A sustainable future depends on strong leadership, accountability, and innovation. ORE Catapult, the UK’s leading technology and research centre for offshore renewable energy, exemplifies this commitment through its comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. Every initiative aligns with the organization’s Vision of a thriving, Net Zero UK powered by renewable energy, and its Mission to accelerate offshore renewable innovation while generating employment and business growth across the country.
Table of Contents
Environmental (E): Commitment to a Greener Future
Environmental sustainability forms the cornerstone of ORE Catapult’s ESG approach. The organization takes measurable action to reduce its carbon footprint and drive awareness throughout its operations.
Key Environmental Focus Areas:
- Net Zero Aspiration by 2035
- ORE Catapult aims to achieve full net-zero status across all operations by 2035.
- Efforts include the reduction of carbon emissions, waste management improvements, and energy efficiency programs.
- Usage of renewable power sources for facilities and projects ensures the alignment of day-to-day practices with global sustainability goals.
- Sustainable Procurement and Operations
- Environmental considerations are integrated into every stage of procurement.
- Sustainable materials are prioritized to reduce lifecycle emissions.
- Regular audits ensure compliance with environmental policies.
- Employee Involvement and Awareness
- Internal steering groups and committees promote a culture of environmental accountability.
- Continuous training sessions empower staff to contribute actively to sustainability goals.
- Awareness programs strengthen shared responsibility across all teams.
- Travel and Communication Sustainability
- Remote collaboration tools are encouraged to reduce travel-related emissions.
- When travel is essential, employees are urged to use eco-friendly transport options.
- Digital communication platforms replace unnecessary in-person meetings.
- Cross-Catapult Collaboration
- ORE Catapult collaborates with other organizations in the Catapult Network to exchange sustainability insights.
- The cross-catapult sustainability group promotes joint action and shared environmental innovations.
Environmental Goals and Progress Indicators
| Focus Area | Goal | Current Action | Future Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Zero Operations | Achieve Net Zero by 2035 | Emission reduction & renewable sourcing | 100% renewable operations by 2035 |
| Waste Management | Reduce operational waste | Introduced recycling and waste audits | Achieve 80% waste diversion by 2030 |
| Green Procurement | Use sustainable suppliers | Updated procurement policy | Full sustainability integration by 2028 |
| Staff Engagement | Increase environmental awareness | Formed internal committees | Annual training for all staff |
Social (S): People, Inclusion, and Community Empowerment
A thriving workforce and engaged communities are vital to achieving sustainability. ORE Catapult’s social initiatives build inclusivity, well-being, and opportunity across the organization and beyond.
Core Social Commitments:
- Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)
- Diversity is celebrated across all teams, creating a rich mix of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
- The Inclusion and Diversity Group (IDG) hosts annual initiatives promoting equity and awareness.
- Continuous efforts address the underrepresentation of minority ethnic groups, disabled individuals, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
- ORE Catapult remains committed to closing the gender pay gap and expanding outreach opportunities.
- Employee Wellbeing and Development
- Employee health and happiness are at the heart of operations.
- The company promotes mental health support, flexible work arrangements, and professional growth programs.
- Recognition includes:
- Inclusive Employers Member
- Disability Confident Employer
- Great Place to Work Certification
- Good Practice Award – Investors in Young People
- As a Living Wage employer, ORE Catapult ensures fair compensation and workplace dignity.
- Community and Educational Engagement
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) outreach is a key focus.
- Initiatives include Energy Central STEM Hub near Blyth, STEM science clubs in Glasgow, and the Enterprise Advisor Initiative at Levenmouth Academy.
- Site tours and workshops educate young minds about renewable energy innovation.
- Local volunteering and donation programs strengthen ties with communities around operating sites.
- Future Skills and Talent Development
- ORE Catapult’s Future Skills Strategy develops a talent pipeline for the renewable energy sector.
- Training programs address the skills gap in offshore wind and related industries.
- Partnerships with educational institutions promote hands-on learning for students and early-career professionals.
Social Impact Areas
| Focus Area | Objective | Initiatives | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diversity & Inclusion | Promote equality & representation | IDG activities, gender pay gap reduction | Inclusive, equitable culture |
| Employee Wellbeing | Create a safe, flexible workplace | Mental health programs, flexible hours | Improved employee satisfaction |
| Community Outreach | Support education & local growth | STEM hubs, school tours | Strengthened community engagement |
| Future Skills | Build renewable sector workforce | Skills training & partnerships | Sustainable talent pipeline |
Governance (G): Integrity, Accountability, and Quality
Strong governance ensures that ethical practices guide all business activities. ORE Catapult embeds integrity, transparency, and responsibility into its organizational framework.
Governance Framework Highlights:
- Ethical Conduct and Transparency
- Operations follow the highest standards of ethics and accountability.
- Procurement and contracting processes are governed by transparent policies ensuring fairness.
- Codes of conduct promote integrity across all departments.
- Board Oversight and Diversity
- The Board of Directors includes experts from diverse industries and experiences.
- The Board oversees corporate strategy, risk management, and executive performance.
- Activities comply with the Companies Act 2006 and reflect UK governance best practices.
- Subcommittees ensure specialized oversight of finance, audit, and ESG progress.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Engagement with employees, customers, funders, and communities informs company direction.
- ORE Catapult maintains transparency through public reports and project showcases.
- Feedback loops ensure decisions align with the interests of all stakeholders.
- Commitment to Quality
- Quality assurance underpins every service and research output.
- The SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) team oversees compliance and risk control.
- Continuous improvement is promoted through error analysis, waste reduction, and customer satisfaction monitoring.
- The organization meets or exceeds all industry standards for renewable energy research and development.
Governance Practices
| Governance Area | Core Principle | Implementation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethics & Integrity | Maintain transparency | Policy-driven procurement | Fair and accountable processes |
| Board Oversight | Ensure strategic direction | Diverse Board & subcommittees | Strong leadership and compliance |
| Stakeholder Relations | Strengthen trust and collaboration | Regular consultations and updates | Enhanced stakeholder confidence |
| Quality Management | Exceed industry standards | SHEQ audits & continuous improvement | Reliable, high-quality outcomes |
The Bottom Line
A sustainable future emerges when environmental responsibility, social equity, and ethical governance work in harmony. ORE Catapult’s ESG strategy reflects a genuine dedication to transforming how renewable energy innovation benefits society and the planet. Through transparent governance, inclusive practices, and measurable environmental progress, the organization stands as a model for responsible growth within the UK’s renewable energy landscape. Its initiatives ensure that innovation leads not just to technological advancement but also to a cleaner, fairer, and more resilient world.
