We are proud of the strides we’ve made in our ESG journey, embedding sustainable, responsible, and inclusive practices at the heart of our strategy. We’ve achieved carbon zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2024, aiming for net zero by 2050.
Beyond environmental stewardship, we minimise infrastructure impact, support wildlife conservation, and engage with local communities. Notable efforts include raising over £18,000 for our chosen charities and fostering diversity through our DEI working group. As the UK’s leading digital infrastructure provider, we prioritise innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence while fostering an inclusive culture.
PAT COXEN
CEO
Our Strategy
Science-Based Target Initiative
We are committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions with net zero targets validated by the Science-Based Target Initiative. As part of a global network of over 1,800 companies, we aim to achieve net zero by 2050.
Sustainable Solutions
We are advancing sustainable practices through initiatives like cooling retrofits, HVO fuel usage, Power as a Service, and solar energy solutions, all designed to minimize our environmental impact.
Wildlife Conservation
We actively support local ecosystems by adapting our build and maintenance schedules to protect wildlife, including nesting and breeding birds, demonstrating our commitment to conservation.
Community and Environmental Engagement
We ensure responsible development through rigorous planning and engagement with local authorities, communities, and conservation groups, conducting thorough ecological and heritage assessments.
Our Achievements, 2023-24
Carbon Zero by 2024
We have achieved carbon zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2024 and remain committed to reaching net zero by 2050, demonstrating our long-term dedication to sustainability.
Site Life Cycle Analysis
We are working towards a Site Life Cycle Analysis to effectively target carbon intensive activities.
Biodiversity Enhancement
In partnership with the Scottish Raptor Group and WHP Telecoms, we reinstalled and maintained kestrel boxes at our Glasgow sites, addressing the decline in kestrel populations since the 1970s and supporting local biodiversity.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Our DEI working group has developed forward-looking plans based on employee feedback. We are dedicated to implementing company-wide initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organisation.
Early Careers Development
At Cornerstone, we prioritise early career development through T-level placements, internships, and work experience opportunities. We also support the Cellular Field Network Engineer apprenticeship, bringing new talent into the industry.
Sustainable
Leading UK in sustainable mobile infrastructure, committed to zero-carbon goals and biodiversity enhancement.
Responsible
Upholding strong environmental management, ethical sourcing, and transparent, accountable practices in every operation.
Inclusive
Building partnerships, engaging with communities, and supporting initiatives that promote diversity and growth.
Sustainable
Our sustainability plan is centred on tackling climate change, having achieved zero carbon for our Scope 1 and 2 activities by 2024 and on track to reach net zero by 2050, supported by our partnership with Science Based Targets. We prioritise ethical sourcing, selecting tenders and partners with a strong focus on green practices and shared carbon reduction goals. Our dedication to environmental management is reflected in our adherence to the ISO 14001 EMS standard, driving continuous improvements across the business. Additionally, we are mindful of the environmental impact of our sites, ensuring we protect and enhance the ecosystems surrounding them.
Our Strategy
We’re committed to a clear, actionable strategy to achieve our sustainability goals, focusing on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing ethical practices, and driving innovation.
Implement a Clear and Concise Carbon Plan:
Setting and executing a carbon reduction strategy with annual reporting to the board ensures accountability and progress towards our sustainability goals.
Review and Enhance Our Ethical Purchasing Framework:
Prioritising suppliers with strong environmental credentials is crucial for building a green supply chain and promoting sustainability throughout our operations.
Invest in R&D for Sustainable Products:
Innovation in sustainable products is key to driving long-term environmental impact and staying ahead in the industry.
Our Strategy
We are dedicated to fostering a culture of compliance, transparency, and excellence through a comprehensive strategy.
Establish our Steerco
Set up a dedicated oversight committee to drive and champion our responsibility initiatives.
Review and Enhance Governance Framework:
Continuously evaluate and strengthen our governance framework to ensure transparency and accountability.
Complete Data Mapping and Management:
Conduct a thorough data mapping exercise and utilise this information to improve reporting and decision-making.
