CONSTRUCTION equipment hirer Speedy has announced the business has been recognised as an ‘industry leader’ in Environmental Social Governance (ESG) practices by the Institutional Shareholder Services group of companies (ISS).
ISS’s analysis of 57 publicly listed industrial services firms found Speedy to have the top performing ESG strategy, accrediting the firm with its ‘prime’ status.
Speedy revealed the achievement follows the development of the company’s ESG strategy, Energise, and its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, improving social responsibility, and delivering ‘robust’ governance.
Over the last 12 months, Speedy has made multi-million pound investments in low carbon equipment, including battery powered lighting towers and electric scissor lifts. This will continue into the current year with over 50% of capital expenditure forecast to be spent on sustainable products.
Speedy’s company car list is now almost entirely hybrid and electric. The firm is also investing to ensure apprentices, graduates and sponsored students make up 5% of its 3,300-strong workforce within five years.
The business appointed its first ESG director, Amelia Woodley, in May to oversee the delivery of its Energise strategy. She said, “This achievement reflects how employee decision making at every level of our business is shaped by sustainability and social responsibility. It’s a focus that will be vital in meeting the targets we’ve committed to, from becoming a net zero emissions company before 2050 to ensuring equal opportunities for our people.
“We are proud of the progress we’ve made so far in driving positive change for our people, customers and the wider supply chain. But we want to do more, and we look forward to accelerating change as we expand our Energise strategy.”
