Menzies Aviation has joined the United Nations Global Compact and the Science Based Targets initiative, reinforcing the company’s commitment to contributing to a fairer, greener, world ahead of the COP26 Summit.
As a signatory to the UN Global Compact, Menzies has committed to aligning strategies and operations with ten universal principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption and to take action in support of UN goals and issues embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals. Menzies will report progress to the UN across these areas annually.
Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 12,000 companies and 3,500 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and 69 Local Networks. Menzies is part of the UN Global Compact Network UK, a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices.
Earlier this year, Menzies set out its environment, safety, people, legal and ethical ambitions in its sustainability strategy to ensure the business operates and grows responsibly and sustainably. The ambitions include building a diverse and balanced workforce and leadership team, and adopting the highest ethical business and governance standards where it operates. It’s also aiming to make 100% of its operations carbon neutral by 2033, the year of Menzies’ 200th anniversary.
To track progress on reducing emissions, Menzies will establish clear, science-based targets and create transparent plans for achieving these as part of the Science Based Targets initiative and the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. Part of this work will include Menzies reviewing how it captures and analyses operational data to measure emissions and carbon footprint. In time, Menzies will also review Scope 3 (indirect) emissions including those generated from its core supply chain.
To help kick start its sustainability journey, Menzies is participating in the UN’s Climate Ambition Accelerator programme that provides the knowledge and skills needed to align climate targets with a net-zero future and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
Menzies is also taking part in the UN programme to help advance women’s leadership and representation across the business. Target Gender Equality is designed to help companies set and reach ambitious corporate targets for women’s representation and leadership in business by tackling barriers to gender equality.
Both six-month programmes are delivered as part of the UN Global Compact.
John Geddes, corporate affairs director and group company secretary, said: “We are making good progress in evolving how we operate and grow our business sustainably to uphold our responsibilities to people and the planet. Through our involvement in these global movements, we will implement a principles-based approach to doing business as well as develop transparent and tangible targets and plans of action for reducing emissions. We are at the start of our journey, however these initiatives demonstrate our commitment to embedding sustainability in all aspects of our business, to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and create a fairer future.”
