Construction equipment and services provider Speedy 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 hire provider with its ‘prime’ status.
ISS, the world’s leading provider of corporate governance and responsible investment solutions, supports investors and businesses to build for long-term sustainable growth.
Speedy’s achievement follows the development of its ESG strategy, Energise, and its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its business, improving social responsibility and delivering robust governance.
Over the last 12 months, the company has made several multi-million pound investments in low carbon equipment, from the first-to-market battery powered lighting towers to electric scissor lifts. This investment will continue into the current year with over 50% of capital expenditure forecast to be on sustainable products which will further benefit customers’ carbon footprint.
Speedy has recently refreshed its company car list which is now almost entirely hybrid and electric. The firm is prioritising equality, diversity and inclusion within the workplace, alongside making a significant investment 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 this year to oversee the delivery of its Energise strategy.
Amelia 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.”
