This policy outlines Acre’s commitment for delivery and measured improvement of its sustainability performance across its London, New York, Amsterdam and Singapore offices. It should be viewed in conjunction with the other policies referred to in this document, particularly Acre’s Carbon Reduction plan.
Our Operations
Carbon and Energy
Acre is committed to working with its office management suppliers to operate a highly efficient estate, adopting renewable energy sources and offices with leading energy efficiency certifications.
We partner with ClimatePartner annually to measure our emissions, and we implement carbon reduction measures in line with our Carbon Reduction Plan.
Waste
Acre is committed to waste reduction and where possible adopting circular economy approaches to resource management.
- Eradicating use of printed documents and materials by removing office printers.
- Recycle paper, glass, card, tin, toner cartridges, through in office and communal bins, and stationary, office furniture, and electronic goods through eco-collection services.
Procurement
Acre commits to making sustainability and ethics a key consideration of:
- Our purchasing decisions throughout the lifecycle of the goods and services we buy.
- Our strategic supplier relationships by ensuring suppliers and contractors also work transparently towards our sustainability goals using our Supplier Sustainability Due Diligence Policy & Framework.
Transport and Travel
Acre commits to minimise emissions from business travel, contractors and deliveries whilst providing colleagues with the means to commute and travel where necessary with a low carbon approach. This is reflected in our Travel Policy and Carbon Reduction Plan.
Notable schemes include:
- Octopus Energy – ‘Electric Dreams’ EV scheme (UK)
- Evans - Cycle to Work scheme (UK)
Relevant regional renewable energy and sustainable transport schemes are being explored for colleagues in Amsterdam, New York, and Singapore.
Home Office Stewardship
Acre is committed to encouraging colleagues to work from home in a sustainable manner. This includes:
- Providing guidelines on energy-efficient home office setups, such as using LED lighting, energy-saving devices, and optimising natural light (specific initiatives to be launched in Q4 2024 / Q1 2025).
- Encouraging the use of renewable energy providers for home electricity where possible.
- Promoting a paperless home office by providing digital tools to minimise printing.
- Providing training on sustainable home office practices and sharing tips on reducing energy and water consumption at home.
- Encouraging regular breaks to promote wellbeing and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Our People
Employee Engagement and Impact
Acre recognises that its employees are key to delivering on the commitments outlined in this policy and engages with colleagues to provide opportunities for them to contribute to civic or environmental initiatives.
- Provision of 2 free volunteering days for all colleagues to support positive impact on social and environmental causes.
- Via our “pro bono” scheme, which encourages and supports team members to support non-profit causes in a professional capacity (for instance as trustees or advisors).
The Acre Foundation is an employee led and governed entity that serves to amplify Acre’s positive impact on social and environmental causes. The Acre Foundation contributes to addressing commitments in this document by:
- Fundraising and making charitable donations to causes that address issues outlined in this document.
- Sharing solutions and offering colleagues exposure and learning opportunities on these issues.
- Collating speaking engagement opportunities for colleagues to share insight and collaborate around green skills.
- Providing support to strategic charity partners like Ocean Generation and Diversity in Sustainability.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Acre is committed to maintaining a diverse internal team, and to supporting our marketplace to nurture diverse talent. In practical terms this means:
- Embedding best practice in our hiring processes and educating clients on best practice hiring with EDI as a central consideration
- Where requested, reporting on EDI metrics for clients as part of our Retained Search service
- Deploying Acre team members to support broader EDI initiatives, primarily through Acre’s pro bono scheme including Catalysing Change and Diversity in Sustainability.
Our Clients
Advisory Services
Our advisory services, delivered in partnership with our global client base, supports a sustainable future. Acre’s work supports progressive organisations with structuring, hiring, and developing the sustainability and ESG teams leading the way in resolving the social and environmental issues facing the planet.
Client Due Diligence
Acre commits to partnering with clients who are committed to improving their sustainability performance. Before deciding to work with a client, Acre conducts due diligence to ensure their sustainability commitments are credible. This is outlined in our Assignment Ethics Statement.
Thought Leadership
We inspire, educate, and engage Acre’s marketplace via convening market leaders at our events, regular blog production, whitepapers, and larger market surveys.
Governance
B CORP
In 2022 Acre became a certified B Corp, altering the way the business governs and reports, and ensuring the business operates to the highest standards of environmental and social performance and transparency. Acre is due for reassessment in 2025 and has actively worked on corrective action plans highlighted in our original certification.
Ecovadis
Acre has achieved bronze certification with Ecovadis and intends to improve its position to silver at the next phase of reporting.
Compliance
Across Acre’s global businesses, each entity ensures fulfilment of all regulatory and other compliance obligations. In 2021, Acre hired its first Compliance Manager, and this function has since grown.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed and updated every 2 years, with Board sign-off. A discussion on the policy will take place annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective in achieving Acre’s sustainability goals.
Reviewed and Signed by:
Andy Cartland,
Founder and Director
August 2024
