ESG strategy, Net Zero gap analysis and action plan

JRP produced a clear path to Net Zero as part of Quickline's wider ESG strategy.

Services provided

Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Strategy and Metrics including a Net Zero Gap Analysis and Action Plan

Summary

Quickline is a broadband provider that delivers high speed digital connectivity to rural areas across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, not serviced by other providers. They have invested in a market-leading hybrid network, using fibre and 5G wireless, to provide rock solid, reliable, fast, broadband. Their mission is to provide digital inclusivity to ensure that no one gets left behind by poor connectivity: everyone matters.

Scope

Encouraged by their Canadian investors, a key element of Quickline’s ambitions is to contribute to a more sustainable world by developing a broad ESG Strategy. This involved setting up a reporting process encompassing Net Zero as a key theme for action, using globally recognised metrics.

Approach

Working with Gateway Procurement, JRP helped Quickline to develop the company’s GHG inventory and Base Year footprint. Once site auditing and EMS development was underway, JRP designed and delivered a workshop to Quickline’s ESG working group. 

The workshop comprised a stakeholder mapping exercise, then scoping of ESG themes and topics plus a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) mapping exercise. The day resulted in the development of an initial materiality matrix. This was refined over a few weeks through team discussion to reach a consensus, with the final priorities forming the core of the company’s business strategy.

Recommendations and next steps

Key actions were identified for implementation in 2023:

1. Finalise and launch Quickline’s ESG Strategy Q1, updated vision and values as the start of communicating this information to all Quickline’s partners and stakeholders (existing and new) to initiate more focused engagement.
2. Consolidate emissions reduction reporting processes across the business.
3. Have in place an agreed electricity usage reporting process for all existing and new leased mast infrastructure and commercial premises.
4. Agree the timeline for making a Science-Based Target commitment and submitting all data for SBTI evaluation.
5. Complete internal EMS test audit aiming for full ISO 14001 certification by end of 2023/early 2024.
6. Finalise procurement process improvements, establishing a ‘preferred supplier’ set of criteria for supplier selection.
7. Work with existing, valued suppliers to agree resource and cost efficiencies and logistics.
8. Roll out enhanced staff induction and iterative ‘employee engagement process to build capacity and fully implement the ESG Strategy.

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