Interview with David Harrison
Introduction to David Harrison, Executive Sponsor of Sustainability for Ivy.
David is our Executive Sponsor of Sustainability, whilst also running our Robotics Division. He has been with Ivy Technology for the past 16 years in various roles which has generated a deep understanding of all areas and facilities in our business. He has been leading our Sustainability initiatives and strategy for the past 18 months and in that time has made it his passion to highlight and consolidate the great work the company was already doing in it's sustainability journey.
Recently completing a Diploma in Business Sustainability has ensured he has the latest industry knowledge to accelerate our goals. This feature explores Ivy's ESG plans in greater depth and uncovers what fuels David's passion for this important topic.
What is the company's overall sustainability strategy and vision?
Ivy Technology's sustainability strategy focuses on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of our operations. Our vision is to lead the industry in sustainable practices, ensuring that our growth is both responsible and inclusive. We aim to create long-term value for our stakeholders by
minimising our environmental footprint, fostering social responsibility, and maintaining high standards of corporate governance.
How do you align the sustainability goals with the company's business objectives?
We align our sustainability goals with business objectives by embedding ESG criteria into our strategic planning and decision-making processes. This involves setting measurable sustainability targets that complement our financial goals, ensuring that every business unit contributes to our overall sustainability performance. Regular
reviews and updates ensure our goals remain relevant and achievable. In addition we are a Circular Economy company and so Sustainability is at the very heart of everything we do, We contribute to a more sustainable future with every repaired product.
What are the key sustainability initiatives currently underway at our company?
Key initiatives include reducing our carbon footprint through energy efficiency projects, implementing waste reduction programs, and enhancing our supply chain's sustainability. Additionally, we are investing in renewable energy sources and advancing our corporate social responsibility efforts by supporting local communities and ensuring fair labour practices. We're also supporting our Customer's in their journey and aligning our goals with theirs through programs like HP Life Pledge and Dell's Moonshot Goals.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
How does the company measure its environmental impact, and what metrics are used?
We measure our environmental impact using several key metrics, including; energy consumption, water usage, carbon impact of our travel and waste generation. These metrics are tracked regularly, and we use benchmarking and performance indicators to evaluate our progress.
What steps are we taking to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste?
We are improving energy efficiency by upgrading to LED lighting, optimizing HVAC systems, and engaging with external partners to assess energy optimization. To reduce waste, we're enhancing recycling programs, minimising packaging materials, and implementing circular economy principles in our operations.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
How does our company ensure fair labour practices and ethical sourcing in our supply chain?
We ensure fair labour practices and ethical sourcing by conducting regular audits of our suppliers, requiring adherence to our code of conduct, and having targeted suppliers perform a Sustainability assessment.
What initiatives are in place to support the communities where we operate?
We support local communities through various initiatives through our Ivy CARES strategy, we support educational programs, health and wellness projects, and economic development efforts. We also encourage employee volunteerism and partner with local organisations to address community needs.
Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations with non-profits or community organizations?
We collaborate with numerous non-profits and community organisations to amplify our impact. These partnerships include joint initiatives on education, environmental conservation, and social welfare programs.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
How is technology being used to drive sustainability efforts in our company?
Technology is integral to our sustainability efforts. Our dedicated team continuously ensures significant process efficiency through automation, artificial intelligence models applied in debugging, and streamlined and consistent processes that reduce our environmental impact by using less energy to achieve the same results.
CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
What are the biggest challenges Ivy faces in implementing sustainability initiatives?
The biggest challenges include integrating sustainability across diverse global operations, aligning all stakeholders around common goals, and keeping up with rapidly evolving regulatory requirements.
How do you foresee these challenges evolving in the next few years?
These challenges are likely to become increasingly complex as regulatory pressures rise, government bodies set long-term goals, and stakeholder expectations grow, particularly the need to support our clients and suppliers with data. However, advancements in technology and increased industry collaboration will also present
new solutions and opportunities.
What opportunities do you see for our company to lead in sustainability within our industry?
Opportunities include pioneering innovative sustainability practices, setting industry benchmarks, and leading through example in transparent ESG reporting and community engagement. By continuously improving and sharing our successes, we can encourage others in the industry.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
How do we engage employees in sustainability efforts and encourage a culture of sustainability within the company?
We engage employees through training programs, sustainability workshops, and internal campaigns that highlight the importance of ESG practices. We encourage all our employees to sign our pledge, To Affinity and Beyond and engage with our sustainability team who will welcome suggestions and ideas on how we accelerate
our journey.
Are there any specific programs or initiatives planned that are aimed at increasing employee involvement?
Yes, Green August has been launched across our all our sites which aims to promote global as well as local sustainability initiatives. Additionally, we have launched our company-wide sustainability pledge aimed at promoting environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability.
REPORTING & TRANSPARENCY
How do we report our sustainability performance, and how often?
We report our sustainability performance annually through a comprehensive sustainability report. This report is made available to all stakeholders and includes detailed metrics and progress updates on our ESG goals. We also disclose on the Carbon Disclosure Project where we have a B- rating and improving consistently. At a corporate level we also hold a Gold Standard on Ecovadis putting us in the top 5% of companies on the platform and complete the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) annually.
FUTURE GOALS
What are the long-term sustainability goals for our company?
Our long-term goals include achieving carbon neutrality, zero waste to landfill, and sourcing 100% renewable energy. We also aim to enhance our social impact by increasing community investments and ensuring ethical practices throughout our supply chain.
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
What motivates you personally to work in sustainability?
The desire to have our company make a positive impact on the planet and society drives me. I believe that businesses have a crucial role in addressing global challenges, and working in sustainability allows me to contribute to meaningful change. I have 2 children and I feel a great responsibility to the next generation and the generations after to make the world a better place.
Are there any particular sustainability leaders or organisations that inspire you?
Leaders like Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, and organisations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Patagonia with their Common Threads Initiative inspire me with their commitment to sustainable business practices and environmental conservation efforts.