By the end of 2018 we had made good progress against our targets and our ambition to be a sector leader in sustainable development.
In 2018 we exceeded still further our 2020 carbon emissions target (50% reduction against a 2010 baseline). We also remained ahead of the trajectory to meet our 2020 waste and community targets. Work to deliver our 2016-2020 Sustainable Development Strategy was well advanced, and we look set to achieve most of its actions ahead of time.
Our sustainable development achievements were recognised with a range of accolades, in particular, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Promoting Opportunity), and the Carbon Trust Supply Chain Standard (Level 2). More recently, in early 2019, we received further recognition: we ranked fourth in The Sunday Times’ Best Companies to Work For list, and we achieved, for a second time a Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Sustainable Development).
These accolades are important differentiators that require commitment, hard work and investment to achieve. We are rightly proud of them, and of the many people in our business whose dedication has made them possible. It’s fitting that we take the time to reflect and celebrate.
But we will not rest on our laurels. The environmental and social challenges our world faces have never been greater. There is so much at stake that all of us – governments, businesses and individuals alike – must ‘step up’ and take responsibility.
In the middle of 2018 we started to think about what our post-2020 Sustainable Development Strategy should look like: clearly, maintaining our leadership position will mean significantly challenging ourselves, with audacious goals and targets.
2019 will see us engaging with our greatest asset – our people. Their support, energy and creativity will be vital if we are to develop a strategy that will help secure the planet for future generations.
Rick Willmott