Las Vegas Sands has been named to the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for both World and North America, marking its fifth consecutive year of recognition. The achievement underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, governance, and corporate responsibility.
A Rare Honour in the Casino Industry
Las Vegas Sands and its Asian subsidiary, Sands China Ltd., are among the few companies recognised globally in the Casino and Gaming category. Sands is the only company listed in the DJSI North America category, while Sands China is one of two in DJSI Asia Pacific.
- DJSI World: Represents the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies based on economic, environmental, and social criteria.
- DJSI North America and Asia Pacific: Include the top 20% of the 600 largest companies in their respective regions.
This distinction highlights the exceptional performance of Sands and Sands China in an industry where sustainability recognition is rare.
ESG Achievements and Ambitions
The company’s placement on DJSI is more than a badge of honour; it reflects significant strides in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. Katarina Tesarova, Sands’ senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, emphasized the collaborative effort behind this success, saying, “It’s not just about being recognised; it’s about learning and improving every year.”
2021-2025 ESG Targets
Las Vegas Sands has laid out bold targets for its current ESG reporting cycle, focusing on three pillars: People, Communities, and Planet.
- People: Investing $200 million in workforce development by 2025.
- By the end of 2023, Sands had invested $68 million, reaching a cumulative $181 million since 2021.
- Communities: Contributing 250,000 volunteer hours by 2025.
- Sands Team Members have logged 222,823 hours supporting local causes since 2021.
- Planet: Reducing carbon emissions by 17.5% by 2025.
- As of 2023, Sands had achieved a remarkable 50% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the baseline year.
External Recognition and Benchmarks
Sands has leveraged various benchmarks and assessments, including the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, to guide its ESG efforts. This approach has garnered additional accolades, such as a spot on Newsweek’s “America’s Most Responsible Companies,” where Sands ranked 60th overall and first in the hotels, dining, and leisure sector.
Why DJSI Matters
The DJSI, launched in 1999, set the standard for sustainability benchmarks and remains a key reference point for sustainability-focused investors. The indices evaluate companies on a range of criteria, including environmental performance, social impact, and governance practices, making them a gold standard for corporate sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Las Vegas Sands is not resting on its laurels. The company plans to provide updates on its progress toward ESG targets in its next report, slated for release in spring 2025. This commitment to transparency and continual improvement ensures that Sands will remain a leader in sustainability within the gaming and hospitality industry.
