Reducing the environmental impact of our operations

As a large employer we have a responsibility to lead by example, reducing our negative impact on the environment and promoting positive action to address key environmental challenges.
We are focusing on four key areas:

  • Our net zero commitment – we aim to be net zero in our operations by 20251.
  • Waste and recycling –We continue to improve our waste and recycling capabilities, improving segregation at source and embracing circular economy principles.
  • Conservation - We are committed to supporting conservation in our communities, and further afield through verified high-quality nature-based carbon removal projects.
  • Employee engagement – We will support colleague understanding of environmental issues and promote engagement in environmental action.

1The scope for this target, which was set using science-based techniques, is scope 1 and 2 emissions from our occupied premises and scope 3 emissions from business travel. Our focus will be on emissions reductions with any remaining emissions compensated by the use of certified GHG removal projects.

Our Environmental policy

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and protection of the environment. Our Environmental Policy, part of our ISO14001 certified Environmental Management System, sets out our focus areas.

How we're reducing our environment impact

Net Zero Transition Plan – If we are to limit the increase in global average temperatures, we must take urgent, system-wide action to cut the greenhouse gases we emit and achieve net zero emissions.
 

Suppliers - how we operate

Standard Life operates a predominantly outsourced business model and our suppliers are critical towards achieving our strategic objectives. Building relationships with suppliers who share Standard Life’s ESG ambitions is therefore a priority.

All suppliers are required to align with our ESG Supplier Standards and enhanced oversight is applied to suppliers classified as material and/or suppliers with an individual or cumulative annual spend exceeding, or likely to exceed, £1.5 million. 

Additionally, our Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the minimum standards and principles we require our suppliers to follow.

Key documents for our suppliers

ESG supplier standards
Supplier code of conduct
Modern Slavery Statement

Living wage

Standard Life is an accredited Living Wage employer. In line with the Living Wage Foundation’s definition, we pay a Living Wage as a minimum to direct staff and regularly contracted staff that operate on Standard Life’s UK premises. Contracted staff are those who work 2 or more hours a week, for 8 or more consecutive weeks a year on our sites specifically.

We also encourage suppliers to pay a Living Wage to their staff and to seek accreditation as a Real Living Wage employer. 

Discover more

  • People: Better journeys

    We want to be the business that people trust to guide their retirement journey.

  • Planet: Better futures

    We champion the belief that everyone’s journey to and through retirement can be better. 

  • Our journey to net zero

    We’re on a journey to net zero by 2050 and have started taking actions to achieve this.