ESG

Leading in Social & Environmental Sustainability,

Committed to a 100% Sustainable Supply Chain

by 2026

At Elite Group, sustainability is not just a buzzword, it's ingrained in our DNA. Our commitment to doing the right thing is anchored in practical, data-driven decision-making, supported by collaboration. Our five key sustainability pillars are carbon footprint reduction, circularity, biodiversity and land management, responsible water use, and fair wages. These pillars guide us to reduce emissions, embrace circular practices, protect biodiversity, manage water responsibly, and ensure fair compensation. Our sustainability culture extends beyond our corporate borders, benefiting both our ecosystem and the broader communities in which we operate. It's not just a commitment; it's our way of life.

OTHER PROJECTS

FERNANDO BORRERO CAICEDO FOUNDATION

School		643 students
Side-by-side project (Juntos)		634 families
High school-university aid		93 students
Students with disabilities		340 students
Classes for the blind		15 students
20/20 woman		1,400 students
Adult education		1,162 students
Adult technology classes		271 students
Housing plan		231 families
Family counseling.		1,334 workers
Health promotion and prevention		2,876 participants

WORKPLACE EQUITY

GENDER EQUALITY

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

ESG COMMITTEE

OUR CERTIFICATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS

CARBON FOOTPRINT

Like with many industries around the world, our challenge is to address the CO2 emission throughout our value chain. This has led us to take serious measures to reduce the emissions and decarbonize our group. We have initiated actions to measure our carbon footprint and establish our baseline by a certified international entity end of 2023 and immediately move on to the next stage, setting targets and data-based decisions that will lead us to our goal of becoming net zero. Arriving at net zero is a long road, so in the meantime we have begun to pursue alternatives to decrease our emissions such as the use and integration of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for transporting our products across the globe. The SAF fuel portion emits close to 80% less carbon dioxide during the flight, significantly reducing our emissions.

(https://newsroom.kuehne-nagel.com/kuehnenagel-latam-cargo-v-elite-group-compran-saf-para-reducir-emisiones-en-el-marco-del-dia-de-la-madre/)

5 years ago, we also began our journey incorporating sea freight into transportation's existing model, making it 5% of all transportation, with a goal to double in the next 12 months. We are always looking into more efficient ways in distribution to reduce CO2 emissions.

CIRCULARITY

The circular economy model, at the heart of our sustainability efforts, is about creating a continuous loop where products and materials are used, reused, and recycled. This approach minimizes waste, conserves resources, and reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposal. By adopting this model, we not only take steps towards a greener and healthier planet but also inspire others to join us on this journey. We've set ambitious targets to reduce our cardboard and plastic usage, harness the power of organic waste, and contribute to a healthier, greener planet.

Our Commitment to Reducing Cardboard and Plastic Waste

By the year 2032, we pledge to reduce our cardboard use by 10% and our plastic use by 20%. This commitment goes beyond just numbers; it's a reflection of our responsibility towards the planet and future generations. We are actively working on finding innovative solutions, such as using recycled and sustainable materials, optimizing our packaging, and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.

Harnessing the Power of Organic Waste

Waste is a valuable resource when managed thoughtfully, and at Elite Group, we understand the importance of harnessing the power of organic waste. We convert our organic waste into nutrient-rich compost used on our farms. By doing so, we not only reduce the strain on landfills but also enhance the fertility of our soil, promoting sustainable agriculture practices. This closed-loop approach helps us minimize waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support local agriculture, all while conserving valuable resources. Our commitment to circularity and sustainability is not a one-time effort; it's a journey that evolves and grows. We continuously assess our practices, explore innovative technologies, and seek partnerships with like-minded organizations and individuals. Together, we can make a significant difference in preserving our planet for future generations.

BIODIVERSITY AND LAND MANAGEMENT

At Elite Group, we see ourselves as stewards of the land. We are deeply committed to preserving and nurturing the delicate balance of biodiversity through sustainable land management practices. Our belief is simple yet profound: the land is the heart of our planet, and it is imperative that we protect and care for it.

Guardians of the land

At Elite Group, we understand that the land is where our most delicate and essential products grow. Our dedication to responsible land management is reflected in every aspect of our operations. From the outset, we have integrated sustainable practices into our agricultural processes, ensuring that we leave a positive footprint on the environment.

Harnessing the Power of the Soil

Our growing practices go beyond the ordinary. We meticulously monitor and enhance the health of the land by taking advantage of cutting-edge labs that generate biological agents from the very soll in which our crops flourish. This innovative approach not only helps maintain soil health and reduces the use of chemical agents but also bolsters the natural biodiversity of the area.

