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Introduction
On the 6th of February 2018, Iceni held its first Environment and Sustainability Committee. The committee aimed to set Iceni’s goals and targets concerning Iceni’s environmental objectives as a business. Since its inception, the staffled Committee has met every quarter to discuss how Iceni can be a better environmentally performing business.
Now in its fifth year, the committee has nine members and has evolved since its inception. The Committee is now named the ESG Committee and has produced Iceni’s firstever ESG Strategy. These updates reflect the shifts within the wider property industry and a more nuanced focus on the three pillars of the environment, social value and governance. This shift and this new ESG Strategy show how Iceni is taking the environment and social value seriously.
Questions you may have about an ESG Strategy:
What is the ESG Strategy?
An ESG Strategy reports on a company’s environmental, social and governance policies. It reflects on what is going well and areas where a company can improve. Policies are set for areas where the company would like to improve.
What are the main goals?
The main goal of this strategy is to help Iceni’s employees have greater transparency on how the company performs across the three ESG pillars.
Why are we doing this document and why is it important to Iceni?
We are producing this ESG Strategy to help keep ourselves accountable to our business practices. We are also doing this because as a multi-disciplinary company operating within the real estate sector, it is important to show how we are doing our part in fostering sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical governance.
What do we want to achieve from it?
Our objectives include reaching ESG targets, increasing awareness of Iceni’s initiatives among employees, and building upon our current ESG performance. Additionally,
we plan to revisit and publish an updated strategy annually to ensure ongoing improvement and alignment with evolving goals.
What does Ian think?
Iceni’s ESG strategy is authentic. It has been led by the drive, ambition, and values of our people rather than a request by senior leadership. It is demanding, and it is challenging. It asks everyone at Iceni, from myself as the founding director to the newest recruit, to hold a mirror up and to ask pertinent questions: what is my social footprint? What more can I do? What am I leaving behind? This years report is more challenging than last - and easier than next. And that is the point. I commend this ESG strategy to those within and beyond Iceni – and look forward to the contributions we can all make to securing its delivery.
Ian Anderson, Iceni CEO
Introduction
Founded in 2005 130 employees
Employeeowned 5 offices across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh
Iceni ESG Survey 2023
What does the Tribe think?
In 2023, we asked Iceni employees (the tribe) to complete our first ESG survey. The survey aimed to gain insight into our employees’ perspectives on our current ESG practices and gather suggestions for future improvements. 75% of the Tribe completed the survey, showing that there is strong interest in ESG matters. Below we have set out some of the key findings from the survey:
X Almost all Iceni employees think we are a socially conscious company.
X Almost all Iceni employees think Iceni promote health and wellness.
X Less than a quarter of Iceni employees completed the company’s ‘give a day to get a day’ in 2022.
X Staff awareness of our ESG initiatives and Carbon Neutral status is lower than we would like.
Iceni at a Glance
Environment
Overview of our performance to date:
Reflections:
What are we doing well in?
Carbon Neutral and Zero Waste to Landfill
The majority of Iceni employees think that we are a sustainable company, and we have implemented several initiatives to facilitate this. Since 2022, we have been a Zero Waste to Landfill company, and since 2020, we have been a Certified Carbon Neutral Company. We are committed to maintaining both our Carbon Neutral and Zero Waste to Landfill status going forward.
Renewable Energy Projects
We have been expanding the portfolio of renewable energy projects that we have been involved with. These projects include solar farms in England and Scotland and an offshore wind farm off the south coast of England. Iceni is looking to continue to broaden this portfolio, with the aim of strengthening our position within the renewable energy sector.
Sustainable Travel
At Iceni, we encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport, particularly cycling! We hold various cycling events throughout the year, most notably cycling from London to Glasgow to attend the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in 2021, cycling from London to Southend in 2022, and cycling from Leeds Castle in Kent to Leeds City Centre to attend UKREiiF in 2023.
