Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) continued

Planet

Carbon emissions reporting and reduction

We recognise that global warming linked to GHG emissions is a significant threat to the environment, society and economy.

We have developed a plan that focuses explicitly on emissions reductions to meet the needs and expectations of our customers, employees and communities. By using Achilles’ carbon accounting software (E-Manage) we have verified our outputs and ensured our GHG inventory meets or exceeds the requirements for ISO 14064–1:2018 certification and the GHG accounting protocol. During 2022 most of our operating businesses were certified to the internationally recognised Carbon Reduce programme. We are now taking decisive action in lowering our energy consumption and moving towards a low-carbon future by reducing our emissions by 4.2% annually and following a science-based approach to be net zero by 2050. During 2022 we recorded total emissions of 17.6 TCO2e, compared to 2021’s figure of 18.1 TCO2e.

Total emissions

• Supporting orphanages and children in care –with much needed clothes, school equipment and resources (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa).

• Running mental health awareness and virtual group events – in the UK, Dubai, India and Thailand.

Community engagement

Our extensive sustainability programme recognises our commitment to local communities by championing charitable, educational and environmental initiatives. We provide employment opportunities, apprenticeships and work experience, and we safeguard the environment and nurture biodiversity. In 2022 we supported 52 different charities and participated in 129 activities.

We are really proud of the work we have been doing across our communities:

• Fundraising and donations – for health-related projects and resources across all our locations. Vaccination drives (India) and raising money for Cancer Research (UK).

• Vital work with local schools – supporting young people in education, work experience and scholarships; assisting young people with technology needed to receive an education; school visits to inspire engineering and understanding of the world of work (UK, Thailand, India).

• Supporting biodiversity within schools and the community by building bug hotels and sensory gardens in schools and establishments supporting those with special needs; tree planting (UK and India) and mangrove planting (Thailand); teaming up with Composta (Brazil) to recycle food waste.

• Supporting local and national charities, local community activities and cultural events across all our locations.

Care in the community

Our focus has been to provide support for those who are ill, weak and vulnerable. Being a global company gives us the unique opportunity to support those in crisis where it is most needed. Our global workforce has contributed their time, money and efforts to support many organisations that provide care and assistance to those in need.

Progress

We recognise the potential impacts of the Group’s activities on society, the environment and the economy, as well as on our workforce. We aim to make a positive contribution to all these areas through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

The programme is fully integrated into all our businesses and is underpinned by strong operating policies to ensure we comply with all applicable legislation. The policies ensure fair and objective treatment in recruitment and employment regardless of age, race, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief and marital status. To encourage a more informed decision-making process, we measure our CSR performance across seven elements and 274 attributes within a CSR Scoring Matrix based on ISO 26000 Social Responsibility. By understanding how our decisions affect society, we can identify opportunities to improve our social responsibility and ensure we help make changes for the good.

Increasingly, our product portfolio enables the transition to renewable energy and the adoption of electric vehicles. Our smart management systems deliver energy savings, while our properties are equipped to support sustainable living.

• Supporting youth organisations – in their education and by providing essential equipment. CASE