Protecting Pollinators and Ecosystems

One of our core commitments is the preservation of local ecosystems and pollinators. We have opted for safe pest control processes as an eco-friendly alternative to harmful neonicotinoids This choice ensures that our soil and water remain toxin-free, safeguarding the well-being of essential pollinators. particularly local bees, who play a pivotal role in maintaining biodiversity.

Reserves for Natural Wildlife Populations

We have taken substantial steps to protect natural wildlife populations. We have established dedicated reserves that serve as sanctuaries for local fauna. These reserves are an integral part of our sustainable land management strategy and are a testament to our commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of life in the areas where we operate.

Partnerships for Conservation

We believe in the power of collaboration. That's why we have established partnerships with local agencies that share our passion for protecting the environment and its inhabitants. Through these collaborations, we can actively contribute to conservation efforts and make a meaningful impact on the preservation of biodiversity.

Closing the Loop with Composting

Our commitment to sustainability doesn't end with responsible land management and wildlife conservation. We are proud to operate a composting program in-house, using our own organic production waste. This closed-loop system ensures that nothing goes to waste, and organic matter is recycled into nutrient-rich compost, further enriching the land.

Our commitment to biodiversity and sustainable land management is an integral part of our mission. We understand that the land is not just where our products grow; it is the very foundation of our existence.

WATER MANAGEMENT

Water, the source of life, holds a paramount position in Elite Group's mission and values. At Elite Group, we recognize that water conservation and responsible management are not just corporate goals but our ethical duty. In a world where water scarcity is a looming crisis, we have made it our top priority to set an example for sustainable water usage.

Our commitment to water conservation begins at our farms, where we have implemented innovative practices to ensure every drop counts. We don't merely use water; we maximize its utility.

Here's how:

1.
Constant Reuse
and Purification

Within our farming operations, water is not a disposable resource. We have established systems that enable us to constantly reuse and purify water. By efficiently recycling water throughout our processes, we minimize waste and reduce our environmental footprint.

2.
Rainwater
Harvesting

Nature offers its own contribution to our water conservation efforts. We harness the power of rain by actively collecting rainwater on our premises. This harvested rainwater serves multiple purposes, starting with irrigation for our crops. It's a sustainable way to nourish our fields while reducing our reliance on traditional water sources.

3.
Potable Water
for all

Going beyond agriculture, we are proud to provide safe and clean drinking water for all our employees. Our onsite water treatment facility transforms rainwater into potable water. This ensures that our team members have access to high-quality drinking water throughout their workday.

Our dedication to water conservation yielded remarkable results in 2022. We treated nearly 3 million liters of water at our farms, transforming it into safe and potable drinking water. To put this achievement into perspective, that volume of water is equivalent to the size of a 100-foot pond, and it can sustain a household for an astonishing nine years.

Our goals are:

At Elite Group, we firmly believe that water conservation is a responsibility that defines our commitment to a sustainable future. By efficiently managing and repurposing water, we aim to inspire others to follow suit and protect this precious resource.

Join us in our mission to safeguard the source of life- because at Elite Group, we are not just cultivating crops. we are nurturing a sustainable world.

FAIR WAGES

At Elite Group, we have always been dedicated to fostering an environment where our team members thrive both professionally and personally. Since the beginning the interest in living wages has been a priority, and part of our Elite Group standard. As we strive to continuously improve the well-being of our employees, we are excited to announce a significant step in our journey towards a living wage for all. To ensure that our employees are compensated fairly and have the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives, we are using the Sustainable Trade Initiative IDH Salary Matrix. This analytical tool will help us comprehensively assess our current wage structure and develop actionable goals for the future.

Our vision goes beyond merely providing a living wage. it extends to enriching the lives of our team members. We are committed to not only ensuring that our employees earn wages that support a decent standard of living but also to providing assistance where it matters most:

1.
Subsidized meals
at work

We understand the importance of a nutritious meal during the workday. Through our subsidy program, we aim to make quality meals accessible to all employees.

2.
Subsidized
transportation to/
from work

We believe in easing the burden of commuting expenses. Our subsidized transportation initiative will help employees commute to work affordably and conveniently.

3.
Access to
employee funds

Life can be unpredictable, and unexpected expenses can arise We are creating programs that grant employees access to emergency funds, ensuring they have a safety net in times of need.

4.
Enrichment
programs

We are dedicated to helping our team members achieve a better life outside of work. We will offer various enrichment programs, such as education and literacy classes, financial literacy workshops, wellness initiatives, and professional development opportunities.

5.
Community
engagement

We will actively engage with our local communities, working on initiatives that not only benefit our employees but also contribute positively to the neighborhoods where we operate.

ESG