Ganymede’s Commitment to Sustainability in 2024

By Rachael Bailey-Frost

Ganymede’s Commitment to Sustainability in 2024

Delve into Ganymede's commitment to sustainability as we review the accomplishments of 2023 and outline the upcoming goals for 2024. Participate in a discussion with Gary Lobue, Head of HSEQ, and Richard Pearson, Fleet & Sustainability Manager, as they illuminate the critical sustainability pillars: environment, economy, and society. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Ganymede Solutions not only prioritises emission reduction but also actively fosters empathy throughout its supply chain.

In what ways do Ganymede create commitment to sustainability?

Ganymede has recognised how significant a role sustainability will play in our future. Every supply tender we complete includes a dedicated section specifically covering sustainability and social value. In every situation, we must promise to do our best to lower emissions. We must also promise to treat our employees with kindness and fairness. Additionally, we should expect the same from our suppliers.

What are the biggest achievements of 2023 for Sustainability for Ganymede?

The most significant achievement in 2023 was the Board's recognition that sustainability required a new level of focus and resources to move forward effectively. This recognition led to the expansion of Richard's role to Fleet & Sustainability Manager.

What are the plans for sustainable development for Ganymede for 2024?

The business has committed to the Science Based Targets Initiative, a global program supported by the United Nations and the Worldwide Fund for Nature. This initiative will assist us in establishing a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement and, ultimately, achieve Net Zero. Currently, we are compiling our baseline figures for 2023 and plan to submit our long-term strategy in the next few months.

What are the benefits of sustainable practices in business?

Sustainable practices help the environment by reducing greenhouse gases and waste that cannot be recycled. However, sustainability comprises three crucial pillars: Environment, Economic, and Social Sustainability.

Social Sustainability focuses on assessing how the business influences individuals, whether they are clients, employees, sub-contractors, or members of the public. The goal is to improve people's health and happiness, which the business has been focused on for many years. Whether through the implementation of Agile Working or the introduction of Supplier Forums, all efforts contribute to enhancing our collective growth without compromising mental health.

Richard, what measures have you taken to ensure the organisation's fleet is environmentally sustainable?

"While there is a collective push towards using alternative-fuelled vehicles such as electric and hydrogen, the operational requirements of our clients sometimes hinder wholesale changes. Although our company car policy has transitioned to 100% electric, our dependence on diesel-fuelled commercial vehicles persists. Consequently, we dedicate considerable effort to exploring innovations that can help manage the fleet more efficiently and reduce fuel consumption.

In addition to optimising vehicle utilisation, the most significant impact on emissions reduction lies in managing the way vehicles are driven. To address this, we have made substantial investments in a telemetry system. This system not only enables us to track our vehicles but also identifies areas for improvement in each driver's actions, allowing us to provide coaching that fosters positive behaviour changes.

Exploring new diesel alternatives is also part of our strategy. Some promising options could enable us to maintain our current fleet while achieving emissions reductions of up to 90%.

Currently, the most viable option is Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), essentially recycled cooking oil. Although available in volumes that support the switch, it is not widely accessible at filling stations and typically requires bulk purchases. We are actively collaborating with our clients and supply chain to find ways to implement this change in the future."

Gary, as head of HSEQ, how are Ganymede employees encouraged to actively participate in promoting a culture of safety and sustainability?

"We are committed to being a responsible and dedicated company, aligning with Network Rail's sustainable procurement principles. Our goal is to integrate our safety vision consistently with these principles, ensuring proactive measures are taken.

Our vision for Health, Safety, and Wellbeing prioritises the protection, safety, and respect for all individuals involved in our industry, encompassing construction, maintenance, operational activities, and the public. This collective approach contributes to a sustainable future.

Core principles such as 'doing no harm' and 'doing some good' are values we seek to promote across the entire company and workforce. As a business, we are dedicated to embedding these principles and processes into our safety, quality, and environmental management systems. Regular reviews and updates are crucial to align with our vision of a sustainable future.

To eliminate waste and promote safety, we have implemented proactive initiatives, reducing the impact on human resources due to accidents and illness. Our ongoing commitment is to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our operatives, supported by our HSEQ and HR Management teams. Internal engagement regarding sustainability understanding is a top priority for our business.

We strive to follow and promote good sustainability practices, ensuring our activities are sustained without adverse impacts on the community, environment, or global society. Additionally, we are dedicated to advising our clients on sustainable practices within their own organisations.

Recognising the importance of improving sustainability in environmental and social performance, we ensure our workforce receives information, briefings, and training to comprehend the entire subject. Our company induction is being enhanced to include this topic, and we are developing an e-learning module for online accessibility. We are also exploring the creation of a simple acronym, SWEEP, to cover policies for each Environmental and Sustainable Development focus area, making it easy to remember."