The world’s leading provider of technology and outsourcing services to governments and diplomatic missions, VFS Global, has highlighted significant achievements in its sustainability path.
The new findings were included in the organization’s Integrated Sustainability Report 2022, which was released in its fourth edition on July 4, 2023. The analysis predicts that the organization’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance will continue to improve in 2022. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accountability Standards Board (SASB) Standards were followed in the preparation of the report.
“The report shows observable advancements in our sustainability journey in 2022, as well as our ongoing dedication to exceeding our goals for this year. The report reiterates strong alignment to our business strategy and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals based on the five fundamental pillars of our sustainability strategy: Contributing to Sustainable Economic Growth, Delivering Good Governance, Nurturing Our Colleagues, Protecting Our Environment, and Supporting Our Communities,” said Shireen Mistree, Head – ESG, VFS Global.
Highlights
Protecting environment
- More than 200,000 trees have been planted across the globe, as part of VFS Global’s contributions to reforestation and nature regeneration initiatives providing 10,000 tCO2e in VCS carbon credits. This has also resulted in addressing social issues like poverty alleviation while contributing to women’s empowerment. Over 70% of the planting staff are women who now have a steady source of income to provide for the everyday needs of their families.
- Marked a reduction in carbon emissions of 40 percent in 2022, compared to the base year of 2019, due to the greater usage of renewable energy, energy efficiency initiatives as well as the use of carbon credits.
- Certified eco-friendly paper was used for more than 90% of VFS Global’s marketing material.
- Continued the commitment to responsible e-waste disposal in accordance with local regulations resulted in 10,035 kg of waste being treated, in India alone.
Target for 2023 is to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint intensity by 10%.
Nurturing colleagues
- Maintained a strong gender balance with a ratio of 57:43 for women to men in 2022. Women hold 27% of the leadership positions. The goal is to exceed 30% representation of women in leadership in the next 3 years.
- Introduced the inclusive language guide with inclusive terminologies and Dos and Don’ts as a tool to develop sensitivities and enable mindful behaviour among colleagues.
- Globally, more than 129 nationalities work with VFS Global, bringing the benefit of a wide variety of world views.
Supporting communities - Undertook over 80 community initiatives touching the lives of more than 59,000 individuals across 35 countries in partnership with more than 40 charitable, social and community organisations.
