AWE is on course to hit net zero target by 2050

AWE has published a new report highlighting its commitment to issues of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), and approach to delivering its core mission in a responsible and sustainable way.

This latest report covers many core ESG topics including protecting the environment, safety and security, employee engagement and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, suppliers and communities, safeguarding the future of STEM, along with the governance processes being utilised by AWE.

Since publishing its first Responsible Business report in 2020, AWE has established science-based carbon reduction targets, including contributing to Net Zero by 2050, which are in alignment with the Ministry of Defence’s Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach. A series of realistic roadmaps have been developed to help with achieving these targets.

The ESG report details AWE’s progress on reductions in carbon emissions from site heating and electricity, as this is an important intermediate step to the 2050 Net Zero goal. AWE is building on this with further opportunities for carbon savings being identified through a series of energy efficiency assessments.

Also showcased are AWE’s efforts at nurturing biodiversity, in recognition of it being crucial to the health and wellbeing of people and the planet. Last year saw the introduction of a Biodiversity Net Gain Scheme – which aims to leave AWE’s sites in better condition after development than before – complementing the ongoing management of native habitats and species on site.

AWE’s strong relationship with local communities is highlighted in the report through its continuing outreach work with schools via its STEM ambassadors, partner schools and local educational charities. Over the past year AWE has helped local charities through a series of donations and new ways of supporting their valuable work.

Commenting on our ESG commitment, Andy Scargill, Executive Director for Environment, Safety and Health, said: “We know that being successful with our ESG agenda will help us achieve our overall mission. Our ESG goals present challenges, but we are focussed on setting ambitious targets and creating a rigorous roadmap to support our journey.”

Our commitment to key stakeholders also features in the ESG report, offering insight into priorities for our people – both current and future – along with the support given to local communities, charities and education business partners. The report can be viewed online at: https://www.awe.co.uk/responsible-business/