M Group Services has announced what it calls “significant improvements and milestones” that have been made in its second annual environment, social and governance (ESG) report.

The Group has committed to halving its carbon emissions by 2030 and being carbon neutral by 2050. This report details measures that were taken in 2021-2022 to protect the environment, support its people as well as the communities it operates in and adopt innovative technology. 

It says highlights from the year include:

• “Securing a ‘best-in-class’ ESG rating in the business services sector from independent ESG risk rating agency, Sustainalytics. An ESG rating of 9.6 was based on in-depth independent analysis, compared to a sector average of 21.9. The rating puts the Group among the top one per cent of global companies for its commitment to the environment and sustainability and means the Group has a ‘negligible risk’ of reputational and operational risks through its direct and indirect operations
• Joining the Climate Group’s EV100 initiative. M Group Services has pledged to electrify its core fleet of over 8,000 vehicles by 2030. A total of 75 EV charging locations will also be installed for use by our people and the public
• Signing a letter of intent to cut down on its carbon emissions, support the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and contribute towards efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C and cut carbon emissions. As part of this process, M Group Services is developing and implementing near-term science-based emissions reduction targets. When these have been achieved, the Group will establish a long-term SBTi net-zero target”

It says a positive ESG focus is about more than a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions. “Across the Group, we are committed to creating an environment in which our people feel valued, supported and fulfilled,” it says. “Our priority is to build and maintain inclusive environments for everyone, aspiring to be the employer of choice within the sectors we operate in, with a skilled, sustainable workforce that can deliver on behalf of our clients.”

The Group says it is also committed to making a difference to the lives of young people and the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Ambassador scheme has impressively grown with 149 appointed ambassadors in 2021-2022 compared to only 30 the previous year. 

“For the second year we have aligned our key ESG themes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, placing a spotlight on the part we play in the overall global agenda to develop and grow our business in a sustainable way,” the report adds.

Jim Arnold, M Group Services Chief Executive, said: “The Group is on a journey to deliver long-term solutions to its people, clients and their customers. This report reflects all the hard work and dedication people across the businesses are putting in to make M Group Services more inclusive, sustainable and progressive.

“We are focused on the ways in which our people, delivery and innovation can promote and sustain good health and wellbeing, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure. By delivering against these United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we will achieve our ambition to be part of creating sustainable cities and communities and taking positive, impactful climate action.

“I am proud of the year-on-year progress we have made. Our commitment to ESG principles is ethically the right thing to do. It also makes good business sense. We will continue to identify opportunities to evolve and improve across all aspects of our ESG activity.”

(Picture – M Group Services)