Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is a set of standards measuring a business's impact on society, the environment, and how transparent and accountable it is. ESG is increasingly used by VCs and investors to assess a companies position and potential. Find out more about ESG below and see how Version28 are working toward a positive ESG impact.
Environmental criteria assess how a company safeguards nature. It includes factors like energy use, pollution, waste management, and resource conservation.
Social criteria examine how companies interact with employees, suppliers, customers, and communities. Key areas include diversity, human rights, labour practices, and community impact.
Governance covers leadership structures, decision-making processes, and corporate ethics. This includes board diversity, transparency, executive pay, and anti-corruption practices.
Version28 was founded in 2022 with a vision of driving meaningful change through sustainable investments. Since our inception, we have partnered with and invested in innovative, environmentally-focused companies, supporting their efforts in environmental responsibility and social impact initiatives.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond investment; we actively work towards creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, implementing hiring practices designed to remove bias and promote impartiality.
We understand that sustainability is more than environmental responsibility. That’s why we prioritise ethical business practices, transparent operations, and continuous learning to align with global sustainability goals. Our journey is ongoing, and we recognise the need for continual improvement to ensure a lasting positive impact for our businesses, partners and the planet.
Below are some of the steps we're taking to improve our ESG impact
By embracing remote work, we minimize carbon emissions related to commuting and office energy consumption. Our flexible work model not only reduces our carbon footprint but also helps improve team well-being and productivity, with the right balance for each individual. We support our team in working effectively from anywhere, but don't demand it, leading to a more sustainable work environment that aligns with our eco-conscious values.
We actively seek to invest in startups focused on sustainability. From clean energy solutions to innovations in the circular economy, we back founders dedicated to making a positive impact. By providing our resources and guidance, we support these businesses in embedding strong ESG principles from the start, reinforcing our collective commitment to responsible growth.
In our workspace, we’ve introduced a zero-waste policy to minimise waste and reduce single-use plastics. By opting for reusable containers, sustainable office supplies, and an emphasis on recycling, we’re encouraging a culture of sustainability within the team. These small changes collectively reflect our values and help us reduce our impact on the environment.
We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all team members feel valued. Our recruitment practices focus on inclusivity, and we provide regular training to ensure that diversity remains central to our team culture. This commitment strengthens our team and contributes to a supportive environment that welcomes new perspectives.
Through ESG workshops and resources, we educate our employees on best practices in sustainability, ethics, and social impact. This continuous learning approach ensures that our team members are aligned with our values and equipped to drive change within the workplace, and also outside of it.
As of October 2024, Version28 has an overall ESG score of 76%. We have a plan to improve our score ahead of our annual review in 2025 and aim to improve our score in all areas.
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i-Prove boasts the fastest ESG reporting and certification tool on the market, enabling businesses to quickly assess their ESG position and understand where and how to improve.
Using the i-Prove platform, businesses can then develop a custom ESG strategy and action plan to meet their goals and regulatory demands, today and in the future.
Aligning to ESG helps your business increase profitability, retain staff and broaden access to capital. Visit i-Prove now to find out how your business can accelerate its ESG journey: www.i-prove.org
ESG-focused investments offer the potential for strong financial returns while mitigating risks associated with regulatory changes and brand damage. Companies with solid ESG practices repeatedly demonstrate better resilience and long-term growth.
Embracing ESG principles can enhance your company's appeal to investors by showcasing a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Companies with strong ESG scores are more likely to attract investment and gain access to finance.
By 2027 over 1/3 of all global investments will be in companies that adhere to ESG.
Companies that align to ESG are more likely to succeed and be able to deal with global change.
Staff are up to 67% more likely to work for you if they believe you to be an ethical business.
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Version28 Ltd is not FCA regulated or approved and provides only funding support services to our clients. No financial advice is given. Any investment, financial decisions or any other decisions a client makes are their own.