The Jones Engineering Sustainability Newsletter
ECOSYNC
VOLUME 002 MARCH 2024
Introduction
Welcome back to another edition of EcoSync our employee Sustainability newsletter, where we continue to explore topics crucial to our company’s commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. In this issue, we delve into the importance of responsible sourcing
News Update
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Aoife O’Donnell, our new Head of Sustainability, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to our organisation’s commitment to responsible business practices.
Aoife has an extensive background in sustainability strategy, environmental stewardship, and corporate social responsibility,. She will lead our efforts in integrating sustainability principles across our operations, aiming to reduce our environmental footprint, enhance social impact, and foster a culture of sustainability throughout our organisation. Please join us in welcoming Aoife to our team.
We are delighted to announce that Jones Engineering received a B- score in our first CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) submission.
What is CDP?
CDP is a not-for-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. The world’s economy looks to CDP as the gold standard of environmental reporting with the richest and most comprehensive dataset on corporate and city action. CDP asks companies to disclose their climate impact.
What does a score of B- mean?
A B- score indicates that we are showing some evidence of managing our environmental impact but have room to undertake further actions. A CDP score provides a snapshot of a company’s disclosure and environmental performance. CDP allocates scores ranging from D- to A or basic disclosure to leadership level.
What happens next?
Our next CDP submission is due in September with results expected in early 2025. Further actions are already underway to improve our management of environmental impacts and with your support we can shift the dial in the right direction.
Responsible Sourcing
What is Responsible Sourcing?
Responsible Sourcing is an approach to sourcing and supply chain. It is when an organisation integrates social, ethical and environmental performance factors into the process of procuring products and services. Using the influence of purchasing power to shift the dial on social and environmental issues.
Why Responsible Sourcing Matters
Our Clients are starting to question our procurement practices: Questions on our procurement practices are now coming up in tender applications and the client’s annual supplier questionnaires. This is likely due to the upcoming new EU Legislation which is mandating companies to identify potential adverse environmental and human rights impacts within the supply chain and prevent, mitigate, manage or remedy these identified areas. Jones Engineering will be mandated to report in 2026 on 2025 data.
Looking at the broader picture, Responsible Sourcing matters for the following three reasons:
1. Environmental Preservation: Looking to use our spending power to minimise our environmental footprint.
2. Social Equity: Using the power of the purchase order to ensure workers in our supply chain are treated fairly, with safe working conditions and fair wages.
3. Business Resilience: Embracing responsible sourcing practices mitigates risks associated with supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and reputational damage. It fosters long-term resilience and competitiveness in an evolving market.
What are the actions Jones has taken so far?
Engaging with Suppliers: In 2023 we started engaging with our key and strategic supply chain partners on ESG topics. We have completed an initial benchmarking survey to better understand where our suppliers are on their ESG journey. This survey was distributed to 50 of our top suppliers and we had an 82% response rate. The next step in our engagement approach has been running inperson supplier workshops once every two months. To date we have met 27 companies and have a target to reach 100 by the end of the year.
Impact assessments: We have conducted a high level human rights and environmental impact assessment. The purpose of a human rights and environmental impact assessment is to systematically identify potential adverse impacts of our business activities on human rights and the environment within our supply chain. This assessment puts us in a position to develop a strategy to prevent, mitigate, manage, and minimise negative impacts on people and the planet while maximising positive contributions to society and the environment.
Make a Difference
What are 5 things that you can you do to make a difference?
1. Support Ethical Brands: Choose to buy from companies that have a strong commitment to ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and environmental sustainability.
2. Buy Local: Support local businesses and artisans to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and to contribute to the local economy.
3. Choose Sustainable Materials: Opt for products made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, recycled materials, or renewable resources.
4. Consider Second-Hand: Shop at charity stores, consignment or online marketplaces for secondhand items to extend the lifecycle of products and reduce waste.
5. Vote with Your Wallet: Use your purchasing power to support companies that align with your values and avoid those that don’t prioritise ethical, environmental, and human rights concerns.
What is the monthly newsletter?
Through the monthly newsletter we will cover topics such as biodiversity, carbon emissions, waste management, water, wellbeing, and much more.
The purpose is to raise awareness of what Jones Engineering is doing within this topic and how you can get involved. We will share facts, figures and knowledge, and from time-to-time host team or individual challenges. Of course, there will be prizes for the winning person or team.
Get Involved
Your involvement is key to the success of our ESG journey. We encourage everyone to get involved and participate in upcoming programs, events, and challenges. You can find out more at the Jones Engineering website’s sustainability page, through the monthly newsletter or by contacting anyone in the Jones ESG committee.
Share your ideas
Have an idea for an environment or social initiative? We’d love to hear it!
Should your ESG initiative idea come to fruition, you’ll be eligible to receive a €250 donation to a charity or community initiative of your choice.
Our Ask
We would like to invite you to share your sustainability journey. Whether it is a small change in your daily routine, a volunteer project or an initiative you are involved within or outside the company, your story matters. Sharing your story may inspire others to make a difference.
A selection of stories will be shared each month through the newsletter.
Contact
Contact Aoife O’Donnell or Kate Beahan with your suggestions and stories. Let’s collaborate to make a difference.
aoifeodonnell@joneseng.com
katebeahan@joneseng.com
