Ultra Electronics Holdings plc
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2021)
Reporting Period: 2021
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:12,974 tonnes of CO2 (tCO2e)
Scope 1 Emissions:1,855 tCO2e
Scope 2 Emissions:9,901 tCO2e
Scope 3 Emissions:1,217 tCO2e
Carbon Intensity:15.3 tCO2e per £m of revenue in 2021
ESG Focus Areas
- Protecting our planet and society (Environment + Defence)
- Supporting our people (Employees, Customers, Supply Chain)
- Giving back (Charity and Community)
- Doing the right thing (Governance)
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced site footprint across regions by 21,000 sq ft since 2019
- Reduced GHG emissions to 11,756 tCO2e in 2021 vs 15,010 tCO2e in 2019 (scopes 1 and 2 only)
- Reduced plastic consumption by over 75,000 items
- More than £10,000 saved on purchasing plastic cups, cutlery and bottles annually
- Reduced our plastic consumption by over 75,000 items
Social Achievements
- Launched ONE Ultra Forces Charter, demonstrating commitment to military veterans
- Awarded UK Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award
- Launched Global Referral Programme rewarding employee referrals and allowing charity donations
- Improved employee engagement score in 'Manager Relationships', 'Teamwork and Collaboration', and 'Understanding the strategy of my business'
- Launched Ultra ‘STAR’ leadership model focusing on four key areas: Self, Thought, Achieving Through Others and Delivering Results
- Launched ‘Strategies for Success’ programme supporting women in leadership roles, resulting in 25% of participants receiving promotions or significant assignments
- Launched Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster an inclusive workplace
Governance Achievements
- Updated anti-bribery and corruption manual and policy
- Launched Group-wide anti-corruption and bribery training completed by 99% of the organisation
- Launched Global Data Privacy training
- Launched new Supplier Code of Conduct
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Continuously improve carbon reduction plan and publish progress to achieve net zero
- Meet or exceed reduction targets for single-use plastics and waste
- Improve strategic workforce planning
- Grow and retain talent in line with succession planning
- 100% of Ultra’s top suppliers and suppliers agreeing a contract with Ultra after 2022 signed up and following the expectations set out in the code
Medium-term Goals:
- Achieve net zero emissions
- Global certification to ISO 14001 and ISO 50001
- Reduce average age of open requisitions
- Increase engagement and usage of global referral programme
- Implement Group-wide development programmes
- Increase manager capability in key areas
- Signing up Ultra’s top 30 suppliers to the new Ultra Code of Conduct by the end of 2022
Short-term Goals:
- Sign up to Race to Zero with a published carbon reduction plan in 2022
- Eliminate all single-use plastic cutlery, plates, straws, and cups by the end of 2022
- Achieve 10% reduction of GHG emissions relative to revenue for 2022
Environmental Challenges
- Global challenges of the past few years impacting ESG ambitions
- Decreased employee intention to stay with Ultra for the next 12 months (-10.1pts in employee survey)
- Climate change risks (though not yet principal risks for the Group)
Mitigation Strategies
- Continued focus on ESG ambitions despite global challenges
- Implementation of initiatives to improve employee engagement and retention
- Development of carbon reduction plan to achieve net zero
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies for climate-related risks
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- New Supplier Code of Conduct launched in Q1 2022
- Focus on responsible sourcing of materials, including conflict-free minerals
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events threatening business continuity
Transition Risks
- Increased costs of power/utility supplies due to regulatory actions
- Increased costs of implementing Ultra’s climate strategy
Opportunities
- Market growth in energy business due to transition away from fossil fuels
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: ISO 14001, ISO 50001, TCFD
Certifications: ISO 14001 (UK sites), ISO 27001 (identified information security management systems)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Quality Education
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
Alignment with SDGs reflected in Ultra’s approach to sustainability and Social Value
Awards & Recognition
- UK Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award
- Ultra Communications recognised as one of ‘Montreal’s top employers’