Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
S2S Group are setting targets to tackle the goals that are most relevant to the business
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals (also known as the SDGs). The goals aim to tackle the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, and climate change, by 2030.
The SDGs have replaced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The SDGs have set out to meet the urgent economic, social, and environmental challenges facing our world.
These goals have the power to create a better world by 2030 but will only be achieved with the support of governments, businesses, and individuals.
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Why have S2S Group signed up to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
At S2S Group environmental responsibility is core to who we are as a business. As well as encouraging our customers to recycle their assets responsibly, we make sure that we are constantly improving our environmental and ethical practices too. Because of the longstanding commitment to the highest environmental and ethical standards, the UN Sustainability Goals matter greatly. The company is committed to setting ambitious targets and reporting on progress, in addition to educating, encouraging, and influencing both suppliers & customers to do the same.
After working closely with TBL (Triple Bottom Line) in a ‘Identify Workshop’, S2S Group was able to assess the 17 SDG goals and highlight the most relevant to the business. After completion of this workshop, 3 goals were highlighted as the business ‘Priority Goals’. In essence, these are the goals that S2S Group feels that it can provide the most direct positive impact. These goals are;
- SDG 8: Commitment to decent work and economic growth
- SDG 12: Commitment to responsible consumption and production
- SDG 13: Commitment to tackle climate change
High Level Commitment - We will generate employment, pay the national living wage and boost the local economy
Employees are paid above the UK minimum wage and a company pension scheme is available to all employees.
Measurable targets
S2S Group will..
Ensure that the business is a ‘Real Living Wage Employer’ by the end of 2022
By 2025..
S2S Group will help create career opportunities for 50 people
25%..
The percentage of annual spend with local businesses
High Level Commitment – To reduce the amount of waste we produce as a business and encourage users to look at second user IT equipment
It is S2S Group policy to not dispose of any products, waste materials, raw materials, and packaging directly into a landfill facility, or discharging to land. S2S Group ensures that all waste materials recovered at their facility are recycled using methods that achieve the highest possible recycling rate, be it via sending for further processing at another recycling facility, or to an energy recovery facility (efw).
Measurable targets
S2S Group will..
Maintain the recycling rate at 99% or above by 2025
By 2025..
S2S Group will increase the resale percentage of incoming equipment to 75%
By 2025..
S2S Group will engage with all suppliers to reduce consumption and waste
High Level Commitment – To be a Net Zero Business by 2050
Aligned to industry best practice S2S Group seeks to reduce the business impact on the environment within internal operations by monitoring energy use. The company’s new facility was specified to include LED lighting as well as energy efficient heaters. S2S Group’s energy supplier contract is based on renewable energy as well as cost consideration data. Although, the current operations are considered energy efficient, S2S Group are in the process of setting Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for 2021 and beyond including developing targeted measures to reduce this year on year.
Measurable targets
S2S Group will..
Be carbon neutral as a business by 2030
By 2025..
S2S Group will use at least 50% self-generated electricity
50%..
The percentage of environmentally friendly vehicles in the S2S Group fleet by 2030
Ensuring alignment with S2S Group's ISO 14001 commitments
S2S Group has ensured that its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals align with its prior commitment to ISO 14001 standards. The S2S Group ISO 14001 goals include:
- Maintain Recycle Rate at 99% or above
- Produce sustainability report and reduce carbon footprint (Carbon neutral) by 2030 (long term)
- To align sustainability strategy to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
S2S Group is also working and committing to the other UN Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goal 1 - No Poverty
S2S is committed to being a Living Wage Employer.
SDG 1 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 2 - Zero Hunger
S2S Group works with local community projects to provide food to food banks.
SDG 2 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 3 - Good Health & Wellbeing
S2S Group has a medical plan in place and promotes good health including mental health among all employees. S2S Group is committed to a safe and secure working environment at all times and will train and maintain and has a designated ‘Well-being Warrior’.
SDG 3 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education
S2S Group is committed to training employees, providing access and resources to upskilling courses and education and continues to have active sessions on all aspects of the business. S2S Group also has an apprenticeship scheme to bring local young people into the business.
SDG 4 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 5 - Gender Equality
S2S Group is committed to Gender Equality in the workplace; promoting an Equal Opportunities Policy in relation to hiring, training, and promotion, and continually monitors pay levels to ensure equality.
SDG 5 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 6 Clean Water
S2S Group has measures in place to ensure we do the best for the environment, minimizing the impact and ensuring no waste from business operations goes into drains or sewers.
SDG 6 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 7 - Affordable & Clean Energy
S2S Group is committed to fitting solar panels to its building; part of this process will include supplying clean energy back to the grid.
SDG 7 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 8 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
S2S Group is an innovative business providing solutions with innovation at the heart. S2S Group uses RFID technology to track items. In addition, S2S Group will continue to promote the use of second-user IT equipment in the marketplace, preventing the need for new equipment to be manufactured.
SDG 9 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 10 - Reduced Inequalities
S2S Group aims to reduce inequality and promote an Equal Opportunities Policy both in the workplace and in our wider society, aiming to be as inclusive as possible through the support of schemes and charities in the local community.
SDG 10 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities & Communities
S2S Group is committed to promoting biodiversity and sustainability in its own Biodiversity zone at the Head Offices and has a partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to plant at least 500 trees per year.
SDG 11 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 14 - Life Below Water
S2S Group works to ensure that it does not pollute the rivers both in the local area and the wider community, through rigorous environmental policies and procedures. In addition, S2S Group employees also engage in regular beach and river-side clean-ups in association with charities.
SDG 14 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 15 - Life on Land
S2S Group works to ensure that it does not pollute the land both in the local area and the wider community, through rigorous environmental policies and procedures. S2S Group has its own Biodiversity zone at S2S’ Head Office and has a partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to plant at least 500 trees per year.
SDG 15 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 16 - Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
S2S Group is a responsible company and ensures working within the legal requirements of its operating sectors to meet all regulatory obligations for a business within the UK. This includes ensuring compliance, transparency and accountability and goes beyond meeting legal requirements to all applicable legislation. S2S Group promotes fair employment and ensures employees have access to support and guidance at all times.
SDG 16 more information
Sustainable Development Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
S2S Group has key partnerships to develop the UN SDG’s with customers and suppliers alike.
SDG 17 more informationIf you are interested in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals there is a website with more information
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