BGF Retail Achieves Integrated A Grade in ESG Evaluation for 3 Consecutive Years This Year

"The Only One in the Convenience Store Industry This Year"

Exterior view of BGF Retail's convenience store CU. (Photo by BGF Retail)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] BGF Retail, the operator of CU, announced on the 25th that it has achieved an integrated A grade for three consecutive years in the 2022 ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) evaluation by the Korea Corporate Governance Service (KCGS).

This year, BGF Retail is the only company in the convenience store industry to receive an A grade or higher in all ESG areas.

BGF Retail received an A grade in the environmental sector, an A+ grade in the social sector, and an A grade in the governance sector. Notably, it was the only convenience store company to receive an A rating in the environmental sector.

BGF Retail is conducting ESG management based on global ESG guidelines, focusing on three core goals: ▲building an eco-friendly value chain ▲creating a co-prosperity ecosystem ▲supporting a healthy and happy life.

In the environmental sector, it is carrying out campaigns to practice environmental protection in daily life and implementing measures to support eco-friendly consumption, such as introducing eco-friendly products, labeling recycling grades on private brand (PB) products, and expanding the application of eco-friendly containers and consumables.

In the social sector, CU’s business infrastructure was highly evaluated for its public interest functions. BGF Retail has signed business agreements with various organizations, including local governments, the National Police Agency, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and is conducting campaigns to prevent missing persons and abuse, find long-term missing children, and provide emergency relief activities during disasters and calamities. Recently, it partnered with S-1 Corporation to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at major stores.

Regarding governance, it operates shareholder rights protection and audit systems.

Yang Jaeseok, Head of Communications at BGF Retail, said, “BGF Group is actively implementing a mid- to long-term ESG roadmap to establish a foundation for sustainable growth and fulfill the company’s social and economic responsibilities. We will continue to lead industry trends and carry out various advanced ESG activities as a model corporate citizen.”