We are thrilled to announce that Vertas Group has been honoured with the 2025 King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. We are one of twenty-seven organisations nationally to be recognised with this prestigious award. This accolade highlights our outstanding dedication to sustainability and our commitment to making a difference for our people, customers, stakeholders, and the planet.
Vertas Group provides integrated facilities management services, including cleaning, catering, grounds maintenance, security, energy management, waste management, property design consultancy, and recruitment services. Our dedication to sustainability is evident in our rigorous efforts to decarbonise our operations, ensuring we deliver high-quality services while leaving a positive environmental legacy for future generations.
Sustainability is one of our core values, driven by our board of directors and supported by our colleagues as we work together to continuously develop sustainable service solutions. Last year, we achieved a 22% absolute carbon reduction and decreased emissions across gas, buildings, water, paper, travel, and waste. These reductions are a testament to our CEO's stance that prioritising the planet is non-negotiable.
We have consistently exceeded our carbon reduction targets by investing in building upgrades, switching to electric vehicles, enhancing sustainable behaviours through training, and utilising environmentally friendly practices. We operate within the circular economy, procuring renewable energy, extending the lifecycle of products, and sharing resources through the donation of waste for reuse. We are proud to operate a chemical-free cleaning service, revolutionising cleaning practices with a water-based solution that is safe for the environment. Our sustainable procurement policy has saved us £2.2m in single-use plastics. We are reinvesting locally and supporting a sustainable supply chain by focusing our procurement spend close to where it is consumed. We have eliminated single-use items and diverted 99% of waste away from landfill.
Our in-house sustainability capabilities are substantial. Our design consultancy has integrated sustainability into our practices, ensuring energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. We have completed over 130 decarbonisation projects in the past three years, equipping our employees with the skills to offer innovative, sustainable solutions.
Our wider strategy for making a difference includes delivering talks and workshops to educate communities on sustainability. We have served over 4,000 meat-free meals in schools per week since 2015, encouraging young people to try alternative foods and learn about the carbon emissions from food production.
Ian Surtees MBA, FIoD, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vertas Group, commented: "Receiving the King's Award for Enterprise is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication to sustainability. This award not only recognises our efforts but also motivates us to continue making a positive impact throughout the UK. We are proud to contribute to a greener future for our community and colleagues."
The King's Awards for Enterprise, established in 1965, are the most prestigious business awards in the UK, celebrating excellence in innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity. Winning this award allows us to use the esteemed King's Awards Emblem for the next five years.
For more information, visit Vertas Group website.
