Mitie Surpasses 2024 Sustainability Targets

Mitie’s 2024 ESG report showcases the company’s outstanding achievements in sustainability, highlighting its commitment across four key areas: Environment, People, Communities, and Responsible Supply Chain.

Founded in 1987, Mitie has grown into a leading UK facilities management and professional services provider.

The company serves high-profile clients such as IKEA, BAE Systems and Sainsbury's, where it plays a crucial role in enhancing operations through innovative technology and a focus on social value.

Mitie has made significant strides towards its net zero goals, particularly in reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

The company achieved a 5% reduction in these emissions in FY24, driven by the installation of low-carbon heat pumps and a large-scale shift to electric vehicles (EVs).

With 66% of its fleet now fully electric, Mitie operates one of the largest EV fleets in the UK.

The company’s efforts have been recognised with an ‘A’ grade from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its carbon reduction initiatives and transparent reporting, placing Mitie among the top 2% of organisations globally.

Mitie’s environmental impact also extends to its clients. A notable success includes boosting recycling rates at London Euston station from 10% to 81% by implementing an on-site recycling facility.

Additionally, the installation of 2,000 solar panels at Associated British Ports in Southampton is expected to cut carbon emissions by 235 tonnes annually.

Fostering sustainability in the supply chain

Mitie’s sustainability efforts are equally evident in its supply chain. Nearly 48% of the company’s supply chain spending was with SMEs, and £3.3m was directed to voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), exceeding targets by 46%.

The company also recorded a 12% reduction in supply chain emissions compared to FY23, marking the successful culmination of a three-year transformation programme. This initiative introduced key sustainability measures into procurement processes, including the implementation of the Coupa digital supplier platform. This platform has improved due diligence, transparency, and operational efficiency by consolidating supplier data.

The programme also resulted in a 50% reduction in the supplier base, reducing it to around 8,000 suppliers. This streamlining, combined with automation and savings, delivered over £160 million in benefits. Additionally, Mitie established a Procurement Centre of Excellence to focus on systems management, governance, and compliance, further strengthening its procurement functions.

Mitie’s investment in VCSEs yielded a social return of £2m, while its collaboration with SMEs as part of the SEUK Buy Social Corporate Challenge generated £227m in social value. These efforts underscore Mitie’s commitment to sustainability and transparency across its operations.

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 dedication to its workforce continues to drive positive outcomes, 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 create new career paths within the security industry. Additionally, the company launched a heat pump engineer apprenticeship, contributing to the UK's expanding green workforce.

In April 2024, Mitie surpassed £2m in Apprenticeship Levy gifting pledges, enabling over 25 SMEs and community services across the UK to establish and sustain apprenticeship schemes.

Mitie also reinforced its community commitments through a programme that gifts employees ten hours of volunteering annually. This initiative led to nearly 25,000 hours of volunteering in FY24, making a meaningful impact in local communities.

The Mitie Foundation, an independent charity supporting disadvantaged individuals into employment, marked its tenth anniversary this year. In FY24 alone, the Foundation helped 418 people secure jobs and welcomed 790 veterans, continuing Mitie’s strong 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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