The client is a family-run enterprise located in the UK, specialising in supplying cleaning equipment and consumables to the cleaning services sector. As a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), they recognised the growing significance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in their operations. They aimed to elevate their sustainability practices beyond conventional Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The client acknowledged the necessity for a more profound and impactful approach to ESG, seeking to enhance their market position. They concluded that pursuing EcoVadis certification would be a strategic decision to secure a significantly higher score in an impending tender bid.
In addition to applying for EcoVadis certification, the client aimed to:
- Develop a comprehensive ESG strategy that aligns with best practices.
- Ensure their policies and processes reflect a strong commitment to sustainability.
- Achieve a Gold or Platinum rating in the EcoVadis assessment to bolster credibility and competitiveness.
Whilst this project is still in progress, the following steps were/are planned to be undertaken:
- Gap Analysis:
- Utilised the EcoVadis assessment criteria as the basis for a thorough gap analysis.
- Reviewed all relevant policies and processes against each EcoVadis question to ensure alignment and preparedness for the assessment.
- Policy Rewriting:
- Rewrote and updated company policies to incorporate best practices in ESG.
- Ensured that all processes were documented and compliant with EcoVadis standards.
- Ensured that all policies were aligned to create a cohesive framework for ongoing ESG performance.
- Comprehensive Review:
- Conducted an in-depth evaluation of existing operations, pinpointing areas for enhancement in sustainability and governance.
- Engaged with stakeholders to gather insights, ensuring that the new policies were both practical and effective.
Following the EcoVadis application, we made several recommendations for continued improvement, including:
- SA8000 Certification: To enhance social accountability and improve working conditions.
- ISO 56001: To foster innovation management and ensure continuous improvement in processes.
I expect that the qualitative outcomes of this engagement include:
- Enhanced Understanding: Employees gain a deeper appreciation of the significance of ESG and sustainability practices.
- Improved Engagement: Employee morale and engagement increase as the workforce recognise the company’s commitment to responsible business practices.
- Increased Confidence: The client feels more assured in their application for EcoVadis, anticipating a high rating based on the comprehensive improvements made.
After just three weeks of dedicated effort, I anticipate the client will be well-positioned to apply for EcoVadis with confidence, expecting to achieve a Gold or Platinum rating due to the substantial enhancements made to their policies and processes.
According to recent studies, businesses that actively engage in ESG practices can achieve up to a 20% increase in operational performance and a significant reduction in risk exposure. Furthermore, companies with high ESG ratings tend to attract more investors, with a reported 88% of investors considering ESG factors in their decision-making processes. This context reinforces the importance of the client’s initiative in pursuing enhanced ESG performance.