Certified Carbon Neutral Company since 2020
Carbon Offsetting contributions towards global renewable energy projects
Zero Waste to Landfill at London Office
100% Renewable Tariff for the London Office since 2020
Over 85% of commuter journeys are made via sustainable modes
Bronze member of the Sustainable Supply Chain School
Environment
Areas we can improve Awareness
Currently, company awareness of our carbon neutral status is low, and not all employees are aware of the positive steps we have made with respect to our environmental performance. Looking ahead, it’s key that we raise awareness about everything we do to improve our environmental performance –this will be necessary for all employees, including new hires and existing colleagues.
Reduce use of flights
85% of staff travel to work by sustainable modes (including train, bike and walking). On the odd occasion, it may be necessary for staff to travel further for a project, and at times, flights can be used. We want to make flying a last resort and focus on using sustainable modes of travel for all journeys.
Waste Reduction
Whilst we are zero waste to landfill in the London office through the use of First Mile waste collection, we do not have the same commitment in the regional offices due to restrictions on the managed offices. This shouldn’t prevent sustainable waste management. We want all employees to be making the most sustainable choices when it comes to reducing waste overall, and ensuring waste that we do produce is reused or recycled.
Case Studies
Case Study: Cycling to COP26
In November 2021, a team of Iceni colleagues cycled over 700km from London to Glasgow to attend the COP26 climate talks. The cycle took place in support of ‘Let’s Go Zero’ - a campaign set up by a group of eight NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) to support schools on sustainability. Over £10,000 was raised by the team, which has been donated to support the vision of Let’s Go Zero to deliver robust climate education, to retrofit school estates and to provide zero-carbon schools from 2023. A group of Iceni representatives, including those who had braved the cycle, attended the COP26 conference, and Iceni held a breakfast seminar exploring the advantages and disadvantages of retrofitting versus new-build development. Attendance at the conference reinforced the fact that the built environment continues to account for a significant portion of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions. That’s why, at Iceni, we are committed to aiding our clients to deliver low and zero-carbon development, whilst also minimising our carbon footprint.
Case Study: Achieving Carbon Neutrality
At Iceni, we have been a certified Carbon Neutral Company since 2020. To achieve this, we have been contributing to Climate Impact Partners’ Global Renewable Energy Portfolio. This project seeks to deliver
renewable energy technology across the world, to aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the growing global demand for energy, and to build sustainable infrastructure. As part of the project, capacity to generate renewable energy from solar, wind and hydroelectric sources has been delivered across the globe, including in China, India and Africa. Whilst we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and, ultimately, our contributions to offsetting funds, we are proud to be supporting projects that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a global level.
Social
Overview of our performance to date:
Reflections:
What are we doing well in?
£4,500 raised for Landaid
35 RTPI Outreach placements
13 members of the Tribe completed our ‘Give a Day to Get a Day’ volunteering initiatives
The Iceni Academy
Iceni is committed to supporting younger people into careers in the built environment. In its second year, the Iceni Academy puts in place a week long work experience programme for students at schools studying locally to our London office. The aim is for them to experience all the disciplines in addition to Iceni’s planning offer. Complementing this initiative is our apprenticeships scheme. We currently employ 2 apprentices who also receive support and training to study at university part-time.
Supporting the health and wellbeing of employees
9 Iceni Academy placements
Iceni offers each employee £500 to spend on anything wellness related from new running shoes to a massage and currently, 84% of employees use it. We also have health insurance covered through BHSF which means we can claim back on various medical needs.
9 members of the Tribe completed the Landaid Sleepout
3 work experience placements
2 apprenticeships
Working with Charities
Every member of Iceni is allowed to volunteer for a day at a charity of their choice and in return they receive an extra day of holiday. Under the ‘Give a Day to Get a Day’ initiative we have on average 10 employees a year taking this scheme up since 2021. Iceni also participates in Land Aid charitable events such as the Sleepout and regular charity runs. We also host and lead our own events such as charitable cycle rides, litter picks and working with foodbanks to raise money for charity.
Scotland Team - Refuweegee Volunteer Day
Social
Areas we can improve
Give a day get a day
While we have a variety of valuable policies, it is crucial to ensure that Iceni employees are well-informed about these policies and feel encouraged to utilise them as per their preferences. For instance, our ‘give a day to get a day’ initiative was completed by 13 employees in 2022/23. Looking ahead, it’s key that we raise awareness about our social value schemes for all employees, from new hires to those who have been with the company for some time.
