SVEMA Group - business ethics

SVEMA Group - business ethics

 

We are a values-based company. Trust, honesty and integrity underpin everything we do. We also recognise our moral responsibilities. So, we work hard to make sure our business operations are ethical, and we expect the same standards from our business partners and suppliers.  

We also work hard to improve the sustainability of our operation. This includes actively seeking out greener, more efficient methods and technologies to reduce our carbon footprint and energy consumption.  

One of our key values as a business is to always be responsible, doing the right thing for our people, our community and our planet. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far, and we’re constantly looking for ways to improve. 

Products and people

Ethical manufacturing 
In our industry, it’s important to be aware of the ways in which our products are supplied and manufactured. 

We ensure all our suppliers tell us about their processes. And we only work with those that comply with their country’s relevant laws and regulations.  

Modern slavery and human trafficking  
We’re absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains. 

We expect our entire supply chain to have a zero-tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking. Our partners have to demonstrate that they use labour ethically and within the law.  

If they can’t demonstrate this standard, we stop working with them.  

You can see our full Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement Here.

Sustainability and the environment

We’re always looking for ways to improve our processes and make our business more efficient and sustainable. We also do our best as a business to protect the environment and reduce waste. This includes addressing and improving our operations, our supply chain, and the products and services we use. 

Here are just some of the ways we do this: 

Our energy consumption  

  • We switch power sockets and unnecessary lighting off when not in use 
  • Over 50% of on-site lighting is infrared sensor-controlled 
  • We use energy-saving bulbs throughout our sites 
  • We encourage customers to use digital brochures to help reduce paper use 

 

Our waste management 

  • We bale waste cardboard and plastic on-site for greener transportation and recycling 
  • We recycle as much as possible with our current waste management systems 

 

 Our emissions

Scope 1 emissions: direct greenhouse gas emissions that occur from sources that are owned or controlled by our company, for example, emissions from combustion in owned or controlled boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc.

Scope 2 emissions: greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by our company.

Scope 3 emissions: includes all other indirect emissions. Scope 3 emissions are a consequence of the activities of the company but occur from sources not owned or controlled by the company.

 

2024 Emissions output

Scope 1

·       Total Flights Footprint = 1.25 metric tons of CO2e

·       Total Car Footprint = 4.06 metric tons of CO2e

·       Overall total metric tons of CO2e = 5.31

Scope 2

·       Total office / warehouse Footprint = 1.13 metric tons of CO2e

·       Overall total metric tons of CO2e = 1.13

Scope 3

·       upstream transportation and distribution – 3.18 metric tons of CO2e

·       waste generated in operations – 0 metric tons of CO2e

·       business travel – 4.06 metric tons of CO2e

·       employee commuting – 1.00 metric tons of CO2e

·       downstream transportation and distribution - 4.58 metric tons of CO2e

·       Overall total metric tons of CO2e = 12.82

2025/26 emissions reduction targets

Scope 1

Offset carbon generated by flights & reduce CO2e output from vehicles by transitioning to greener solutions such as EVs. Scope 1 net zero is set to be achieved by 2026

Scope 2

Transition to only renewable energy / electricity suppliers and offset 20% of CO2e (0.226 metric tons of CO2e) to become positive. Scope 2 net zero + is set to be achieved by 2026

Scope 3

upstream transportation and distribution – 2024: 3.18 metric tons of CO2e

2025: 50% reduction of inbound transportation achieved by better planning 1.59 metric tons of CO2e to be offset. Plus, a committed investigation to renewable transportation supplier.

waste generated in operations – 2024: 0 metric tons of CO2e

2025: continued commitment to 0 metric tons of CO2e from waste through our fully implemented recycle policy

business travel – 2024: 4.06 metric tons of CO2e

2025: Also addressed in scope 1 CO2e reduction achieved using digital solutions for meeting etc, plus 4.06 metric tons of CO2e to off-set for net zero target

employee commuting – 2024: 1.00 metric tons of CO2e

2025: 100% of the team will now be working from home (WFH) meaning a reduction of 1.00 metric tons of CO2e from 2024 to 2025

downstream transportation and distribution -2024:  4.58 metric tons of CO2e

2025: our commitment is to work with our partners to find renewable forms of transport for delivery and distribution including EVs. Until we can full realise this we will off-set 4.58 metric tons of CO2e to achieve net zero in 2026

Our print and packaging suppliers

We work closely with our print and packaging suppliers to further minimise our impact on the environment. 

We make sure all our print and packaging suppliers meet industry standards and take a responsible approach to environmental policy. This includes: 

  • The supply and use of environmentally sustainable packaging 
  • Recycling and eliminating waste going to landfill 
  • Encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials 
  • Increasing the use of recycled and certified paper 
  • Increasing recyclability of all production materials and packaging 
  • Controlling noise and air emissions from machinery 
  • Planning delivery routes to reduce emissions 
  • Ensuring environmental performance is regularly assessed and maintained 
  • Training all employees in environmental issues  

 

Our delivery services

We understand the effect that greenhouse gases are having on our environment. We only work with delivery and courier services that are committed to reducing transport-related CO2 emissions and providing carbon-neutral shipping.

By minimising waste through careful and efficient use of materials and energy, as well as monitoring and identifying contributing factors, our couriers take continuous action to reduce their environmental impact.  

Supporting our community

Our people 
We believe that our people are our greatest asset. We want to be an employer of choice and hope our people work for us not only because we offer rewarding and exciting opportunities, but also because they share our values. 

We also believe that human rights and ethical treatment are key to running a business with integrity. We work hard to make sure all our employees are treated fairly and feel supported.  

We’re an equal opportunity employer and never discriminate on the grounds of disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, gender (including gender reassignment), sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion or philosophical belief. We don’t tolerate harassment or victimisation of any kind either. 

Our community 
As part of our ethical approach to business, we make sure we give back to our local and wider communities.  

Our employees arrange several charity events throughout the year. All monies raised are given to nominated charities, which are chosen each year through an employee majority vote.  

We also actively support national charity events including Children in Need, Red Nose Day and Sports Relief.