Filtronic plc
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023, 2024)
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental
- Social
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced energy usage per £ of revenue generated
- Improved use of sustainable resources by operational site
- Reduced paper and packaging waste
- Invested in newer, more efficient machinery
- NetPark and Manchester sites supplied with 100% sustainable energy
Social Achievements
- Launched an apprenticeship program
- Maintained graduate recruitment scheme
- Expanded Employee Assistance Programme (WeCare) to include additional mental health and financial advice
- Introduced increased flexibility in working practices
- Conducted a full equal pay audit
Governance Achievements
- Achieved IASME Governance Gold cyber security accreditation
- Reviewed and approved Group Policies
- Undertook a series of penetration tests
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Net Zero carbon target (pending UK government flow down)
Medium-term Goals:
- Develop a clear EDI strategy and communicate it
- Promote Filtronic as a female-friendly workplace
- Gain IASME Cyber Assurance Level 2
- Scope and plan for ISO27001
Short-term Goals:
- Implement LED lighting
- Energy saving equipment
- Education sessions in high-energy consumption areas
- Convert Leeds site to 100% sustainable energy
- Implement improvement actions from employee engagement survey
Environmental Challenges
- Global semiconductor component shortages
- Macroeconomic headwinds (inflationary pressures, extended lead times)
- Reliance on key customers
- Talent acquisition and retention
Mitigation Strategies
- Leveraged balance sheet to secure inventory early
- Strengthened business development function
- Invested in engineering and sales and marketing resources
- Implemented a new talent management strategy
- Improved manufacturing efficiencies and automation of operating processes
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: QCA Governance Code 2018, UN Sustainable Development Goals
Certifications: ISO9001, ISO14001, IASME Governance Gold, Cyber Essentials Plus, JOSCAR
Reporting Period: 2024
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:86.87 tCO2e/year
Scope 1 Emissions:86.87 tCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:0 tCO2e/year
Renewable Energy Share:100% at Sedgefield and Manchester; Leeds converted to 100% in 2024
Carbon Intensity:3.42 tCO2e/£M revenue (2024); 5.24 tCO2e/£M revenue (2023)
ESG Focus Areas
- Sustainable commercial enterprise
- Sustainable culture and organisation
- Sustainable environmental impact
Environmental Achievements
- 35% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from FY2023 baseline
- Converted Leeds site to 100% sustainable energy
- Removed single-use plastics from operations
- Switched several administrative processes from paper to digital
Social Achievements
- Implemented a one-off bonus of £1,000 pro rata for all staff
- General pay award above inflation for all employees
- Inflation-busting award to manufacturing operatives
- Supported North East STEM Foundation and UTC Durham
- Launched new apprenticeship program
Governance Achievements
- Achieved IASME Governance Gold certification (top 3% of applicants)
- Added new Anti-Competition and Anti-Trust policy
- Undertook cyber security exercises with the National Cyber Security Centre
- Implemented annual re-election of directors
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Not disclosed
Medium-term Goals:
- Increase frequency of communication
- Assess current benefits suite
- Implement improvements from employee engagement survey
- Expand apprenticeship program
- Create a knowledge sharing environment
- Continue to upskill employees
Short-term Goals:
- Implement LED lighting
- Energy saving equipment purchases
- Convert Leeds site to 100% sustainable energy
- Promote electric vehicle scheme
- Further develop a clear EDI strategy
- Implement ISO27001
Environmental Challenges
- Reliance on key customers (three largest customers represent 84% of turnover)
- Rapid technology changes impacting competitiveness
- Difficulty in recruiting and retaining suitably qualified personnel
- Potential for project delays or failure to meet specifications
- Uncertainty in forecasting market movements and product longevity
- Cyber security risks and data integrity issues
Mitigation Strategies
- Strengthened business development function
- Close collaboration with customers and suppliers
- Thorough review of engineering development at various milestones
- Project management team to ensure compliance
- Protection of intellectual property through patents
- Competitive remuneration package and long-term incentive plan
- Regular communication with employees
- Robust cyber security framework, including accreditations and penetration tests
- Regular reviews of network security arrangements and employee training
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier Code of Conduct
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: UN Global Goals
Certifications: IASME Governance Gold, Cyber Essentials Plus, DART
Awards & Recognition
- King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation