Sustainability
ESG Strategy 2024
Doing business in the right way
Welcome
We’re on a mission to become the best facilities
services company in the world, and our collective
approach to sustainability and social value is central
to making people and places the best they can be.
As a global business, OCS is more than
a provider of essential services. We are
dedicated to social responsibility and
sustainability, seizing the opportunity to
create a better future. With over 130,000
colleagues in 24 countries, we leverage
our unique position to drive positive
change in the communities we serve.
Our success is measured not only by the
quality of our services bust also by our
broader societal impact. We partner with
customers and stakeholders to help
them achieve their goals, fostering
enduing relationships.
The OCS global ESG Strategy, developed
in partnership with external experts and
governing bodies, integrates our existing
local market initiatives into a cohesive
international plan. We are committed to
working collaboratively with colleagues,
customers, suppliers, partners, and
communities. Upholding our TRUE values,
we ensure transparency, evidence all
our actions, and keep our stakeholders
informed and involved in our progress.
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In partnership with London
Gatwick Airport, OCS’s Aviation
team pioneered the globally
recognised Sunflower Lanyard
Scheme to assist passengers
with hidden disabilities.
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Ethical business practices have been at our core,
and we have been committed to doing business
the right way for 125 years.
Our company’s success is interconnected
with our ability to manage the impact
of our operations on our colleagues,
customers, and communities.
By focusing on the right actions, where
we can make a real difference, is within
our power, and in collaboration with our
key stakeholders, we can play a key role
in ensuring a safe passage to a better
future for generations to come.
Our ESG strategy draws from our
extensive history, informed by external
experts, and fuelled by our ongoing
and future initiatives. With targets and
milestones defined by our commitment
to be authentic, being TRUE to our
values, and open to ideas as
science and technology
continues to advance.
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In 2023, OCS UK&I generated
over £63.7m* in social value
through various initiatives,
including enhancing community
wellbeing, supporting young
people’s career aspirations, and
creating economic opportunities
for individuals facing
employment barriers.
• We will focus on areas where our business
model and operational footprint allow us
to create a significant impact by providing
practical solutions.
• In collaboration with our key stakeholders, we
will form powerful partnerships to propel our
ESG plans forward.
• Our commitments are grounded in
authenticity, and our actions serve as living
proof of our evidence philosophy.
Guiding principles: Our approach
*Recorded and verified through the Social Value Portal
How we will make a real difference
Our core values of Trust, Respect, Unity, and
Empowerment serve as the foundation for our
ESG Strategy, nowhere is this more evident than
when it comes to people and social value.
Through the development of our
long-term plan, two critical areas
have emerged where we are uniquely
positioned to make a tangible impact
on society:
• Advancing social mobility:
We recognise the importance of
creating pathways for forward
mobility, by championing equal
opportunities, fostering education,
and promoting diversity and
inclusion, we can empower
individuals to reach their
full potential
• Protecting our planet’s natural
resources: As stewards of
the environment, we have a
responsibility to safeguard our
planet. By taking deliberate actions,
such as reducing our carbon
footprint, conserving resources, and
supporting sustainable practices, we
can contribute to a better future for
generations to come
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OCS New Zealand’s Wasteline
team developed washable,
reusable rubbish bin liners to
decrease waste going to landfill.
The liners were trialled with
one customer over multiple
sites in 2022, diverting 28,340
bags per year. Wasteline now
provide these bin liners to
customer sites across Auckland
and Wellington.
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Protecting our planet’s
natural resources together
As an international employer with 130,000 employees and significant facilities
management provider, we welcome our responsibility to create a sustainable
and safe world. Our commitment involves key actions:
We rigorously assess our
operational practices against
internationally recognised
environmental standards, aligning
to the highest benchmarks. We
actively seek and implement
sustainable solutions.
We believe in individual choices
driving positive change. By educating
and encouraging our colleague to
make environmentally conscious
decisions, at work and home,
we extend our impact beyond
company doors.
Recognising our impact extends
beyond physical buildings, we
actively engage in partnerships
to fulfil commitments. Our reach
and influence expands beyond
our organisation, we also assist
our customers in achieving their
sustainability goals and drive positive
change throughout our supply chain.
