ESG Report & Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan | 2023

Aurora Environmental, Social and Governance Report & Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan 2023

Continuing our ESG journey

As we enter the fourth year of our ESG journey, we are proud to have identified the stringent corporate governance overseen by our Board, quality team, and ESG committee, supported by external audits, which has resulted in significant achievements. 

Over the past year, we have attained accreditation such as Safe Contractor, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001, showcasing our commitment to quality, occupational health and safety, and environmental management.

In 2023, we are set for our most ambitious year yet. Our ESG highlights include:

– Completing our second Net Zero report, enhancing waste management to divert 100% of waste from landfill, and installing telematics in all vehicles to capture carbon emissions and mileage data. 

– We invested £20,000 in training and development

– Invested a further £2,400 in wellbeing

– We successfully reduced our gender pay gap at every level of the business. 

– We achieved milestones such as becoming Safe Contractor accredited

– We raised a huge £6,775 for our partner charities.

Looking ahead, we’ve raised the bar by joining the Science Based Targets Initiative, developing a social value program, and setting new targets for sustainable growth. 

Our 2023 objectives include:

– Signing up for the Science Based Targets Initiative

– Rolling out environmental awareness training

– Investing in energy reduction initiatives

– Establishing DE&I champions

– Become a Real Living Wage accredited employer

– Develop a community engagement strategy, mapping our tier 2 supply chain. 

– Launch a Social Value Program. 

With ongoing dedication to diversity, ISO 27001 accreditation, ESG risk assessments, and stakeholder materiality assessments, we eagerly anticipate reporting our progress in 2024 as we continue to drive positive change for our people, planet, and communities.

Read the full report here: Aurora ESG Impact Report 2023

Embarking on our journey toward environmental sustainability

Aligned with our ambitious goals, our Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan details our strategic approach to slashing emissions across our entire value chain. Our aim is to achieve an impressive 36% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2030, and an outstanding 79% overall reduction by 2040, a decade ahead of the UK government’s “Build Back Greener” initiative. Despite reporting a 17% increase in emissions due to our business expansion, we remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2040.

Our plan identifies specific actions across different scopes, including investments in telematics for efficient vehicle management, exploration of alternative fuels, and the implementation of green technologies in stationary combustion. Importantly, we address emissions from purchased goods and services, waste management, and business travel through collaborations with our suppliers and the engagement of Sustainable Advantage. 

Highlights so far:

• Offset 100% of gas use
• We have invested in telematics, which are now installed in 100% of our vehicles. The technology will provide us with more accurate carbon emissions data
• We continue to follow the waste hierarchy, reducing waste generated, re-using and recycling as much as possible, and incinerating residual general waste to limit the volume of waste that goes to landfill
• We have made a significant effort to limit business travel unless essential; this has resulted in a 56% drop in emissions in scope 3

Our objectives for 2024:

• We will identify sites with high gas consumption and perform energy surveys to identify capital expenditure (CapEx) opportunities
• Continue to source new technologies as they become available and install these where practicable
• Provide driver training on how to drive more efficiently to reduce emissions to supplement the “Light foot” telematics already in place.
• We will investigate further green transportation technology as alternatives where moving to fully EV is not possible.
• Create an energy efficiency register allowing us to identify opportunities to reduce our electricity demand
• Work with suppliers to collaboratively set carbon emissions reductions targets
• We will ensure we procure the most energy efficient to allow our customers to make the most environmentally conscious choice for the products they purchase from us

Through our multifaceted strategy encompassing various scopes, we are committed to being a catalyst for positive change and preserving the planet for future generations. The Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan exemplifies our proactive approach in building a sustainable and environmentally conscious business.

Read the full report here: Aurora Net Zero Report 2023