Charity Events
From the 2023 ESG Survey, Iceni employees would like to engage in more charitable events with a variety of charities. There was a consensus among employees that the Iceniorganised events are too sports-heavy and alternative charitable events should be considered.
Health and Wellbeing Education
The Survey also brought to light that the majority of Iceni employees would like to learn more about ways they can improve their health or understand more about the health issues their friends, family or employees maybe going through. Suggestions such as mental health training, nutrition and mindfulness activities were all identified as themes that more staff would like to learn about.
Case Studies
Case Study: Team Scotland Give a Day to get a Day!
In November 2023, the Scotland team spent the day at Refuweegee, a Glasgow-based charity providing support for forcibly displaced people arriving in Glasgow and the surrounding areas. The team spent the day sorting food, toiletry, clothing, toys and household donations, helping with the free shop and providing a warm welcome to new arrivals. The team had a fantastic day and look forward to more volunteering in the future. To find out more about Refuweegee and the work they do in Glasgow, visit https:// www.refuweegee.co.uk/
Case Study: Life as an Iceni Apprentice
In 2022, Iceni unveiled the Iceni Academy. The goal of the Academy is to offer everyone, at every stage in their career, a bespoke approach to learning and development. We have actively engaged with the RTPI and to date have provided valuable work experience to 35 young people through the RTPI Outreach Programme. This year we are also proud to offer 9 graduates into the programme, supporting them in furthering their education through a mix of apprenticeships, masters and other professional qualifications.
Governance
Overview of our performance to date:
Reflections:
What are we doing well in?
Ownership and Decision Making
Iceni is owned by the people who work at Iceni. There are a group of sixteen shareholders, including four Company Directors. Having shareholders as full time staff and owners of the company, means that decisions and company values genuinely reflect what is happening in the company. To help ensure decision making is representative of the business as a whole, the Board also includes HR, IT and the Staff Forum. Decisions at board level are also informed by Iceni’s committees, which include the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Panel and the ESG Committee.
Risk Management
At Iceni, we take our risk management protocols seriously. As the company has grown it has been important to grow and expand how we manage risk throughout our offices and across our digital platforms. We have a staff led trained group of first aiders and fire marshals to ensure our offices and staff are safe. We also maintain the ISO standards (1901: 2015 ISO) as well as being independently verified for Cyber Essentials Plus.
ESG Pensions
Iceni has always believed in supporting staff through providing an exceptional contribution towards staff pensions. Iceni offers as standard a 9% contribution towards all staff’s pension – even if staff contribute nothing. Staff can top up their pension as much as they see fit. In 2022, we introduced
Accredited with 10+ professional bodies
6 first aid trained 11 fire marshals trained 8 people passed their APC in 2023
Governance
a more flexible pension scheme which offers staff the opportunity to choose their pension fund, including offering specific ESG investment opportunities.
Areas we can improve Diversity
We have accepted the challenge to make Iceni as fair and as inclusive a business as we possibly can. We accept that whilst we have made great strides in becoming a diverse company in terms of gender, we need to diversify further across the company, and at more senior levels, to better represent the communities that we live and work in. We have started this with a series of recommendations made by our EDI Panel, and we will drive real change during the period of this Business Plan. As such, by 2025 we will have improved the diversity of the business – in all teams and at all levels.
Support to join professional bodies
We want to ensure all staff are supported in their continued professional development, and supporting staff through chartership and joining of professional institutions is one of the best ways of doing this. The majority of staff at Iceni are part of a registered professional body, including the Royal Town Planning Institute, the Landscape Institute, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Institute of Economic Development and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. At present, we have a training and mentorship programme for the RTPI chartership. We also support staff by paying annual subscriptions on their behalf and by providing a £1,000
pay rise to individuals when they qualify for membership of their relevant professional body. However, given the multidisciplinary nature of the business, we wish to expand this to include more focus on other disciplines to ensure all staff have the chance to become part of a professional body.
Staff Forums role in decision making
Adding representation from Staff Forum onto the Board was a new initiative from 2023. We want to ensure Staff Forum remain empowered and engaged in the Board to ensure decisions are being made which represent the employees of the company.
