Environmental, Social, and Governance represent the three pillars that make up ESG. ESG is about driving long-term business value in a way that is responsible. At OneAdvanced, our approach to ESG lies on our ethos of ‘Bettering Society’. We are committed to improving our societal impact and engagement through our four promises: better for the planet, people, technology, and business.
From cutting emission and reducing resource use to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, we focus on creating a positive impact on each: environment, society, and business. We leverage technology solutions to provide brighter future to everyone. In this blog post you’ll explore what the ESG pillars mean, why they matter, and how businesses can use them to build a better future. In the meantime, you can download our latest Annual Trends Report to learn more about current ESG trends and best practices.
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Here are the three pillars of ESG:
The environmental pillar
The environmental pillar focuses on how our corporate practices effect the natural world in terms of pollution, waste, and resource usage. This is particularly influenced by our waste management, energy usage, and the way we manage our offices. Key strategies to incorporate the environmental part include:
Reduce carbon emission
Reducing carbon footprint is essential for minimising environmental impact and combating climate changes. At OneAdvanced, we are dedicated to cutting our carbon emissions every year on our journey to net zero. We are proud to report that we have reduced our annual emissions by an impressive 50.9% since 2018.
We’re also committed to helping our customers meet their sustainability goals with our cloud-based solutions. For example, our Field Service Management Solutions helps Anesco, UK’s leading providers of affordable, green energy, to efficiently manages repairs, procurement, and maintenance through reliable, streamlined software. Their investments have allowed them to lift over 350,000 people out of fuel poverty while saving 1.25 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Implement sustainable waste management practices
Another important aspect of the environmental pillar is the implementation of effective waste management practices. This involves prioritising waste reduction, recycling, and the responsible disposal of waste materials generated by our company’s operations. To start with, foster a recycle-first culture, encouraging your employees to actively engage in recycling and responsible disposal of paper, plastic, metal and food. Work closely with building management to ensure efficient waste handling and recycling processes are in place.
Go paperless
In today’s digital age, going paperless isn’t only a cost-effective option but also an eco-friendly strategy. By embracing digital transformation, we assist our customers in reducing or eliminating their reliance on paper. Our Clinical Management solution, for example, helps the NHS save 6 tonnes of paper a day by digitising letters and communications. Also, our virtual learning platform has saved our education sector customers 1.5 million sheets of paper in 2023 alone.
The social pillar
The social pillar of the ESG business model includes practices that impact our employees and the communities around us. This includes commitments to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, charity work, and community engagement and investment. Here’s how you can integrate social pillar into your ESG activities:
Focus on employee-wellbeing
We believe that employee wellbeing is closely tied to a productive and happy workforce. That’s why, we prioritise our employees’ wellbeing by offering comprehensive health benefits, flexible work arrangements, and mental health support programs.
And for our customers, we extend this philosophy by offering a comprehensive suite of People and Workforce Management Solutions. These tools streamline their complicated tasks, ease the load of mundane work, and empower employees to focus on more meaningful and engaging activities. By reducing employees stress and preventing burnout, these solutions aim to promote a healthier work-life balance and contribute to a more fulfilling professional future.
Reduce gender pay gaps
Gender pay gaps continue to be a prevalent issue in the business world. To combat this, you must prioritise equal pay and opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender. This means conducting regular pay audits and implementing transparent salary policies that promote equity. Furthermore, fostering an inclusive culture where everyone’s voice is heard and respected is crucial to reducing gender discrimination and promoting diversity in leadership roles.
At OneAdvanced, we have reduced our mean gender pay gap to 0.9% in 2023. However, we acknowledge that there is still more work to be done. As an organisation, we are committed to continuously reviewing and improving our practices to bridge the gender pay gaps and bring opportunities for all employees.
Engage in community impact initiatives
The social pillar also involves engaging in community impact initiatives that benefit society and build stronger connections with local communities. These efforts include supporting local schools or charities, participating in volunteer programs, and implementing Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) projects.
OneAdvanced has been a proud patron of the Prince’s Trust since 2017. Our support enables them to expand their reach and help more young people to change their futures for the better. Furthermore, we collaborate with educational institutions such as Birmingham Metropolitan College to nurture the next generation of innovators, providing them with opportunities to thrive and succeed.
The governance pillar
The governance pillar focuses on how you manage your business by adhering to regulatory compliance. It includes responsible business practices for data protection, cybersecurity, risk management, and supply chain management. Implementing the governance pillar effectively requires strategic approaches, which are:
Ensure transparency and ethical practices
Transparency and ethical conduct form the foundation of trust between a company and its customers and employees. You can achieve transparency by being open and honest about your ESG operations, performance, and decision-making processes. Additionally, implementing strong codes of conduct and ethical policies can guide your employees towards making ethical decisions that align with your company’s ESG principles, reinforcing integrity and trust at every level.
Adhere to Data Protection Act
As a business owner, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our customers’ data is protected. In today’s digital age, where personal information can easily be accessed and misused, it’s crucial for us to adhere to data protection laws.
