Earlier this year, Andron achieved Planet Mark certification following an independent assessment of our carbon emissions and social value, strengthening how we measure, interpret and report our environmental, social and governance (ESG) progress. As part of the certification, our social value impact was independently verified for the first time, totalling more than £850,000 in FY24.
We started this project to better understand our impact, including what is working well and what needs more focus. Although we have tracked our carbon footprint for several years, this is the first time our social value contribution has been verified, providing clearer evidence of the value created through service delivery, supply chain decisions and community activity.
Planet Mark is a widely recognised UK benchmark used by organisations seeking to reduce carbon emissions, increase social value, and demonstrate transparent reporting. Certification is awarded only to companies that can show genuine, year-on-year improvements. With Planet Mark’s support, we carried out a detailed assessment across our UK offices in Aberdeen, Cumbernauld, London and Warrington. We submitted data covering energy, water, procurement, travel and homeworking. Carbon emissions were measured using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Social value was assessed through the National TOMs framework and aligned with 15 UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. Our FY24 verified social value included:
- Continued investment in colleague wellbeing and training
- Volunteering activities and support for local community projects
- Donations to charitable and community organisations
- Environmental initiatives such as energy savings and carbon reduction, supported by our commitment to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by at least 5% each year as we work towards our Net Zero by 2045 target
- Targeted spending with socially responsible suppliers, supporting both our own and our clients’ ESG and diverse spend goals, with plans to grow this to £1 million over the coming year
The assessment also supports our long and near-term plans on our journey to become a net zero organisation by 2045. Work underway includes improving emissions data with our supply partners, supporting smaller suppliers with reporting through EcoVadis, developing a transition plan with year-on-year monitoring, and working with landlords to move our offices from natural gas to fully electric.
By moving to a fully evidence-based approach, reporting becomes clearer and more consistent across contracts and sites, supporting long-term planning towards our Net Zero by 2045 target.
Thank you to everyone involved, from colleagues who volunteer their time, to clients who prioritise responsible choices, and to supply partners who continue to support our sustainability commitments.