OUR ESG CREDENTIALS

As an experienced and responsible renewables expert both Renewable Connections, and parent company Armstrong Capital Management is committed to delivering positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts as part of its everyday and strategic business strategy.

ESG PILLARS

ENVIRONMENTAL

SOCIAL

GOVERNANCE

ENVIRONMENTAL

Environmental risks and impacts, including carbon emissions, resource use, nature, biodiversity, resilience and adaptation against risks of the climate crisis.

What we deliver

  • We are committed to designing renewable energy projects that deliver outstanding biodiversity net gains wherever possible. Our biodiversity initiatives include wildflower planting, installing bat boxes and bee boxes, and planting and enhancing native hedgerows.
  • Our solar projects displace thousands of tonnes of CO2 from fossil fuel sources every year they operate, which is up to forty years.
  • Our company Head Office has outstanding low carbon credentials. Smart lighting, water saving technology, and a zero-to-landfall waste contract, all reduce the carbon footprint of our day-to-day workplace.
  • Every day we help reduce greenhouse emissions by recycling paper, encouraging a paper free office environment, and using recycled paper for all of our corporate brochures and newsletters. In 2023 we recycled 680kg of paper that will be reused, saving more trees!
  • As well as encouraging our employees to car share or take public transport whenever possible for work trips, we have also introduced a cycle to work scheme. Each of these transport initiatives support the reduction of CO2 helping to create a cleaner, greener environment.

SOCIAL

Diversity, equity and inclusion within our workforce, to support innovation and productivity. Health and safety, physical and mental wellbeing, learning and development, labour conditions, modern slavery policies and supply chain risks.

What we deliver for our employees

  • Unconscious bias employee training to support an inclusive workplace.
  • Annual employee engagement surveys to promote positive change and improvement throughout the workplace.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that offers best-in class practical and emotional support, Perks and Rewards.
  • Private medical insurance and Health Support inclusive of 24/7 virtual GP service, mental health support, physiotherapy support, menopause support and care, online self-care health tools, reduced gym memberships and activity smart watches.
  • We look after our workforce and their families, providing income protection and death-in-service benefit.
  • To enrich the professional and personal growth of our workforce we provide access to the Udemy learning platform which contains thousands of online courses, as well as a full diary of L&D activities including employee Lunch & Learns and bespoke in-person training provided by expert advisors.
  • To show our true appreciation of our team and promote an inclusive culture, we host a range of social events throughout the year, including Christmas and Summer parties, a Friday social scheme, and charity quiz nights.

What we deliver for our communities

  • We don’t just build renewable energy projects. We also work closely with many of the communities we’re active in. Our team are passionate about renewable energy and sharing their knowledge and expertise.
  • In 2023 we hosted three work experience internships, giving young students the opportunity to gain professional experience in a supportive environment.
  • Our team have delivered Science Technology Engineering Maths (STEM) focused presentations to high school pupils, helping them understand renewable energy technology and promoting careers in the sector.
  • For younger pupils our work has included delivering solar robot kits which can help pupils learn about how solar works as well as fine tune their coordination and motor skills.
  • We also work with local schools, offering to arrange school visits.
  • We are committed to responsible, transparent community engagement, hosting regular events about our proposed developments, facilitating meetings and site visits, for local residents and elected members.
  • We have a comprehensive modern slavery policy in place.
  • A chosen charity voted on by all employees. We are currently supporting Macmillan Cancer Support.
  • Community benefit package given to local parish councils for every large new project.

GOVERNANCE

Identifying, mitigating and managing risks around environment and social issues at the corporate level. Company board structure, ethics, and compliance around environmental topics (e.g. energy, carbon, or wastewater). Social topics, e.g. Inclusive design, social value, or company culture.

Many of the Governance impacts have been outlined under the Environmental and Social pillars.  Those that are not, are outlined below.

What we deliver

  • In April 2022, we along with many other industry members of Solar Energy UK, made a commitment to an industry led traceability protocol to help ensure our supply chain is free of human rights abuses.
  • Director level representation on the Solar Energy UK’s ‘Responsible Sourcing Working Group’ influencing and contributing to industry wide initiatives.
  • A transparent, responsive company Board structure with ESG on every Board agenda.
  • Work with internal and external experts to ensure compliance with environmental legislation.
  • Progressing official ESG accreditation.
  • Committed to delivering a programme of corporate charitable fundraising activities and supporting employee volunteering opportunities.
  • Commitment to protecting personal/ sensitive data internally and externally in keeping with ICO regulations, as well as providing GDPR training.