Environmental excellence
Colleague empowerment
Working closely with colleagues,
suppliers, and customers, we
advance innovation. Our goal is to
reduce reliance on natural resources
and restore ecological balance,
benefiting both the environment
and the communities in which
we operate.
Collaboration and innovation
External Partnerships
Our net zero commitment
Our mission is to be the best facilities services
company, by doing business the right way, which
includes a commitment to strong climate action that
aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting
global warming to 1.5°C and setting out a robust
pathway to achieve net zero emissions.
We recognise the importance that
measurements and targets play in
providing a clear framework for us
achieving our net zero ambitions and
transitioning to a low carbon economy,
in line with climate science.
We have committed to achieving net
zero by 2040 in our UK & Ireland,
Australia, and New Zealand businesses,
and to reach a global net zero by 2050.
Our comprehensive commitment covers
all three scopes of emissions:
• Scope 1: Direct emissions from
owned or controlled resources
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from
purchased electricity, steam, heat,
or cooling
• Scope 3: All other indirect emissions
within our value chain
We recognise that Scope 3 is complex
and addressing it requires collaboration
with our supply chain partners.
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In arriving at our net zero carbon
target, we have undertaken deeply
thoughtful work on our operational
emissions which is grounded in the
practical aspects of what we do.
Our carbon strategy is scientifically
backed and is designed to facilitate
a sustainable future and relies on
all of us making mindful choices
each day to help achieve net zero
by 2040.
Our net zero targets and
milestones are set against a 2023
baseline, following the merger with
Atalian Servest.
• 100% renewable energy (Scope 2) in our UK,
IE, ANZ offices by 2025.
• 100% electric or hybrid vehicles across our
global business by 2034.
• 70% reduction in our Scope 1 emissions by
2030, across our UK, IE, ANZ businesses.
• OCS commits those suppliers in the UK, Ireland,
Australia, and New Zealand, representing 76%
of its scope 3 emissions from purchased goods,
services, and capital goods, will set SBTs by 2030.
• All OCS companies commit to net zero for
Scope 1 & 2 by 2040.
Commitment to several key
milestones on our way to our
net zero targets:
OCS UK & I business have developed a Carbon Impact
Assessment tool. Developed by the ESG team, this tool
can be used to accurately calculate carbon emissions
for our customers. It considers factors like fuel usage,
plastic and paper consumables, and business travel.
The process has been externally verified to meet the
ISO 14064 Part 1 standard and Greenhouse Gas Protocol
requirements, and it helps OCS, and our customers
make informed decisions and reduce carbon emissions.
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Our environmental
commitments and actions:
We will work closely with our
customers to support and influence
their sustainability objectives,
through effective and open
dialogue. Using our expertise to
apply effective energy, chemical
and waste management systems
that reduce the impact on the
environment and contribute
towards our customers’
sustainability targets.
Work in partnership with our
customers to have a wider impact
We will take environmental
sustainability into account in our
global and local procurement
processes, developing strong
partnerships with those suppliers
that share our goals, to drive
positive change through our
supply chain, with initiatives such
as reducing single use plastics,
safe disposal of chemicals and the
reduction of waste to landfill.
Optimise the sustainability
of our supply chain
Through procurement based
on long-term environmental
sustainability within our supply
chain, we will leverage technology
to drive building efficiencies,
transition to electric vehicles, and
reduce our reliance on natural
resources in our operations.
Reduce our own reliance
on natural resources
Through education training, and
enhanced policies, we will motivate
and support our colleagues to take
steps, big and small, to minimise
the environmental costs at our
customers’ sites and to go further
than before. Our colleagues are the
ambassadors for our strategy.
Embed sustainable behaviours
into everything we do
Champion change
We will expand our partnerships with change-makers – be it Governments, NGOs
or our customers – to make the case for effective sustainability strategies across
industries. Closer to home, we will use our expertise to add value and drive
sustainable best practices, to bring about positive change in the communities in which
we operate.