Monitoring
One of the biggest areas we want to improve is our monitoring and accountability for all matters relevant to ESG. This ESG Strategy is the starting point in this journey. But monitoring our performance against the targets we set in this document will pave the way for Iceni’s continued improvement in relation to the environment, social value and governance.
Case Studies
Case Study: Fire Marshalls
Ensuring the health and safety of our employees remains our utmost priority. We’ve made substantial progress in our fire evaluation and marshal training, especially given the uncertainties surrounding the availability of fire marshals at Da Vinci House (DVH), our London office, due to hybrid working arrangements. In August, 11 team members completed fire marshal training. We’ve devised a tailored fire evacuation plan for DVH, covering various scenarios, ensuring readiness regardless of the number of marshals present. Our support team and HR ensure all new hires understand this plan. These efforts have significantly enhanced our readiness for fire emergencies and improved marshal efficiency.
Case Study: Achieving the RTPI APC
Iceni had excellent support processes in place to help me with my RTPI Assessment of Professional Competence. I attended multiple training sessions where I benefitted from the experience and advice of those who had completed their APC in recent years. Furthermore, during the preparation of my submission, I benefitted from a dedicated mentor with whom I could discuss any questions I had, and who regularly reviewed my work and provided feedback. Becoming a Chartered Town Planner is an important stage in my career and I am very grateful for the support that I was provided with throughout this process.
Concluding Remarks
To sum it up, at Iceni, we see that we can’t talk the talk if we don’t walk the walk. Our involvement in the construction and development industry gives us the opportunity and responsibility to improve the sustainability of our built environment. The ESG policy not only signifies a commitment to transparency but
Environmental
Carbon Neutral Company
Maintain our status as a Carbon Neutral company, whilst reducing our carbon footprint per sqm of office and FTE staff annually. Increase staff awareness of carbon neutral objectives to empower all staff to contribute to reducing carbon footprint.
Considered Travel Options
From 2024, for longer distance business travel, Iceni will prioritise the use of non-aviation modes of travel. Only in exceptional circumstances should flights be used to fulfil business needs.
Zero-Waste to Landfill Office
Maintain the London office status as a zero waste to landfill office, whilst reducing our general waste per FTE annually. Improve environmental waste processes in regional offices to ensure all have access to recycling and all staff across the company are actively aiming to reduce waste.
also serves as a tool for monitoring and evaluating our progress year-round. Central to this is the employee-led ESG committee which will make sure the ESG policies set out below are embedded within Iceni and its Tribe.
Social Value Apprenticeships
By 2025 the Iceni Academy will have provided career opportunities for 10 colleagues, who will be on their apprenticeship programmes funded by Iceni, and endorsed by relevant professional bodies.
Increase in Staff Volunteer Days
By 2025 there will be increased awareness of our ‘Give a Day, Get a Day’ volunteering initiative to get more people participating.
Charity Events
Iceni will organise at least six charitable events during 2024 and seek to increase our charitable contributions from 2023.
Governance
Diversity Within Iceni
By 2025 we will have improved the diversity of the business – in all teams and at all levels in line with the recommendations of the EDI Panel.
Professional Chartership
Continue supporting all staff towards the achievement of professional chartership. Maintain over 50% of staff having a membership with a professional body.
Staff Forum
Increase transparency of Iceni’s financial performance and objectives by having Staff Forum representatives on the Board and providing monthly updates at the company call.
ESG Monitoring
From 2024, the ESG Committee will strengthen the monitoring of all ESG targets, to ensure we have clear and accurate reporting on our performance against targets and we are seeing improvements year on year.
Archaeology | Built Heritage & Townscape | Design | Economics | Engagement | Impact Management
Landscape | Place | Planning | Transport
Birmingham: 20 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6AT
Edinburgh : 14 -18 Hill Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3JZ
Glasgow : 201 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2LW
London : Da Vinci House, 44 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH
Manchester : WeWork, Dalton Place, 29 John Dalton Street, Manchester, M2 6FW www.iceniprojects.com | iceni-projects | iceniprojects | iceniprojects