Focus on Quality and Compliance:
Implement stringent quality controls across operations, deliver high levels of compliance awareness, and maintain an effective risk management regime with transparent financial controls and annual board reporting.
Responsible
Our commitment to responsibility is reflected in our strong culture of compliance and ethics, where high awareness and a robust moral compass guide our actions. We uphold a transparent and accountable governance framework that ensures rigorous oversight and effective management.
Our focus on delivering quality is achieved through meticulous processes and procedures designed to ensure excellence in every aspect of our operations.
Additionally, we maintain a comprehensive understanding of our data, leveraging this information to provide accurate reporting and support informed decision-making across the business.
Inclusive
Our plan for inclusivity centres on creating a supportive and equitable environment for all employees while actively contributing to our communities. We prioritise employee engagement and wellbeing with a leading-value proposition and a people-first approach. Our recruitment strategy focuses on finding the right talent for each role and supports a hybrid working model to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are committed to giving back through in-kind support, charitable events, fundraising, and volunteering. Our learning and development approach is grounded in fairness and inclusivity, offering tailored opportunities that align with both individual needs and business objectives.
Our Strategy
We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and equitable workplace while actively engaging with our communities.
Conduct Regular Engagement Surveys:
Benchmark our annual engagement survey and use quarterly pulse surveys to continuously gauge and improve employee satisfaction.
Implement Inclusive Learning and Wellbeing Programs:
Deliver a market-leading wellbeing programme and an inclusive L&D programme across all business levels.
Advance DEI and Community Efforts:
Execute our DEI strategy, focus on community support and charity initiatives, and promote a hybrid working model to attract and retain diverse talent.
Tackling Climate Change
Tackling Climate Change
We achieved carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2024, and have developed a five-year Carbon Reduction Plan, and extending our Environmental Policy to include sustainable commitments.
Ethical Partnerships
Ethical Partnerships
We are completing a supplier appraisal review, updating procurement contracts to include carbon reduction commitments, and developing a comprehensive supplier onboarding process.
Environmental Management
Environmental Management
We are maintaining our ISO14001 certification, delivering environmental awareness training for all employees, and issuing ECO design guidelines to our supply chain.
Embracing Biodiversity
Great Environmental Management
We are ensuring biodiversity net gain in planning applications, registering with the UK Business & Biodiversity Forum, and contributing to the Digital Connectivity Forum paper.
Robust Governance Framework
Robust Governance Framework
We are revising our ToR in line with Wates principles, introducing a new Director induction programme, enhancing information flow and confidentiality, and auditing the effectiveness of Board governance.
Great Compliance and Ethics
Great Compliance and Ethics
We are preparing to deliver Dawn Raid training, refreshing our GDPR regime, improving the Beacon Compliance platform, leveraging technology for compliance management, and re-energising our PRO behaviours.
Delivering Quality
Delivering Quality
We are working to ensure 95% of third-party spend aligns with our Supplier Code of Conduct, enhancing supplier accreditation and site access, retaining ISO accreditation, and updating our Health and Safety Strategy.
Knowing our Data
Knowing our Data
We are introducing the Ordnance Survey tool, embedding data literacy across the company, building a data dictionary, removing redundant data fields, and implementing the Milestone Exchange Gateway for data reconciliation.
Employee Engagement and Wellbeing
Employee Engagement and Wellbeing
We are implementing the wellbeing strategy, building departmental action plans from the employee engagement survey, and aiming for a 75% participation rate in 2024/25.
Diverse and Equitable
Diverse and Equitable
We are working towards signing the Ofcom Pledge, investing in leadership programmes for women, developing an Early Careers plan, promoting EDI awareness, and introducing STEM ambassadors.
Supporting the Community
Supporting the Community
We are striving to raise £10k for charity, undertaking 150 volunteering days, and establishing a fundraising committee.
Learning and Development
Learning and Development
We are developing strategic workforce plans, ensuring Line Managers hold development conversations, and aligning these efforts with the company’s long-term goals.