Mitie has become a member of the Aldersgate Group, an invitation only membership group of business, politics and civil society aimed at a sustainable economy. As the only facilities management business in the Group, Mitie says that its membership will bolster the Group’s expertise in several areas – such as electric vehicles, energy management and waste management – that are key for businesses looking to be net zero.
Through its Plan Zero, Mitie aims to reach net zero by 2025 for its operational emissions. Mitie has switched over 900 vehicles in its own fleet to electric and has launched a number of services to help customers cut their carbon emissions. For example, through its Zero Carbon for Zero Cost methodology, Mitie helped Vodafone improve the energy efficiency of its buildings, saving over 25,000 tonnes of CO2 and energy equivalent to £10m in three years. Meanwhile, the FM firm offers a zero emission gritting service, the UK’s first commercial gritting service to use an electric gritter, the contractor says.
Mitie sustainability aims for 2021 include having at least 2,021 electric vehicles in its fleet by the end of 2021, saving 100,000 kWh of energy across its property estate and removing plastic bin liners from its offices, saving more than half a tonne of plastic a year. The firm seeks to achieve net zero emissions from its supply chain, employee commuting and working from home by 2035.
Simon King, Director of Sustainability and Social Value, Mitie, said: “We’re committed to fighting climate change and that’s why, as well as tackling our own emissions, a central part of Plan Zero is to help other organisations achieve their own sustainability ambitions. Becoming a member of the Aldersgate Group is a key part of these efforts and a great opportunity to broaden Mitie’s impact by sharing our expertise to support the fight against climate change.”
And Nick Molho, Executive Director, Aldersgate Group, said: “We welcome Mitie to the Group and look forward to working together to drive positive action on climate and the environment across the economy. To reach the UK’s ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2050, it is vital that all sectors contribute to lowering their emissions. Mitie’s Plan Zero commitment is an important statement in this regard, with the implementation of science-based net zero targets, resource efficiency and fleet decarbonisation being key to reducing overall industry emissions. With their expertise in electric vehicles, energy and facilities management, Mitie is a great addition to the Group.”
