Giving you a robust framework for sustainability

Organisations that meet this standard ensure high-level accountability for sustainability that permeates down through the culture of the company itself, incorporating sustainability into every action taken. Senior management views sustainability as part of the business approach, going above and beyond when it comes to environmental objectives.

To meet this standard, organisations must have a clean recent track record in terms of pollution and work to reduce the impact their activities have on the environment by analysing where, when and how pollution may occur. Planning is in place to minimise the risk and impact of potential pollution events through a systematic response.

Transitioning away from fossil fuels is one of the biggest steps an organisation can take to minimise its emissions and improve the sustainability of its operations. This move is becoming a regulatory imperative, and doing so can reduce an organisation’s exposure to geopolitical events as well as the diminishing supply of fossil fuels. Organisations that meet this standard monitor and reduce their energy requirements and seek to use cleaner forms of energy.

Transport accounts for around 15% of global emissions, so reducing travel and/or transitioning to sustainable travel options should be a top priority for organisations serious about their environmental impact. The latter can result in improved outcomes for both physical and mental well-being, which can mean that meeting this standard will not only reduce the carbon footprint of your organisation – it will additionally enhance your social sustainability.

Effectively managing your water usage can lead to both reduced costs for your organisation, and a reduced environmental impact. Organisations that meet this standard actively optimise their water efficiency through both policy and technology.

Reducing the amount of waste your business produces makes sense in terms of both efficiency and sustainability. Doing so will cut your waste disposal and landfill tax expenses. However, waste stream management is also important, encouraging greater reuse of materials and recycling, as well as leading to tidier workspaces. Organisations that meet this standard monitor the waste they generate, and actively work to reduce it.

Organisations meeting this standard actively consider the impacts of their supply chain, their infrastructure and catering. They push suppliers to be more sustainable through greater transparency regarding the sourcing of goods, processing and distribution.

Basic needs such as food and clean water require complex, interconnected ecosystems that are functional and healthy. Every organisation affects the natural environment, and every organisation has a responsibility to protect, maintain and improve biodiversity. To meet this standard, organisations treat nature as part of their day-to-day operations, actively improving biodiversity the biodiversity of any land they own or operate upon.