Growthpoint Properties Ltd

The SET Committee (a sub-committee of the Board) and, where applicable, the Risk Management Committee, are responsible for climate change matters within Growthpoint. The SET Committee monitors Growthpoint's activities regarding organisational ethics, responsible corporate citizenship, ESG, sustainable development and stakeholder relationships. The committee considers relevant legislation and prevailing codes of best practice pertaining to environmental sustainability and climate change. Quarterly reports are provided to the SET Committee. The committee's terms of reference are reviewed annually and ensure that ESG issues, including climate change, are addressed. The committee reviews Growthpoint's strategies and policies relating to ESG and environmental sustainability. Where necessary, climate-related information that is considered pertinent is provided to the Risk Management Committee. The quarterly reports that are submitted to the Board from the sub-committees include updates on climate-related matters from the SET Committee. The CEO: SA provides information on environmental concerns, including climate-related issues and ESG-related information. [...] Growthpoint continually improves its sustainability practices to enhance our ESG strategy. This strategy was reviewed and approved by Group Exco, the SET Committee and the Board in FY21. The CEO: SA is ultimately responsible for the ESG and environmental sustainability strategies in South Africa. These strategies include assessing and managing sustainability and climate-related concerns. Growthpoint's COO plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing organisational strategies within various operations. The COO is an attendee of the SET Committee and presents environmental risks, including climate-related risks, to the Risk Management Committee. The sustainability function reports directly to the COO. The sustainability and ESG functions provide guidance and engage on climate-related matters. Growthpoint's Head of Investor Relations, Strategy and ESG is responsible for compiling the IAR and ESG reports, and managing ESG disclosures, highlighting trends, developments, regulations and disclosure requirements that may affect Growthpoint. The sustainability and ESG functions report to the SET Committee and the Board quarterly. Pertinent information is provided to the Audit and Risk Management Committees. ESG concerns are important to Growthpoint. As such, we link our executive remuneration to ESG performance. Environmental focuses include energy and water efficiencies, investment in renewable energy and net zero buildings.

The SET Committee and the Board receive quarterly reports on our environmental performance and sustainability data. This regular reporting keeps the Board updated on our progress against ESG targets and enables them to make informed decisions. [...] The Group Exco and SET Committee oversee and guide the Board on ESG and sustainability matters. The SET Committee holds the highest level of responsibility for ESG-specific matters, as delegated by the Board. This committee monitors organisational ethics, corporate responsibility, sustainability, stakeholder relations and all other ESG-related matters. It considers relevant legislation and best practice codes, including those for safety, health, B-BBEE, diversity and inclusion, governance and ethics, and environmental aspects such as climate change. The committee also addresses stakeholder requests for ESG disclosure. [...] The Risk Management Committee considers enterprise-wide risks, emerging risks and events, and ESG risks that may directly or indirectly impact the business. It ensures adherence to Growthpoint's environmental and social risk management system and policies, and assesses risks and opportunities related to our operating environment. [...] The Human Resources and Remuneration Committee develops the remuneration philosophy and policy statement, enabling stakeholders to evaluate reward practices. It considers shareholder feedback and recommendations regarding the remuneration report. The committee also implements Growthpoint's remuneration policy and assesses executive performance against ESG metrics.

Describe the process(es) your organization has in place to ensure that your external engagement activities are consistent with your climate commitments and/or climate transition plan?[…]Although we do not have a public commitment that is aligned to the goals of the Paris Agreement, we have established a Decarbonisation (Carbon Neutral) Plan, which is aligned to a 1.5 degree scenario. Engagement with industry bodies provides a platform for discussion and keeps the individual representing Growthpoint and in turn Growthpoint are up to date with current and future policies. The relevant industry bodies of which we are a member include: SAPOA (South African Property Owners Association), SACSC (South African Council of Shopping Centres), SA REIT Association and the GBCSA (Green Building Council of South Africa). Various people from various roles represent Growthpoint in these forums. All feedback from sessions feeds back into the SET SACommittee which has the management function of driving our Carbon Neutral Strategy, thus ensuring alignment to our internal plans.