The Academy World Ltd: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy
Our Pledge
The Academy World is deeply committed to operating as a responsible and sustainable organisation. We have integrated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into the very fabric of our core business strategy. We firmly believe that robust ESG performance is not just ethically sound, but also a crucial factor for our long-term success and value creation.
Environmental Stewardship
At The Academy World, we recognise the urgent need for climate action and environmental protection. We are committed to minimising our environmental impact and have taken concrete steps to reflect this commitment:
Carbon Footprint Reduction:
Our goal is to reduce our carbon emissions by 15% by 2025 through energy-efficient practices in our offices and virtual course delivery.
Actions:
Transition to Renewable Energy Sources:
Investigate and Implement Renewable Energy Options: Explore options like solar panels for office buildings, purchasing renewable energy credits, or switching to a green energy supplier.
Track and Report Progress: Regularly monitor energy consumption and carbon emissions to measure the impact of switching to renewables and identify further optimisation opportunities.
Optimise Energy Consumption in Offices:
Energy Audit: Conduct a comprehensive energy audit of our offices to identify areas of inefficiency and potential energy-saving measures.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replace outdated equipment with energy-efficient models for lighting, heating, cooling, and other office appliances.
Implement Smart Building Technology: Utilise smart thermostats, motion-sensor lighting, and other automation tools to optimise energy use based on occupancy and usage patterns.
Encourage Energy-Saving Behaviours: Educate employees about energy conservation practices, such as turning off lights and electronics when not in use, unplugging chargers, and using power-saving modes on computers.
Promote Sustainable Commuting Options for Employees:
Public Transportation Subsidies: Offer subsidies or incentives for employees who use public transportation, bike to work, or carpool.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Allow for remote work or flexible schedules to reduce commuting frequency and emissions.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: If feasible, install electric vehicle charging stations at our offices to encourage the use of low-emission vehicles.
Resource Conservation:
Goal: Achieve a 20% reduction in waste generation by 2026 through comprehensive recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
Actions: Implement recycling programs, minimise single-use plastics, encourage digital materials over printed handouts, and promote responsible resource use among staff and students.
Sustainable Procurement:
Goal: By 2027, 75% of our suppliers must adhere to sustainability criteria, including ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
Actions: Develop a sustainable procurement policy that prioritises eco-friendly products and services, conduct regular supplier assessments, and partner with organisations that share our commitment to sustainability.
Curriculum Integration:
Goal: Embed environmental sustainability principles into 100% of our relevant business courses by 2025, equipping students with knowledge and skills to create positive change.
Actions: We are developing new course modules on sustainability topics, incorporating case studies showcasing sustainable business practices, and encouraging critical thinking about the environmental impact of business decisions. These actions will equip our students with the knowledge and skills to create positive change, fostering a brighter and more sustainable future.
Social Impact
At The Academy World, we prioritise cultivating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to unleash their full potential. Our dedication to social responsibility manifests through the following actions::
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
Goal: Achieve gender parity in leadership positions by 2028 and increase representation of underrepresented groups at all levels.
Actions: Implement bias-aware recruitment and promotion practices, provide diversity and inclusion training for all employees, foster a culture of belonging, and create employee resource groups to support underrepresented communities.
Employee Well-being:
Goal: Increase employee satisfaction by 10% by 2025 through enhanced well-being programs and initiatives.
Actions: Offer flexible work arrangements, provide mental health resources, promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles, and encourage open communication and feedback.
Community Engagement:
Goal: Dedicate 1% of annual profits to support local educational initiatives that align with our mission of empowering individuals and businesses through knowledge and skills development. We will also provide pro bono consulting services to under-resourced businesses in our community.
Actions: We will actively seek out and partner with local organisations that focus on education and workforce development, particularly those that provide resources and opportunities to underserved communities. We will also offer pro bono consulting services to help small businesses and social enterprises overcome challenges and achieve their goals."
Ethical Business Practices:
Goal: Maintain a 100% compliance rate with ethical business conduct policies and anti-bribery regulations.
Actions: We are committed to maintaining a 100% compliance rate with ethical business conduct policies and anti-bribery regulations. To ensure this, we are developing a comprehensive code of ethics, providing regular ethics training for all employees, establishing whistleblowing channels, and conducting internal audits. Your trust in our ethical practices is our utmost priority.
Governance Excellence
We are committed to strong corporate governance practices that ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible decision-making.
