Climate Change Data

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

• Governance
• Planet
• People
• Prosperity

Environmental Achievements

• 77% Reduction in gas consumption per annum (360,000 kWh to 80,000 kWh) in a secondary school boiler replacement project, resulting in a 57-tonne CO2eq reduction.
• Significant reductions of paper and other waste from Vercity offices due to enhanced electronic data storage systems and hybrid working arrangements.
• Recycling of redundant IT equipment via a specialist supplier.

Social Achievements

• Ranked in the Top 50 Most Inclusive Workplaces in 2021 and 2022.
• 2335 hours of community volunteering per year (UK) through an annual Volunteer Day for each employee.
• Partnership with the National Centre for Diversity (NCfD) to launch a two-year action plan to further develop Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Governance Achievements

• Adherence to policies and terms of reference, monitored by the Executive Board and reviewed annually by the independent Chair, CEO, and Group Finance Director.
• Certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 55001.
• Implementation of Modern Slavery Act Policy Statement with a zero-tolerance approach to suppliers engaging in modern slavery practices.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

• Reducing direct Greenhouse Gas Emissions from business travel and commuting.
• Mitigating risks of IT failure and cyber-attack to business continuity.

Mitigation Strategies

• Active monitoring of procurement and business activities to reduce environmental impacts.
• Investment in IT systems and cybersecurity, achieving Cyber Essential certification.
• Implementation of security systems including Mimecast, Microsoft InTune, Samsung Knox, Symantec, and Zscaler.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement

• Ethical transparent evaluation techniques applied to supplier selection.
• Preference for reputable and registered companies, formally vetted and approved by an Executive Board director.
• Use of SMEs where possible to support local economies and reduce carbon footprint.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: World Economic Forum's Four Pillars

Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 55001, Cyber Essential

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• Nine of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Awards & Recognition

• Partnerships Award Silver (2020)
• Investors in Diversity accreditation