Environmental & Sustainability Policy

Purpose

The ESG Institute Limited ("the Company") recognises that environmental stewardship and sustainable development are integral to our mission of advancing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) best practice. This Policy establishes the principles, responsibilities and operational frameworks that guide us in managing our environmental impacts, supporting climate resilience and creating long‑term value for stakeholders and society.

Scope

The Policy applies to all Company operations, including offices, remote working, training venues, business travel, supply chains and client engagements worldwide. It covers direct environmental aspects (Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse‑gas emissions, waste, water and resource use) and significant indirect impacts (Scope 3 emissions from travel, purchased goods and services, and use of sold products).

Guiding Standards and Frameworks

Our approach aligns with:

  • ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems

  • Greenhouse Gas Protocol – Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard

  • Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) guidance (SME pathway)

  • UN Global Compact environmental principles

  • Task Force on Climate‑related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations

  • UN Sustainable Development Goals – with a primary focus on SDGs 4, 12 and 13.

Environmental Principles

  1. Prevention and Precaution – avoid harm and apply a precautionary approach where environmental impact is uncertain.

  2. Continuous Improvement – set objectives, monitor performance and review targets regularly.

  3. Polluter Pays – internalise environmental costs in decision‑making.

  4. Circularity – favour materials and processes that keep resources in use and eliminate waste.

  5. Transparency – disclose progress and challenges honestly to stakeholders.

Governance Structure

  • Board of Directors – sets environmental strategy, approves targets, reviews annual report.

  • Departmental Sustainability Champions – embed best practice locally and act as change agents.

  • All Employees and Contractors – follow this Policy, participate in training and suggest improvements.

Key Impact Areas and Operational Controls

A. Climate and Energy

  • Source 100 % renewable electricity for offices and data centres where available.

  • Implement energy‑efficiency measures (LED lighting, smart HVAC controls) and track consumption monthly.

  • Prioritise virtual delivery of training to minimise travel; when travel is necessary, select the lowest‑carbon mode reasonably practicable.

  • Offset residual emissions through certified projects only after avoidance and reduction measures.

B.  Waste and Circular Resource Management

  • Adopt paper‑lite workflows; default to digital course materials.

  • Segregate waste streams and ensure at‑source recycling.

  • Specify reusable, recyclable or compostable catering ware for events.

  • Work with suppliers to eliminate single‑use plastics in merchandise and packaging.

C.  Water Stewardship

  • Monitor office water consumption and install low‑flow fixtures.

  • Choose venues with demonstrable water‑conservation practices for in‑person training.

  • Educate staff on responsible water use when operating in water‑stressed regions.

D.  Sustainable Procurement

  • Apply life‑cycle thinking to all purchasing decisions.

  • Require Suppliers to adhere to the Supplier Code of Conduct, including environmental clauses.

  • Favour suppliers with ISO 14001 certification or equivalent and evaluate environmental criteria alongside cost and quality.

E.  Product and Service Design

  • Embed sustainability concepts into curriculum: low‑carbon transition, circular economy, biodiversity, climate risk.

  • Offer clients low‑carbon and digital‑first delivery options as standard.

  • Ensure consultancy recommendations align with science‑based climate pathways and do not enable greenwashing.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

  • Engage employees through Green Teams and volunteering.

  • Partner with educational institutions and NGOs to promote environmental literacy.

  • Participate in professional bodies and forums to share best practice and influence policy.

Training and Awareness

All staff receive mandatory environmental‑awareness training as part of induction. Specialist training (e.g., carbon‑accounting, eco‑design) is provided to relevant roles. Training records are maintained by the People & Culture team.

Monitoring

  • Maintain an annual environmental‑aspects register and risk‑opportunity assessment.

  • Collect data on energy, emissions, water and waste quarterly; calculate carbon footprint using GHG Protocol.

Continuous Improvement and Targets

The ESC sets multi‑year objectives and annual milestones for emissions reduction, waste diversion and engagement. Targets are science‑aligned and reviewed periodically to reflect organisational growth, technological advances and stakeholder expectations.

Compliance and Non‑Conformance

Non‑compliance with this Policy or environmental legislation is investigated under the Disciplinary Procedure. Corrective actions are tracked to closure in the EMS non‑conformance log.

Review

This Policy will be reviewed at intervals not exceeding two years, or sooner in response to significant changes in legislation, organisational structure, premises, technology, activities or incident trends.

Latest update: June 30, 2025.

This Policy is non‑contractual and may be amended at the Company’s discretion.