Acknowledging that everything in our lives depends on energy, Jerónimo Martins and Biedronka hosted a joint Sustainability Conference in Warsaw under the theme “Energy for Life”. The event, held in November 2023 and with the academic support of the Kozmiński University of Warsaw, explored the critical interaction between energy, sustainability and human development.
There were three overarching approaches to the broad theme of the conference: diversifying energy sources and the challenges in the road to cleaner and greener value chains; powering healthy eating habits and conscious food consumption; and creating positive energy while reinforcing social capital within local communities.
Pedro Soares dos Santos, Chairman and CEO of Jerónimo Martins, highlighted the Group’s decade-long commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the focus on efficiency, sustainable growth and social responsibility.
In his opening statement, the Chairman of the Group highlighted some achievements, including tripling results since 2009 and the creation of more than 15,000 jobs between 2020 and 2022. Despite challenges like the pandemic and the geopolitical situation, the Group reduced its carbon footprint and has been globally recognised for its climate action efforts.
Luís Araujo, CEO of Biedronka, emphasized the Company’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development. Biedronka has grown to over 3,500 stores, has more than 80,000 employees, and has been investing significantly in social projects and environmental initiatives.
Key achievements include reducing carbon footprint by over 30%, supporting Ukraine with substantial donations, and promoting healthy eating through numerous initiatives.
Keynote Speaker Scott W. Tinker, Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology of the University of Texas.
“There is a clear sense of optimism and hope in emerging economies. These communities are looking to a future that reflects the current realities of Europe and Western countries. Yet, in these developed regions, the narrative is often overshadowed by pessimism and fear, especially in the context of energy security and sustainability.”
An interview with Scott Tinker is available on Feed Magazine website. The conference’s keynote speaker answers to the question “Will we reach net-zero emissions by 2050?”
Krystyna Gutkowska, Director of the Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences.
Wanda Baltaza, Clinical dietician, academic teacher at the Medical University of Warsaw.
Grzegorz Łapanowski, Chef, gastronomy and food market expert.
Michał Perel, Founder and CEO of Perla Polska.
Justyna Szymani (moderator), Quality Development and Private Brand Control Director at Biedronka.
Małgorzata Greszta, Managing Partner at CSR Consulting.
Maciej Mazur, Managing Director of PSPA, President of AVERE.
Bolesław Rok, Director Centre for Reimagining Sustainability in Management and Finance, Kozminski University.
Arkadiusz Węglarz, Assistant professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology.
Agnieszka Koc (moderator), Environmental and Sustainability Director at Biedronka.
Rev. Marcin Iżycki, Director of Caritas Poland.
Otylia Jędrzejczak, Olympic champion, President of the Otylia Jędrzejczak Foundation, President of the Polish Swimming Federation.
Dominika Langer-Gniłka, Director of Cooperation and Development at the WIOSNA Association.
Katarzyna Scheer, President of the Biedronka Foundation.
Arkadiusz Mierzwa (moderator), Corporate Communications Director at Biedronka.
Jurek Owsiak, Founder and Chairman of the Board of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation.
“There are fundraisers organised for hospitals even in the richest of countries. Raising funds and helping is the result of democracy. The fact that people share what they have with others shows that we have grasped the principles of civic community underlying the essence of democracy.”
Throughout the conference, speakers reinforced that the transition to more sustainable practices requires not only corporate commitment but also a constant engagement of governments, communities, and individuals.
The role of education to raise awareness and behavioural change, particularly in the adoption of healthy food habits and energy-efficient practices, was recognised by most of the speakers. And for ensuring a sustainable impact, the role of social energy, community engagement, and long-term support is vital for sustained impact.
The conclusions show that innovative methods can blend economic growth with environmental and social ambitions.