Vertas Group shortlisted for Net Zero: Operations Transformation Award (Scope 1 and 2)

Vertas Group has earned a spot on the Reuters Events Sustainability Awards shortlist, reflecting its dedication to sustainable practices and leadership.

For the first time, Vertas Group is delighted to be a part of the Sustainability Awards 2024, which are designed to celebrate leadership in sustainable business.

Now in its 14^th year, the Awards are more than an acknowledgement of excellent sustainability strategies. Instead, they recognise those who truly impact business, society, and the environment.

Earlier this year, Sustainability Magazine recognised the Reuters Events Sustainability Awards as one of the Top 10 sustainability awards, highlighting their growing importance in the industry.

To be shortlisted for the award, Vertas Group has demonstrated a clear and robust approach to reducing its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. The Group is proud to have made significant strides in this area, embedding sustainability into its day-to-day activities and long-term strategy.

Key Initiatives

For the year ending March 2024, Vertas Group achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey, reducing its location-based carbon footprint to 1,416.9 tCO2e, a 22% decrease from the previous year. The Group has taken responsibility for its emissions and made significant changes to its operations to reduce them, this includes:

• Exited three premises, permanently closing one and relocating another to a more energy-efficient space. This led to a significant reduction in gas consumption and overall meant a 35.1% reduction in building emissions.
• Additionally, they’re switching to renewable, clean energy in their buildings.
• They’re diverting 100% of waste away from landfill, and achieved a 22% reduction in waste emissions compared to the year ending March 2023.
• By reducing water consumption, they’ve seen a 12% year-on-year decrease.
• Their fleet now includes only pure electric pool cars, and they’re in the process of transitioning to electric vans too.
• By measuring and reducing their carbon footprint they are contributing to 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The company continues to work towards achieving Net Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions across the entire value chain by 2050 from a 2022 baseline year. This commitment is further supported by a near term target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90%.

Net zero will be achieved by reducing absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 90%. Vertas Group is incredibly proud of its hard-working colleagues and, as a company, has demonstrated its leadership in putting nature and decarbonisation at the heart of its operations. Its sustainability achievements to date, are the result of collaborative efforts across the business.

The Sustainability Awards serve as a benchmark for global businesses showcasing real leadership in sustainability.

Sarah Layton, Group Head of Sustainability and Social Value, said: “We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for Net Zero: Operations Transformation (Scope 1 and 2) Award. This recognition highlights the fantastic progress we have made in reducing our carbon footprint and decarbonising our operations.

Over the past few years, our team has worked hard to implement robust strategies that not only address our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions but also promote a culture of sustainability. It is an honour to be recognised alongside many other inspiring businesses, and we look forward to continuing our journey towards a more sustainable future.”