Sando and the Sando Foundation Host Conference to Help Companies Integrate Sustainability into Their Business Strategies

04/06/2025

The Málaga Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the conference “Integrating Sustainability into My Business”, an event co-organised by the Chamber’s Strategy, Innovation and Sustainability Department, the Málaga Provincial Forum of Socially Responsible Companies, the Sando Foundation, and the Málaga Confederation of Employers (CEM). The event aimed to offer practical guidance for companies—large and small—on how to embed sustainability into their core operations.

The institutional welcome was delivered by Juan Manuel Rosillo, Second Vice-President of the Málaga Chamber of Commerce and Vice-President of CEM, and Esther Sánchez Manzano, Executive Vice-President of Sando and Chair of the Chamber’s Sustainability Commission.

“Sustainability is no longer a desirable option but an urgent necessity that demands collective action,” said Rosillo. Companies—regardless of size—are essential to integrating economic, social and environmental sustainability. It’s not about remaining competitive in spite of sustainability, but precisely because of it. At the Chamber and the CEM, we offer real support through initiatives such as the Sustainability Programme for SMEs and the self-employed—tools that help embed sustainability into company strategy through funding for efficiency and innovation. We want sustainability to form part of the DNA of every company, shaping the future of Málaga’s productive landscape. Our goal is clear: to make Málaga a benchmark province in social responsibility.

Esther Sánchez Manzano reinforced the message by highlighting the direct link between sustainability and long-term profitability: “We must commit for the long haul—sustainability is long-term profitability. That’s why education and awareness are so important. Businesses need to be profitable in the short term but also strike a balance; without it, they will not endure. At Sando, we believe ESG awareness is a shared goal, and it is essential that we consider company training as a response to new demands in sustainability.”

Paloma Moreno, Vice-President of the Málaga Chamber of Commerce, echoed this view, emphasising that companies must commit to sustainability without delay, seeing it as an opportunity rather than a burden.

Today we’ve seen that sustainability is not a burden, but an opportunity—to innovate, to stand out, and to build trust. We are living through a time of profound transformation, and we can no longer afford to delay key decisions. Sustainability is no longer a distant goal—it is an urgent necessity that demands action now. And in this context, isolated efforts are no longer enough: real change will only be possible through collaboration between institutions, businesses, and citizens. That’s why initiatives like today’s event are essential—creating spaces to share experiences, learn together, and build collective solutions,” said Paloma Moreno in her closing remarks.

Integrating Sustainability

The event featured a series of expert-led presentations and round table discussions, each focusing on key aspects of sustainable business practice:

Presentation: “Carbon Footprint Assessment, Registration with the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, and Implementation of Reduction Plans” Delivered by Juan Manuel Llamas Linero, Founding Partner of Green Globe.

Round Table Discussion: “Good Environmental Practices in Industrial Sectors” Moderated by Juan Manuel Llamas Linero, with contributions from: Pilar Escalante, Executive Consultant, Tourism and Planning Costa del Sol Francisco Javier Carmona, CEO, ABASTHOSUR Carolina de la Paz Guerrero, Head of Communication and CSR, Famadesa Rafael Urquiza, CEO, System Arquitectura

Presentation: “Introduction to the Regulatory Framework and Sustainability Reporting” Delivered by José Joya Roldán, Managing Director of Roadmap.

Round Table Discussion: “Trends and Opportunities in Sustainable Management” Moderated by José Joya Roldán, with the participation of: Manuel Martínez, Director, BMC Carlos García, Manager, Centro Plaza Shopping Centre (Marbella) Sonia Arias, Managing Director, EBV Consulting Group Alejandro Rodríguez, Head of Business Development, AENOR (Andalusia)