ESG
At OCS, we are in a position to make a tangible difference to people and the planet.
That’s why being a responsible business is so important to us.
We want to use our unique position to create lasting change.
We have a global ESG strategy, which we continually update and improve. Our teams in each country deliver this strategy through activities in their local areas. You can find out about the local initiatives near you by visiting the country specific sites.
ESG is not just about the impact we have on our planet for future generations
But for the people living here today as well. That’s why our strategy focuses on two key areas in which we can make the biggest difference: reducing our carbon footprint and advancing social mobility.
Reducing our carbon footprint
Every OCS company in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand commits to being net zero by 2040. We will do this by adopting a full-scope approach. Our targets cover:
- Scope 1: to reduce direct emissions from the buildings and assets we own.
- Scope 2: to purchase electricity, steam, heating and cooling systems with fewer emissions.
- Scope 3: to lower indirect emissions throughout our supply chain. We know this, in particular, is complex, and we will need to influence our supply chain and other partners. However, we believe that our commitment should include all those we work with to achieve net zero authentically.
We have committed to several key milestones on our way to net zero:
Renewable energy in our UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand offices by 2025.
Reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030 in OCS companies in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Reduction in our Scope 1 emissions by 2030 in OCS companies in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Electric or hybrid vehicles across our global business by 2034.
Our net zero commitment is made in line with science-based targets to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals. Science-based targets provide resilience against new regulations, drive innovation and demonstrate our commitments are authentic.
It’s all in the detail
How do we plan to get there?
To hit our Net Zero targets we will:
- Improve our customers’ chemical and waste management systems, to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
- Work with our customers to improve their energy efficiency.
- Prioritise suppliers that share our sustainability goals.
- Eradicate single-use plastics in our workplaces.
- Expand our partnerships with governments, NGOs and customers, to make the case for effective sustainability strategies across industries.
- Embed sustainable behaviours into everything we do.
Using our influence for good
The nature of our work means that we are in a unique position to support other businesses in their drive towards net zero. We use our influence to help customers achieve their own sustainability targets – as trusted partners, we work with our customers to reduce their carbon footprint and introduce sustainability initiatives.
Technology takes us further
We leverage technology to drive building efficiencies, transition to electric vehicles, and reduce our reliance on natural resources in our operations.
Keeping in line with UN Goals
We have shaped our approach to ESG around the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our ESG strategy plays an integral role in reducing inequality and spurring economic growth in the countries we work in. All the while, we are trying to tackle climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
Our approach in action
- OCS UK has received a silver EcoVadis sustainability rating.
- Our Thailand HQ is now powered by solar panels. Our sustainability efforts in Thailand earned us the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation certification for our carbon footprint. We are the first facilities services company to receive the award.
- In New Zealand, our team has formed strategic partnerships with leading sustainability experts. Together, they are accelerating our customers’ sustainability ambitions and had particular success in helping one customer divert over 200 tonnes of office equipment from landfill.
- In the UK, our teams are transitioning their fleets to electric and hybrid vehicles. They have also found a solution to recycling the impossible – paper towels. This reduced waste for a Government client by 20% with just one initiative.
Visit our country-specific sites to discover more actions we are taking to lessen our impact on the environment.
