Mitie Leads in Sustainability with 2024 ESG Achievements
Mitie’s 2024 ESG report shines a light on the company’s impressive achievements in sustainability and social responsibility, reflecting its deep commitment across four crucial pillars: Environment, People, Communities and Responsible Supply Chain.
Mitie, a leading UK facilities management and professional services company, was established in 1987.
It has since served notable clients such as IKEA, for whom Mitie enhances security operations, BAE Systems, where they deliver integrated facilities management across 26 sites, and Sainsbury's, highlighting their extensive reach and commitment to service excellence.
Mitie focuses on delivering exceptional environments through innovative technology and a dedication to social value, ensuring that client needs are met effectively and sustainably.
In FY24, Mitie not only met but exceeded 13 of its ambitious targets, underscoring its role as a leader in driving positive change.
Mitie’s journey towards net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 saw remarkable progress this year.
The company achieved a 5% reduction in these emissions, largely thanks to the installation of low-carbon heat pumps and a significant shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
With 66% of its fleet now fully electric, Mitie operates one of the UK’s largest EV fleets.
This dedication has not gone unnoticed.
Mitie received an ‘A’ grade from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its carbon reduction efforts and transparent reporting, placing it among the top 2% of organisations globally.
Mitie’s environmental impact extends beyond its operations, as the company actively supports its clients in reaching their own net zero goals.
A standout achievement includes transforming London Euston station’s recycling rates from 10% to 81% with a new on-site recycling facility.
Furthermore, the installation of 2,000 solar panels at the Associated British Ports in Southampton will reduce carbon emissions by 235 tonnes annually.
Fostering sustainability in the supply chain
Mitie’s commitment to sustainability is equally evident in its supply chain practices.
Nearly half (47.7%) of the company’s supply chain spend was with SMEs, and £3.3m (US$4.3m) was directed to voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), surpassing targets by 46%.
The company also achieved a 12% reduction in supply chain emissions compared to FY23, culminating a three-year transformation programme aimed at embedding sustainability in procurement.
In FY24, Mitie completed this transformative three-year supply chain programme, introducing several key initiatives that have redefined procurement processes.
Central to this was the deployment of the Coupa digital supplier platform, which consolidated supplier data and improved due diligence, transparency, and operational efficiency.
This programme also led to a 50% reduction in the supplier base, down to around 8,000 suppliers, and delivered over £160m (US$209) in benefits through automation, savings, and enhanced transparency.
Mitie further strengthened its procurement function by establishing a new Procurement Centre of Excellence, focusing on systems management, governance and compliance.
The centre also supports client bids and mobilisation, ensuring Mitie continues to leverage its scale effectively while maintaining high standards.
The company’s efforts in FY24 also generated significant social value returns on investment. Mitie’s spend with VCSEs yielded a social return of £2m (US$2.6m), while its engagement with SMEs as part of the SEUK Buy Social Corporate Challenge delivered £227m (US$296.7m) in social return.
These achievements demonstrate Mitie’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, transparency, and operational excellence across its supply chain.
As Mitie’s Chief Legal Officer Peter Dickinson proudly noted, “As one of Britain’s biggest businesses, we are committed to making a positive impact on our people, communities and the environment.
"With our 2025 net zero targets fast approaching, it’s great to see that this year we exceeded so many of our goals.”
Empowering the workforce
Mitie’s investment in its workforce continues to bear fruit, with over 1,200 apprentices supported across 90 courses in FY24.
Among these initiatives is the Professional Security Operative Level 2 apprenticeship, developed by Mitie to open new career paths within the security industry. The company also launched a heat pump engineer apprenticeship to contribute to the UK’s growing green workforce.
In April 2024, Mitie surpassed £2m (US$2.6m) in Apprenticeship Levy gifting pledges, enabling more than 25 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local community services across the UK to create and sustain apprenticeship schemes.
Mitie has also gone above and beyond in its community commitments, particularly through its initiative that gifts employees ten hours of volunteering annually. This programme resulted in nearly 25,000 hours of volunteering in FY24, making a tangible difference in local communities.
The Mitie Foundation, an independent charity supporting disadvantaged individuals into employment, celebrated its tenth anniversary this year.
In FY24 alone, the Foundation helped 418 people find work and welcomed 790 veterans as part of Mitie’s ongoing support for the Armed Forces community.
Mitie’s achievements in FY24 not only advance its own sustainability goals but also contribute to the broader goal of a net zero Britain, setting a strong example for others to follow.
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