We believe that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are essential to the long-term success of our business. Our new ESG policy and strategy outlines our commitment to protecting the environment and promoting social responsibility.
But what does ESG mean?
The term “ESG” stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance.
Environmental – reviews environmental compliance and how a company performs including climate change, emissions, waste management, water use, deforestation, and resource reduction.
Social – examines how a company manages its relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the community. Focus areas include health and wellbeing, equality and diversity, employee relations, modern slavery, working conditions, and the impact the business has on the community.
Governance – covers how a company is reviewed, audited, and governed. This includes fair pay structures, board and employee diversity & structure, anti-corruption, and bribery.
An ESG policy refers to the incorporation of these three factors into an organisation’s decision-making process. For this reason, many companies are now specifically adopting ESG strategies to create a more sustainable and ethical business.
What are the benefits of having an ESG policy?
The benefits of implementing a pro-active ESG policy and strategy include ensuring businesses create a clear roadmap to becoming carbon neutral, in line with UK government recommendations.
Put simply, by considering social responsibilities like employee wellbeing and community engagement, organisations will also improve their public image and can attract more socially aware clients, and employees within the workforce.
Further benefits of having an ESG policy in place, means businesses can improve their corporate governance, which in turn can lead to better decision-making, management, and overall control within the organisation.
Our approach to ESG
As office and educational furniture and associated equipment and services dealers, we’re always looking for ways to be more sustainable with a committed approach to environmental, social, and governance in our daily activities. By considering ESG factors in everything from the products we sell to the way we operate our business, we can create a more sustainable future for our company, the local community, and the planet.
The furniture we source, and supply will always adhere to certain considerations. This includes being comfortable, functional, stylish, and most importantly made from sustainable materials. To ensure we can meet our strategy, we only provide furniture that is made from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Additionally, we only use and supply furniture that is free of harmful chemicals, ensuring our furniture and equipment is safe for the environment and our clients.
Our Core Principles
With our ESG policy in mind, we have incorporated the following core principles into our business processes and practices:
- Ensure COI takes a responsible approach to invest and recognises the impact of related businesses and services on the environment, employees, communities, and society.
- Ensure we always respect human rights, and employee welfare, including the prevention of modern slavery and child labour exploitation.
- Ensure there is no bribery or corruption in any of our day- to-day business routines.
- Enforce equal opportunities and ensure we are not discriminating against any grounds of gender, disability, or race.
- Act responsibly towards the changing environment. With a sustainable approach to the use of raw materials and resources. Whist being responsible with hazardous materials and waste management.
- Actively manage ESG considerations and risks effectively.
How we are creating a more sustainable future
As part of our ESG strategy, we are looking at effective ways of specifically reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, supporting renewable energy sources, and improving wellbeing.
We also call upon our manufacturing partners and there certifications and associations with regard to Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP), Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) the PEFC, and the FSC for advice and guidance about sustainability whenever possible.
ESG and our team:
We understand the Government’s pledge to meet Carbon Net Zero by 2050. So we have established our own ESG Committee made up of our board of directors, management team, and employees. We have involved the whole company within our strategy to collaborate and work together as we believe that by working in unison, we can make a positive impact on climate change and ensure a brighter future for all.
ESG and our manufacturing partners:
As an independent dealer, we can collaborate and review as part of our approach to our supply chain management various key areas including sustainability. We also place a heavy emphasis particularly on the use of UK-based manufacturers. In turn helping to build on the country’s economy whilst bringing our clients a quality product in the knowledge they too are meeting any objectives they have to purchase locally.
All suppliers are checked against our supply chain management criteria:
- Quality Management (inc. warranties)
- Environmental
- FSC
- FIRA
- ISO 14001
- Continuity
- Social Responsibility
- Product compliance/testing
ESG – Environmental Social Governance – Our Policy
In summary, our strategy is helping us to work independently towards the ISO14001 Environmental accreditation. Altogether, this will help additionally ensure we are a responsible business with a clear roadmap to our sustainability goals, social accountability, and supply chain impacts.
To request a copy of our ESG policy please get in touch
Last Updated on August 9, 2023
