Published on: 24 March 2021
GAC Pindar, the marine leisure, sports and events arm of GAC UK, has announced a comprehensive ten-year sustainability programme in conjunction with its parent GAC UK, the Grangemouth-based shipping, logistics and marine services provider.
Chapter One, MARS25, covers 2021-2025, and promises to MEASURE the results, take ACTION to refine and adapt where needed and continuously REVIEW the objectives to achieve the SUCCESS of the ten-year programme. MARS25 features over 30 sustainability objectives which are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Chapter Two, covering the five years 2026-2030, will build on and develop MARS25 successes.
Going beyond
Headed by Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Manager, Laura Grizzell, the GAC UK and GAC Pindar sustainability team’s first target date of 2025 asks its people to go beyond their and the company’s current efforts and actions to reduce impact on the planet and to improve people’s lives. “We are committed to significantly reducing our environmental impact, improving the well-being of our people, and influencing our business partners to do the same,” said Laura. “And to achieve it, we need collaboration from everyone across our business. It’s a real team effort.”
Herman Jorgensen, GAC UK’s Managing Director, said; “Through MARS25, GAC UK is evidencing its commitment to a better future for our people and planet. For us, sustainability means taking action, and this strategy will definitely result in positive change. We are committed to encouraging our people and partners to increase their awareness of the impact of their personal and professional actions and behaviours on the environment, and each other. Further, it underlines our support and proactivity in the energy transition which is critical in the shipping and energy sectors we serve.”
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The seven SDGs on which the plan is focused form the framework of the new ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) management system. The actions required have been written into company policy and procedures and will have a positive impact on all areas of the UK business, as well as the sectors it serves – from marine leisure, sports and events to the energy, automotive, aerospace and healthcare sectors. It will also play a part in the ongoing development of the company’s services portfolio such as ship agency, logistics services and offshore support.
For people
SDG 3 – good health and well-being and SDG 5 – gender equality
GAC Pindar and GAC UK already have a solid support network in place for its staff with 12 Mental Health First Aiders now trained across the business. They continue to promote positive mental and physical health with engagement schemes and reward plans which are constantly evolving. As part of appraisal processes, staff will be actively encouraged to volunteer time to charitable causes that are important to them personally. Other actions will see the company achieve Diversity in Maritime charter status, as implemented by Maritime UK (the collective voice for the UK maritime industry), blood donation and flexible working arrangements.
For planet
SDG 7 – affordable and clean energy, SDG 12 – responsible consumption and production, SDG 13 – climate action, SDG 14 – life below water and SDG 15 – life on land
Strategies and objectives include actions such as eliminating any waste to landfill, providing energy efficient office equipment, and ensuring any office relocations are sustainable. Office related CO2e will be tracked across the 20+ UK, Ireland & Gibraltar offices, lighting will be replaced with energy efficient solutions and the country-wide paper printing reduction programme will continue. Offices will transfer to renewable energy sources where solutions are available and work equipment, stationery and corporate merchandise, workwear and PPE will be responsibly sourced and sustainable. As Official Logistics Provider to The Ocean Race, the GAC Pindar team will continue to promote and support the Race’s and other CleanSeas initiatives.
Greenhouse gas commitment
Both The Ocean Race and GAC Pindar are committed to reducing shipping-related greenhouse gas emissions using more locally provided services, and GAC Pindar will be providing greenhouse gas tracking capabilities. This is a key element of MARS25, and a service to be made available to all freight forwarding customers.
Further, GAC UK will encourage drivers to choose electric vehicles and has committed to no new petrol or diesel company cars after 2021. Company mileage CO2e will be tracked and actions taken to reduce it. The UK fleet of forklifts will switch from diesel to electric. Globally, the GAC Group, a signatory of the Getting to Zero Coalition, has made a statement of intent to upgrade all the workboats in its fleet to significantly reduce emissions.