Our vision is to be a trusted government partner, agile in deployment and global in scale. With a network that extends right around the world, it’s critical that sustainability is a clear focus - something everyone at FCDO Services can engage with, and contribute to.

In the past year, we’ve adopted a new Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan from 2022-25. Collaborating with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), our new approach will see us identify opportunities to reduce energy footprint of our entire global estate. The aim? To make significant strides to in increasing sustainability – a focus that’s important to customers and colleagues alike.

Our new approach will see us identify opportunities to reduce energy footprint of our entire global estate.

Our sustainability initiatives are centred on improving environmental management, becoming ‘net-zero capable’ and producing greener products and services for our customers. We’re already improving – greenhouse gas emissions for our UK operations in 2022/34 were 31% lower than the baseline year 2017/18, and 23% lower than 2021/22. From small actions to organisational changes, we’re seeking to drive closer collaboration between efficiency, continuous improvement and sustainability.

So, what else are we doing? We’re using less bubble wrap, foam padded envelopes, plastic adhesive tape and nylon strapping in our logistics packaging, and using more paper-based products, including shredding cardboard waste for padding. We’re also replacing plastic pallet wrap with re-usable lidded boxes that can be stacked, reducing the storage space needed (saving over 100km of wrap so far).

Greenhouse gas emissions for our UK operations in 2022/34 were 31% lower than the baseline year 2017/18, and 23% lower than 2021/22.

Our shipping crates are manufactured bespoke to minimise weight, volume, shipping costs, and footprint, and we use 100% recyclable robust, honeycomb-structured, cardboard boxes for our shipments where possible. Waste wood is sent to community projects or sold to raise money for charity.

On the road, we’ve introduced mild-hybrid vehicles to our car and van fleet, meeting ultra-low emission regulations. And on-site, we’re maintaining designated areas for wild flowers and no-mow areas, as well as placing bird tables and bee hotels to encourage wildlife.

We’re seeking to drive closer collaboration between efficiency, continuous improvement and sustainability. By embedding a culture of sustainable working practices, we hope to continue making strides towards a greener future.