Board Oversight:
Goal: Ensure that at least 30% of our board members have expertise in ESG issues by 2026.
Actions: Recruit board members with diverse backgrounds and expertise, including ESG specialists. Establish an ESG committee to oversee our ESG strategy and performance.
Risk Management:
Goal: Integrate ESG considerations into our enterprise risk management framework by 2025.
Actions: Conduct regular ESG risk assessments, develop mitigation strategies, and report ESG risks to the board.
Compliance:
Goal: Maintain a 100% compliance rate with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to ESG.
Actions: Conduct regular compliance audits, provide ongoing employee compliance training, and proactively address potential compliance issues.
Measurement, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
The Academy World is committed to transparently measuring, evaluating, and reporting our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. We will utilise recognised frameworks and standards to assess our impact and identify areas for continuous improvement.
Measurement:
Environmental Metrics: We will track and measure our environmental impact using key performance indicators (KPIs), including:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3): These emissions encompass our direct operations (Scope 1), energy consumption (Scope 2), and indirect activities throughout our value chain, such as business travel and employee commuting (Scope 3).
Energy Consumption: We will monitor electricity, gas, and water usage across our facilities to identify opportunities for conservation and efficiency.
Waste Generation and Recycling Rates: We will quantify the amount of waste we produce and actively work to increase our recycling and diversion rates to minimise our environmental footprint.
Resource Consumption: We will track the use of paper, office supplies, and other consumables to identify areas where we can reduce waste and promote sustainable practices.
Social Metrics: We will measure our social impact through various indicators, including:
Employee Satisfaction and Engagement: We will conduct regular surveys to gauge employee morale, satisfaction, and overall well-being.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Metrics: We will track the representation of different demographic groups within our workforce at all levels and monitor progress toward our diversity goals.
Employee Turnover and Retention Rates: We will analyse turnover rates to understand the reasons employees leave and implement strategies to improve retention.
Training and Development: We will track the number of training hours provided, types of training offered, and participation rates to ensure continuous learning and development opportunities for our employees.
Health and Safety: We will monitor workplace incidents and safety data to identify potential hazards and implement preventive measures.
Community Investment: We will track our financial contributions, volunteer hours, and the number of individuals or organisations benefiting from our community initiatives.
Supply Chain Responsibility: We will assess and report on the environmental and social impacts of our supply chain, ensuring our suppliers adhere to responsible business practices.
Governance Metrics: We will assess our governance practices through indicators such as:
Board Composition and Diversity: We will monitor the diversity of our board of directors in terms of gender, ethnicity, skills, and experience.
Ethics and Compliance: We will track completion rates for ethics and compliance training and monitor reports through our whistleblowing channels.
Risk Management: We will regularly assess and report on environmental, social, and governance risks, including their potential impact and mitigation strategies.
Stakeholder Engagement: We will measure the level of engagement with our stakeholders through surveys, feedback mechanisms, and participation in dialogue.
Reporting:
Transparent Reporting: We will publish an annual ESG report summarising our performance against our targets, highlighting achievements, challenges faced, and future goals. This report will be available to all stakeholders and the public.
Regular Updates: We will share key ESG highlights and updates on our website, social media channels, and other communication platforms to ensure transparency and ongoing dialogue with our stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement:
Set Ambitious Yet Achievable Targets: We will establish clear and measurable ESG targets that align with our overall business strategy and values.
Regular Monitoring and Review: We will track our performance against our targets regularly, identify areas for improvement, and adapt our strategies as needed.
Foster a Culture of Sustainability: We will embed sustainability into our organisational culture through training, awareness programs, and incentives.
What are Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3)?
Scope 1: Direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that a company owns or controls directly (e.g., emissions from company-owned vehicles, on-site fuel combustion).
Scope 2: Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heat, or steam consumed by the company.
Scope 3: All other indirect emissions that occur in a company's value chain, including emissions from the production and transportation of goods and services purchased by the company, employee commuting, and business travel.
We invite all stakeholders – our employees, clients, partners, and the wider community – to join us on this collective journey toward a more sustainable and equitable future. Your participation and contribution are invaluable to us.
Disclaimer
While our platform leverages AI to personalise your learning journey, the heart of The Academy lies in the expertise and passion of our human instructors and mentors. Our courses are infused with their real-world insights and practical experience, ensuring you gain actionable knowledge that drives real results.