For the OCS team, sustainability is a responsibility and an opportunity. Our newly revised UK & Ireland ESG Strategy reaffirms our commitment to creating a better, brighter future by embedding environmental stewardship, social value, and ethical governance across everything we do.
Why ESG Matters Now
The global conversation around ESG is shifting, and expectations are rising. Customers, partners, and stakeholders increasingly look to organisations to lead with purpose and integrity. We see this as both a challenge and a call to action.
With more than 50,000 colleagues across the UK and Ireland—and over 130,000 globally—our ESG commitments are grounded in our TRUE values: Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment. These values underpin how we operate, ensuring transparency and accountability as we deliver on our promises.
As we aim to become the world’s best facilities services company, we know that our long-term success depends on how we manage our impact on people, places, and the planet.
Our ESG Strategy in Action
Building on more than 125 years of ethical business practice, our UK & Ireland ESG Strategy integrates local initiatives into a wider global framework. From sustainable procurement to electric vehicle transition, we’re embedding sustainability into every part of our business.
We’ve committed to net zero by 2040 across all Scope 1–3 emissions in the UK and Ireland, and globally by 2050. Key milestones include:
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100% renewable electricity for all UK&I offices by the end of 2025
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70% reduction in Scope 1 emissions by 2030
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100% electric or hybrid fleet by 2034
Our approach also includes partnerships with NGOs and changemakers to amplify environmental progress, support communities, and promote responsible consumption—such as through lower carbon meals, waste reduction, and circular resource use.
Leading the Conversation on Social Value
While environmental sustainability remains essential, we are seeing social value take centre stage—especially in the UK. Social value is about making a meaningful, measurable impact in people’s lives, beyond compliance or checklists.
In 2024, we generated over £80 million in social value across the UK and Ireland. This includes:
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Improving community wellbeing
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Creating employment pathways for those facing barriers
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Supporting youth aspirations through career development programmes
Our commitment to social mobility, diversity, and inclusion is reflected in initiatives such as:
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CHROMA, our colleague-led DEI platform supporting inclusive culture through four networks: Physical & Mental Health, Race/Ethnicity & Faith, LGBTQ+ & Gender, and Armed Forces & Veterans
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Our People into Work programme, supporting 300+ job starts annually
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A growing apprenticeship programme, with a target of 1,000+ apprentices year-on-year
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Active support for veterans through the Armed Forces Covenant
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Ongoing engagement with schools and community groups to boost life chances
Although social value reporting is still evolving, our approach remains grounded in transparency and real-world outcomes. We are committed to being part of the shift that puts people at the heart of ESG.
Committed to Strong Governance
We measure success not only by what we achieve—but by how we achieve it. Our governance commitments ensure that ethical conduct, accountability, and stakeholder engagement are embedded across all areas of our business.
We maintain a clear and pragmatic approach to sustainability governance, supported by dedicated committees overseeing ESG strategy, risk, and modern slavery. We:
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Conduct external audits of our emissions
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Partner with expert organisations such as Slave Free Alliance to address human rights risks
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Uphold our TRUE values through high standards of integrity, fairness, and open communication
This transparent, values-driven model allows us to remain agile, responsive, and united in our pursuit of positive change.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Impact
In 2025, we are doubling down on our ESG ambitions. Whether it’s diverting uniforms from landfill or creating meaningful career opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, our journey is defined by purpose and progress.
By 2030, we aim to:
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Raise £500,000 for charitable causes, including the OCS Foundation
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Offer at least one volunteering day per year to every corporate colleague
There’s no finish line in ESG—but there is momentum. And with every step forward, we’re ensuring that people and places are the best they can be.
