Facilities management services company OCS has published its first integrated sustainability review, covering both of its Australian and New Zealand operations.

The sustainability report is part of OCS Australia and New Zealand’s wider strategic objective to be the most environmentally sustainable business in its sector by 2030.

The report covers the status of OCS Australia and New Zealand’s sustainability initiatives under its three-pillar framework; people, environment and communities.

OCS is a key player in an industry worth more than $1 billion annually in New Zealand and $4 billion in Australia. In 2018 OCS employed 5200 people across Australia and New Zealand working at more than 6000 sites.

Achievements for the facilities management services company in 2018 included reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions, the roll out of several major waste minimisation programmes and the introduction of bio-degradable and non-toxic cleaning products.

The group also increased its electric vehicle fleet in New Zealand as part of its strategy to convert 30 per cent of its fleet to electric or hybrid vehicles by 2020.

OCS ANZ managing director Gareth Marriott said every business – large or small – has the opportunity to make a positive difference when it comes to sustainability.

“Businesses across the globe are working together to make ambitious commitments to take action on climate change and environmental and social issues.

“But even small changes can make a big difference and working in partnership has the ability to effect great change. One of our key strategies is to work with clients and suppliers to leverage their combined skills to create deeper, more far reaching changes.”

In 2018 OCS partnered with an increasing number of clients on waste and environmental minimisation programmes, developing specialised solutions for clients with very specific needs, including Auckland Airport, Marlborough District Council and Perth Airport.

“We’ve made a commitment to be the most environmentally sustainable business in our sector by 2030 and one way we can do this is by providing our clients with innovative solutions to improve their impact on society,” Marriott said.

According to the report most of the sustainability issues OCS and the rest of the world are facing require systematic change – and collaboration across its value chain. Specific challenges highlighted in the report in regards to OCS ANZ’s three sustainability pillars include the retention of frontline staff, legislative changes such as the minimum wage increase in New Zealand and client understanding of the value of cleaning.

Globally, OCS is one of the world’s largest family-owned facilities management services company, with more than 86,000 team members worldwide. OCS Group CEO Peter Slator said the report shows the company’s integrated commitment to sustainability.

“Sustainability permeates every part of our international business. It informs what we do and how we do it, from sourcing our materials and interacting with our environment, through to how we work with our people and our clients,” Slator said.

“The issues and goals we are reporting on aren’t isolated to OCS. We recognise that sustainability is increasingly important to our clients, their customers and team members, and other stakeholders across society.

“We have ambitious plans to continue to grow our Australasian business in a responsible and sustainable way.”

The report can be viewed here.

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