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Adding social value by
advancing social mobility
We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and, most notably at the frontline,
the value they bring to the organisation and our customers. We recognise it is one
of our greatest strengths, but also that we can and should do more to celebrate
and invest in our diversity.
This is achieved by providing a culture that attract the best talent from the widest pool
and development programmes that ensure a level playing field for all, especially those
from a lower socio-economic background. A culture where everyone can thrive.
Everyone brings a unique perspective to OCS and we continue to build a strong culture
around equity and inclusion for our colleagues, communities, and society.
Our 130,000 colleagues across OCS are the ambassadors for our strategy. Through
ongoing training and enhanced policies, we motivate colleagues to take steps, big and
small, and so drive change.
Three areas where we believe we have an opportunity to make a real difference
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As a people centric business, our priority
is to ensure our entire workforce feel
valued, included, and heard. We aim
to promote a shared understanding
of differences as a positive attribute
that strengthens OCS as a multicultural
employer, where everyone can be
their authentic selves, without the
fear of judgement.
Our colleague-led platform CHROMA
(Creating Harmony, Respecting Others,
and Making Allies) empowers our people
to drive and enhance our diversity,
equity, and inclusion agenda. The
fundamental principles of CHROMA are:
• Give our colleagues a voice and
promote their individuality
• Champion and promote inclusivity
• Improve our understanding of what
is important to our colleagues
• Improve our processes
• Support and encourage our
colleagues to thrive and grow
• Ensure a zero-tolerance approach to
discrimination of any kind
We utilise the strong branding of
CHROMA and its message to create a
DEI framework that provides a voice
for our colleagues, is adaptable and
respects local cultures, and establishes a
common language across the business.
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OCS’s CHROMA platform,
supporting and providing a safe
space for our colleagues, was
the winner of the IWFM Diversity
Initiative Award in 2021.
Learn more
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Employability
We are very much reliant on our people
resources and the talent we retain and
attract, and as an ethical business, we
understand the importance of providing
sustainable employment, and the
negative affect long term unemployment
has on individuals, their families, and
the communities around them.
We look to add value in every community
we work in, by creating new opportunities
for great careers and contributing
to local economies. Developing local
employability strategies that include
working with NGOs that support
disadvantaged groups, connecting
with local schools/colleges to support
with education and career prospects,
and providing colleagues with
development opportunities.
Community Engagement
As a 125-year-old business, with family heritage at its core, we have always
cared about making a difference for the long term. Our success is defined
not just by the much-needed quality services we provide, but by the
broader role we play in society.
It is very much within our ability to provide additional support to the communities
where we operate, utilising the skills we have to improve education, provide life
and practical skills, and create opportunities that extend past the door.
We look to create a sustainable legacy that future generations will be proud of,
by supporting local NGOs that can facilitate our ambitions, providing professional
guidance, volunteering, and mentoring for those that need a helping hand in
society, and by investing in social enterprises that emulate our TRUE value of
Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment, improving the lives of those individuals,
groups, and communities who encounter OCS.
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Our social
commitments and actions:
We will continue to grow our
participation in programmes,
from local unemployment projects
to Government initiatives, that
successfully support people into
work placements and sustainable
careers with OCS. We will pilot new
approaches, learning what works
and continually refreshing our
recruitment strategies accordingly.
Recruit from the widest possible
talent pool and breakdown
barriers to opportunities
By offering ongoing training and
support, we can provide long-lasting
careers – not just jobs – both in our
own offices and across our
customer sites.
We are already increasing our
investment in learning and
development pathways, such as
apprenticeships and scholarships,
and continually look to hire potential
talent from underrepresented
groups. We believe every person
should have the chance to realise
their full potential.
Provide access to valuable
careers for all as an employer
of 120,000
Our colleagues truly reflect the
global nature of our business,
representing over 130 different
nationalities, and we follow inclusive
recruitment processes. Our
Code of Conduct drives an open
respectful and transparent culture
and we have a zero-tolerance
to discrimination or unethical
behaviour. To further build a
diverse and inclusive culture,
we will continue to expand our
investment in wellbeing, mental
health support, and diversity and
equality training programmes.
