In 2023, we continued to make progress in our ongoing campaign to turn our CSR commitments into reality. Building on prior year advances, all our people, both in France and elsewhere, did their bit adding to our array of planet-friendly and socially inclusive everyday practices.
Regarding environmental matters, under the Group climate trajectory aiming to slash Group carbon emissions 30% (vs 2019) by 2030, all divisions strove to come up with and implement ways to decarbonize our operations. What is more, we stepped up our efforts to preserve nature, cut waste and boost recycling. Specifically, Hachette Livre’s ecodesign program was rewarded by a “Victoires du Capital Humain” gold trophy awarded by “Décideurs RH” magazine. Meanwhile, Lagardère Travel Retail will shortly complete its transition to eliminating single-use plastic bags at its tills and other consumables in all outlets, including in countries where such items are legally allowed.
Diversity, inclusion and disability issues further remain a top priority. Regarding gender equality, our top executive boards and committees comprised 46% women beating the target set in 2021.
Lastly, regarding social responsibility, access to learning, culture and freedom of expression are constantly uppermost in our priorities, on which we take action through the contribution of our two foundations, the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation and the Hachette for Reading Foundation.
In 2023, we updated our materiality analysis by adopting the so-called “double materiality” approach, which factors in both how sustainability impacts the Group’s performance and finances and how the Group’s operations impact the environment and society at large.
As a result, we identified thirteen material issues. This presentation outlines action taken to address such key issues.