At OneAdvanced, we align ourselves with the highest standards of our industry, having implemented an Information Security Management System that meets the requirements of ISO 27001. Our practice is led by our Global Data Protection Officer, who works closely with our General Counsel to ensure that our practice is lawful and compliant. That way, we ensure that our customers and employees’ personal data is anonymised, pseudonymised and encrypted wherever possible.
Leverage digital solutions
To ensure quality governance and risk management, we offer market-leading Governance and Risk software, which provides unparalleled capabilities to design and implement business-specific strategies. This solution brings connectivity to the workplace by addressing complex, admin-heavy processes with a joined-up solution. Our software creates integration allowing businesses to have greater control over their core objectives through enhanced transparency and enables teams to collaborate more efficiently.
Integrating ESG into your business strategy
Integrating ESG pillars into your business strategy means aligning your operations with the three core ESG pillars explained above. This requires a strategic approach that embeds ESG principles into your into decision-making processes and overarching organisational goals
1. Define clear and measurable ESG objectives
Well-defined ESG objectives not only provide a clear direction for your organisation but also demonstrate your commitment to sustainable, ethical practices. To successfully integrate ESG into your business strategy, start by setting clear, measurable ESG objectives that align with your company’s mission, values, and long-term growth plans.
2. Embed ESG into company culture
For lasting success, ESG must be deeply embedded in your company culture. Foster an environment where sustainability and ethical practices are valued and embraced by all employees, from entry-level staff to senior leaders. When ESG becomes a core aspect of corporate culture, it supports alignment across departments and ensures long-term commitment to responsible business practices.
Sally Scott, ESG Officer of OneAdvanced says, “We are making ESG a meaningful part of the way we do business every day, while ensuring that we provide our customers with solutions that contribute to their societal goals.”
3. Monitor and measure ESG performance
Establishing a robust system for tracking and measuring ESG performance is critical to success. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) tailored to your ESG objectives to monitor progress over time. Regularly review the performance against these defined KPIs and refine your strategies as needed to ensure continued progress toward your ESG objectives. If necessary, generate Annual ESG report, which can serve as a powerful communication tool for stakeholders, showcasing the company’s commitment to ESG and its progress in meeting goals.
4. Regularly review and update your ESG strategy
The ESG landscape is dynamic – driven by evolving regulations, industry standards, and stakeholder expectations. To remain competitive and compliant, regularly review and update your ESG strategy. Schedule periodic audits to evaluate the progress and identify areas for improvement. Stay informed about emerging trends and benchmark your performance against industry peers to drive innovation in your approach. Remember, adaptability is key to maximising the impact of your ESG initiatives.
ESG and the future of business
Embracing an ESG business model is essential for achieving long-term business success and sustainability. Here, we explore the significant role ESG plays in shaping the future of business.
Drives innovation and saves planet
Incorporating innovative approaches to sustainability, such as rationalising office estate and adopting green management practices, sparks innovation and uncovers new opportunities to help save the planet. For instance, at OneAdvanced, we have switched all our offices and data centres to green energy suppliers, using 100% renewable energy wherever possible to reduce our carbon impact. This has included using a fully renewable energy provider for all our UK offices
Builds trust and loyalty through transparency
Transparency in ESG practices is a powerful way to earn trust of key stakeholders – customers, employees, investors, and regulators. Today’s customers increasingly choose brands that align with their values, while employees are drawn to organisations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Therefore, by openly sharing progress on ESG goals, companies can demonstrate their accountability and integrity, and hence, cultivate deeper loyalty and stronger connections with their stakeholders.
Foster compliant and responsible relationship with clients
Adopting an ESG-focused approach is crucial for building compliant and responsible relationship with customers. You can mitigate the risks of facing legal, reputational, or financial repercussions due to non-compliance with regulations and standards.
At OneAdvanced, we have a strong responsibility to safeguard both our customers and the people they serve. Our software, which manages document and handles sensitive data, is designed to meet the requirements of ISO 27001. We ensure systems are consistently maintained and updated to minimise risks, while strictly controlling access to personal data. Additionally, our practices adhere fully to UK GDPR regulations, reinforcing trust and accountability in everything we do.
Influencing markets and shaping industries
Industry leaders who prioritise ESG often set new benchmarks that influence the broader market. By adopting sustainable practices and championing social equity, these companies inspire others to follow suit, creating ripple effects that transform entire industries. Additionally, ESG-driven organisations play a central role in shaping policies, innovating standards, and collaborating across sectors to address global challenges collectively.
Conclusion
ESG is a journey, not a destination. By embracing ESG and incorporating the above ESG pillars, you commit not just to your own success, but to the well-being of the planet and its people. It’s a triple win—benefitting businesses, society, and the ecosystem. Let the three pillars of ESG be your guideposts as you chart a course for a sustainable future.
Stay informed about the latest ESG trends and practices by downloading our latest Annual Trends Report today!
