

“Empowering women in their voice is not just a mission, it is a responsibility,” said Javier. “Our workforce is a reflection of what the objective of Saudi Vision 2030 aims to achieve: an innovative economy, where women play a central role.”

This impulse is part of a broader national trend. A 2023 report from the Sovereign Fund of Saudi Arabia, PIF, highlighted how Saudi, regular organizations of those within their portfolio are leading the consciousness and implementation of ESG.

The Green Saudi initiative, launched by the heir prince Mohammed Bin Salman, supports this change with $ 187 billion in investments in more than 60 programs to advance the green economy.

Through large -scale investments in green initiatives, innovative carbon reduction strategies and community -centered programs such as those led by Sawaco and Wayakit, Saudi companies are demonstrating that profitability and sustainability can coexist.

Collectively, these efforts establish a new reference point for ESG leadership in emerging markets while positioning Saudi Arabia as a world leader in sustainable development.