At Acas we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. We will play our part in addressing the global challenges of:
- climate change
- biodiversity loss
- resource consumption
Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy sets out how we will meet our obligations under the Greening Government Commitments (GGCs), while focusing on what matters most to our organisation, our people, and our operations.
We have structured our strategy around 3 priority outcomes, aligned with the Greening Government Commitments:
- working towards net zero and climate resilience
- smarter use of resources and services
- supporting nature recovery and biodiversity
Outcome 1: working towards net zero and climate resilience
As a public body, we have a responsibility to lead by example. Over the next 5 years, Acas will work towards reducing our carbon emissions and adapting our operations to a changing climate. We are committing to:
- reducing our direct and overall carbon emissions in line with Greening Government Commitments targets
- lowering our information communication and technology-related emissions, including those associated with hosted infrastructure, cloud services and device usage – Acas will seek to align with the Government Property Agency's (GPA) Net Zero interventions, which outlines opportunities for lifecycle replacements and estate optimisation (Government Property Agency Strategy 2025 to 2030)
- developing a strategy to improve both business and commuting travel, with a focus on sustainability and carbon reduction, promoting low-carbon commuting and business travel
- assessing and managing climate-related risks by carrying out climate risk assessments and developing targeted adaptation plans – we will also embed climate resilience into our business continuity planning
Outcome 2: smarter use of resources and services
Reducing waste, using water wisely, and procuring more sustainably are all part of our journey to becoming a more resource-efficient organisation. We will:
- develop a sustainable procurement plan, focusing on high-value contracts
- reduce our waste and increase recycling, including IT and electronic waste
- explore opportunities for waste awareness campaigns and education, to encourage behaviour change and proper waste disposal
- minimise single-use items and promote circular economy practices, including reuse, repair, and recycling
- lower our water consumption and improve monitoring of use across our estate
Outcome 3: supporting nature recovery and biodiversity
Acas has limited landholdings. However, we are committed to playing our part in the government's ambition to stop nature's decline. We will:
- explore opportunities to enhance biodiversity across our facilities and operations where feasible
- support and encourage nature-positive behaviours through awareness-raising and staff-led initiatives, such as volunteering days and environmental campaigns that contribute to positive environmental outcomes
- explore options for responsible and credible carbon offsetting, aligned with government best practice, as part of our broader net zero approach
Artificial intelligence
As we advance our sustainability strategy, we will actively evaluate the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting our environmental and operational goals. During the discovery phase, we will assess where AI can:
- enhance efficiency
- optimise resource management
- strengthen data-driven decision-making
We will remain mindful of the environmental impact of AI itself. We will ensure it is responsibly deployed in line with sustainability best practice.
As AI becomes more fully embedded within our business, we will prioritise ways that contribute to measurable sustainability outcomes. This includes reducing our carbon footprint, ensuring our adoption of new technologies aligns with our long-term commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.
Governance and accountability
Sustainability at Acas is overseen by a monthly Sustainability Committee. This includes senior stakeholders and is supported by a board-level Sustainability Sponsor. Progress is monitored regularly and reported to the Acas Board at least quarterly. The Sustainability Committee is responsible for:
- overseeing delivery of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy
- monitoring performance against Greening Government Commitments
- tracking internal KPIs and ensuring actions are on course
- identifying risks and barriers to delivery and recommending solutions
- reporting progress and recommendations to the Acas Board at least
annually - engaging with the Green Network and championing staff involvement
- aligning our activity with cross-government initiatives and guidance
We also have a vibrant Green Network, engaging colleagues from across the organisation to support delivery, share ideas, and champion sustainability at all levels.
Where possible, the Sustainability Committee will collaborate with other governance forums across Acas. It aims to integrate sustainability into:
- wider strategic planning
- procurement
- estates management
- workforce development
Acas maintains a climate risk assessment. This covers current and future risks to the organisation's estate and operations arising from climate change. It is committed to developing and maintaining an adaptation plan to mitigate its climate risks.
Monitoring reporting performance
We will develop internal KPIs to track progress against our commitments. These will align with Greening Government Commitments reporting metrics and reflect Acas-specific opportunities and constraints.
Acas will report performance against Greening Government Commitments metrics annually in its Sustainability Report which will be published in the Annual Report and Accounts. The Board will be reported to quarterly. We will be measuring and reporting on:
- scope 1, 2 and business travel scope 3
- information and communication technology hosting and device emissions
- business travel
- waste
- recycling
- water
- paper use
- single-use plastics
- sustainable procurement
Our KPIs will be guided by:
- annual reviews of performance
- feedback from our Green Network
- evolving Greening Government Commitments guidance and national environmental policy
We will review and refine our KPIs annually to ensure they reflect evolving best practice, data availability, and operational priorities.
Our shared responsibility
Every member of staff plays a role in helping Acas become a more sustainable organisation. From reducing travel emissions to using less paper, switching off devices, or participating in sustainability initiatives, everyone can contribute. We ask all colleagues to:
- be mindful of their environmental footprint
- use resources responsibly
- engage with and support sustainability initiatives
Acas is committed to aligning with the wider sustainability ambitions of our sponsor department, the Department of Business and Trade (DBT), and the Government Property Agency (GPA). Through alignment with the Department of Business and Trade and the Government Property Agency, we will contribute meaningfully to the UK government's collective environmental goals. This includes Net Zero, biodiversity, and climate resilience.