ESG is the buzzword across all industries these days. So, what is it?
Let's get back to the basics; ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) extends beyond sustainability as just environmental issues. ESG has now evolved to include critical environmental and social impact components and how governance structures affect each person's well-being. The basic premise: how does our work impact our world?
Over the past few years, we've heard every major Company release their overarching ESG goals and implement policies to help them get there. But is every subcontractor company on each project team working together to help achieve these goals?
Why should I ensure that my subcontractors have and maintain a company ESG policy?
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ESG is a good business practice and holds companies accountable To maintain Company compliance with the SEC With the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) working toward implementing ESG disclosure requirements, it is essential for subcontractors also to uphold their program to support client companies' compliance efforts better. Recruit and retain talented top-level employees Studies show that new generations entering the workforce hold environmental and social concerns as a high priority and expect their employers to contribute to addressing these concerns. Implementing an ESG program, demonstrating progress, and making an impact - all contribute to enabling companies to recruit and retain talented top-level employees that ultimately support clients. Contributing to the client's image and reputation Selecting contractor companies that align with the client's sustainability efforts and priorities helps maintain the client company's reputation. In addition, companies must work as a team to impact communities and contribute to society through sustainability efforts. Consumer interest is generated as the supply chain becomes more transparent in ESG efforts. Customers and clients with similar personal beliefs and values will look to align with the Company. Improves Cost Management as a whole Tracking key metrics (energy, water, waste) and setting goals/plans/programs to reduce costs allows for more efficient operations across the entirety of the project. With contractors that focus on energy and water consumption efficiency, it's possible to operate projects as cost-effective as possible. |
How does Percheron ensure that our ESG goals fit with our clients?
Long before ESG was a buzzword in everyday life, Percheron was finding solutions to reduce our environmental impact and be more efficient in the execution of work. For instance, by changing our approach to title examination and document creation over the last decade, Percheron has reduced the number of paper copies generated by tens of millions. Additionally, these and similar changes resulted in decreased average miles driven per employee. As a result, Percheron has demonstrated an overall reduction in average miles driven per employee for five consecutive years. These positive impacts on the climate are also ultimate cost savings to our clients and demonstrate Percheron's ability to execute projects and do them in a manner consistent with our client's ESG goals and expectations in mind.
Percheron will continue to be an industry leader in infrastructure project solutions and will be at the forefront of ensuring our clients, stakeholders, and employees' ESG goals are met. Percheron has established an employee-run ESG Committee that is working to identify ways to support these ESG goals. For example, recycling efforts that are already underway will be expanded further to save water, trees, and other resources. In addition, utility usage is being measured and captured to develop long-term carbon footprint reduction goals. This also positively impacts long-term operating costs.
From its inception, Percheron has always operated as an equal-opportunity employer. Today with the support of the ESG Committee and Senior Leadership Team, Percheron has formally adopted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies and an Anti-Human Trafficking policy. In a never-ending quest to find the highest caliber employees to represent Percheron and our clients, a diverse workforce of the best and brightest will be attracted to Percheron. As your partner on infrastructure projects, our clients will benefit from access to this diverse and robust workforce.
Safety has always been a priority at Percheron, and we have a track record to prove it. A twelve-person Safety Committee from across the Company meets monthly to address any incidents and discuss topics of interest to our employees, professionally and personally. The "Safety Brings Us Home" logo can be seen on PPE, fleet vehicles, safety posters, and other materials. A robust and comprehensive Safety Manual and project-specific Safe Work Plans provide staff with knowledge of their task and any associated hazards. Safety Brings Us Home is not just a slogan at Percheron; it's a core value.
With offices and project teams across much of the United States, Percheron has a unique opportunity to impact the communities in which we work. By supporting local charities, youth, and those in need, Percheron is playing a role in providing the infrastructure required for modern life and giving something back to the community while we are there. From school supply drives, food drives, support for local youth organizations, or delivering supplies to disaster areas, making a positive impact and leaving it better than you found is the goal.
At Percheron, we have been leaders in ESG since before it was ESG. Find efficiencies and cost savings for your client—fair hiring practices to put the right person on the job. Conduct your work, so everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. Have a positive impact on the communities where we work. We just called it good business.
The Percheron ESG Committee will release the first of its annual ESG Reports later this year.