Sonae Imobiliária, one of Portugal's leading shopping center groups, recently teamed up with DuPont Safety Resources to accomplish their goal of becoming the number one company in safety, health, and social responsibility in Europe and Brazil.

With 382 million visitors in 2003 and 5,400 tenants throughout Europe and Brazil, this Portuguese group has a tradition of close relationships with the local communities in which it operates. Strongly committed to sustainable development and being a responsible corporate citizen, Sonae Imobiliária has an excellent track record in environmental management.

The group is now widening its scope with the PERSONAE program - which instills new health and safety habits in the company's day-to-day working environment. Following the DuPont behavioral approach, this program raises employee awareness around responsible practices and enhances "felt leadership" throughout the organization.

The PERSONAE program will be implemented over a 4-year period in all Sonae Imobiliária shopping centers across Europe and Brazil.

"Underlying every aspect of the company's business conduct, social responsibility starts with caring for the people around us and taking preventive action to avoid accidents," said Alvaro Portela, president - Sonae Imobiliária.

DuPont Safety Resources, a business within DuPont Safety & Protection, is the authority on safe workplaces, providing consulting and training services in workplace safety, contractor safety, ergonomics and operational excellence.