Grupo CASSA: A Sustainability Ambassador
Grupo CASSA has been chosen as one of the Most Sustainable Companies in Central America and the Dominican Republic, thanks to its commitment to sustainability, in the Ranking by SUMMA regional magazine, issue 351 of August 2023. In this edition, the magazine selected the companies that work in favor of creating products and services in a responsible manner, help mitigate climate change and conserve and care for the environment.
In the Ranking of the Most Sustainable Companies in Central America and the Dominican Republic, Grupo CASSA was ranked 9th of the TOP 20 companies in El Salvador, and 58th of the TOP 100 companies in the region (see page 64: https://lnkd.in/eqBmEx7Q)
CASSA’s business model, specialized in the production of sugar, molasses and energy in El Salvador, is based on operating under circular sustainability and good business practices in order to promote economic growth, the well-being of its stakeholders and environmental conservation. To ensure the sustainable development of the territory where it carries out its agroindustrial activity, it designs and implements projects aimed at caring for and preserving the surrounding ecosystems.
“We are part of an ecosystem, and our vision must look beyond the productive unit of the plantation. Together, the company and the 3,000 sugarcane growers who supply raw material to the mills share the mission of contributing to preserve the resources of this ecosystem. Compliance with good business practices and certifications, the use of technology and innovation, measurement of water and carbon footprints, as well as dialogue processes with neighboring communities allow us to advance in continuous improvement processes, but the engine of the company’s development is our people: their talent and vision ensure that our business model moves towards high standards of competitiveness and sustainability,” says Fermina Cárdenas, Director of Corporate Relations of Grupo CASSA.
Key Areas of Action
- Renewable energy: With the generation of renewable energy from sugarcane bagasse, the Central Izalco and Chaparrastique sugar mills produced 393,096,115 kWh during the 2021-2022 harvest, illuminating 238,000 homes.
- Protected areas: In partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), CASSA protects and conserves 371 hectares of the Chilanguera Forest Protected Natural Area (Chirilagua, San Miguel).
- Agua 10: It is based on UNICEF’s WASH model, which consists in providing schools with an adequate closed water cycle, from extraction to disposal.
- “Community Allies”: It is an intervention model focused on building sustainable relationships with communities and fostering human development. It is implemented through two components:
- Community relations: Ensures that the agricultural operation is carried out with respect for the human rights of the social fabric of the areas where the company operates. Therefore, it provides information on the production plan and good agricultural practices, while encouraging the participation of neighbors to point out opportunities for improvement in the operation.
- COMMUNITY ALLIES PROGRAM IMPACTS (2011-2021)
45,231 PEOPLE BENEFITED9,459 FAMILIES BENEFITED
"Together, the company and the 3,000 sugarcane growers who supply raw material to the mills share the mission of contributing to preserve the resources of this ecosystem"
Fermina Cárdenas,
Director of Corporate Relations of Grupo CASSA.