Foster and invest in a
diverse and inclusive culture
By securing products and services
from small businesses and local
community enterprises where
possible and working with our
supply partners to add social and
economic value far beyond our
own direct employment.
Meaningfully support the
communities we work in
through our supply chain
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Governance
Our ESG strategy clearly demonstrates
our ambitions and commitments to
improving social mobility, protecting our
planets natural resources, and being a
conduit for change.
We want out business to prosper, but
we also want our success to be valued
and sustainable, we want to achieve it by
doing it the ‘right way’. That’s why we will
be measured not just on what we do, but
on how we do it.
We will demonstrate our desire and
commitment to a better future through
realistic and measurable actions that will
be fully implemented.
The PCS Foundation and
World Vision Foundation
of Thailand have found
a common ground to
contribute to the development
and empowerment of
underrepresented communities
caused by poverty and
disparities in accessing the
public services. From 2022 two
projects have been completed
and one project is currently
under implementation. The
three projects will benefit more
than 13,000 people in the rural
areas of Thailand focusing on
the Sustainable Development
Goal #3: Good Health and Well-
Being, as it ensures healthy
lives and promotes well-being
for all at all ages.
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Our governance
commitments and actions:
We will maintain transparent
and open communication
with all stakeholders, ensuring
that information is shared
openly, honestly, and in a
timely manner.
Maintain high ethical standards
and codes of conduct that guide
the behaviours of employees
and stakeholders
Our decisions and actions will
be guided by a commitment to
integrity and accountability,
fostering trust among colleagues,
partners, customers, and the
wider community.
Establish strong governance
structures and processes that
ensure transparency and
accountability at all levels
We will work together as a
cohesive team, leveraging
our combined knowledge and
expertise to navigate challenges,
seize opportunities, and find
innovative solutions.
Foster a culture of continuous
improvement by regularly
monitoring and evaluating our
ESG performance
Through well-defined compliance
policies and procedures, robust
compliance training for all
colleagues, regular monitoring
and review, and continuous
improvement.
Ensure compliance
with all relevant laws,
regulations, and
industry standards
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OCS UK recycled approx. 4,020 items between
1st Feb – 30th April 2024, during their uniform
rebranding exercise. Using a secure environmental
recycling supplier, the process saved 1,14kg CO2e,
which is the equivalent of 2,931 miles driven by an
average combustion vehicle, 1,263 pounds of coal
burned, or 75,655 smartphones charged.
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Our ESG journey continues
We remain steadfast on our ESG journey. Our
commitment to sustainability and social value is not
bound by limits; there is no finish line. As we strive to
be the best facilities services company in the world,
ESG stands as a pivotal pillar in our mission.
United by a clear strategy, commitments,
and a pragmatic approach that leverages
our strengths, we champion community
and environmental protection. Together,
we shape a brighter future for people and
places, making them the best they can be.
Doing business the right way
We have a real opportunity to build a
valuable legacy by underpinning our
ambitions with a positive and purposeful
culture embodied by our TRUE values.
To become the best, we need to operate
our business in the right way, making
purposeful, caring, and proactive
management decisions and actions.
Building on the progress we have
already made, to achieve the highest
environmental, social and governance
standards. We recognise that our success
in intrinsically tied to our impact on
colleagues, customers, and communities,
and we continually assess and adapt to
evolving business practices, advances in
science and the opportunities it brings,
and continuous regulatory changes. Our
success will be measured by the tangible
actions we take, guided by our ‘evidenced
actions’ philosophy.
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OCS UK&IE have contributed over 1,300 volunteering
hours since Sept 2023. Supporting amazing community
projects such as the Women’s Aid East Midlothian
project, which provides support, information, advocacy,
and temporary accommodation to women, children, and
young people who have experienced domestic abuse.
Additionally, OCS colleagues have volunteered in a warm
spaces and foodbank initiative to assist residents in
Hackney, facing financial hardship and loneliness.
Connect with our team today
www.ocs.com/esg
Sustainability
ESG Strategy 2024