ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

UK facilities services provider Churchill Group has published its annual ESG report, which details key environmental, social and governance achievements in the 2023/2024 financial year. These include 100 per cent of offices transitioning to renewable energy, an 11 per cent reduction in scope 1 emissions, £366 million generated in social value, and 98 per cent of waste diverted from landfill.

The business says the report reflects its goal as an employee-owned business to empower its people to help shape its values and actions.

Churchill Group is working towards net zero by 2040. It received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and has committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50.4 per cent by 2032, and ensuring that 95 per cent of its suppliers by emissions adopt science-based targets by 2027.

It was awarded the Sustainable Facilities Management Index (SFMI) Gold Award and the Rising Star achievement for its strides in ESG. It was also awarded a Bronze Medal from the globally recognised sustainability rating system EcoVadis, placing it in the top 35 per cent of companies assessed.

The group also generated £366 million in social value, calculated using the Social Value Portal's TOMs framework, representing local employment.

Highlights included 44 people enrolled on apprenticeship programmes, partnerships with West Lea School's Supported Internship Programme and Deaf Umbrella supporting disabled individuals into employment and a new Wellbeing Champion Apprenticeship. The management development programme, Own Your Future, has also expanded. And the internal awards programme, Shining Stars, received more than 500 nominations in 2024.

In terms of the welfare of its workforce, Churchill joined the Association of Mental Health First Aiders and partnered with Able Futures, promoting NHS-backed tools like the Hub of Hope and My Possible Self. It has trained Mental Health First Aiders across the business and is promoting access to Wellness Recovery Action Plans.

It launched initiatives supporting those experiencing menopause and ran domestic abuse awareness training. It has partnered with White Ribbon UK and Respect to tackle workplace harassment and violence. It partnered with Inclusive Employers for guidance and training to develop inclusive environments, and was ranked number 10 in the top 50 UK & Ireland Top 50 Inspiring Workplaces.