Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) Framework
Introduction
This framework establishes a comprehensive approach to environmental, social, and governance responsibilities. It recognises the significant impact that organisations have as contributors to industry, society, climate, and interconnected sectors, along with responsibilities to employees, clients, and the public.
This ESG framework defines organisational values and the drivers that shape decision-making. It is designed as a leadership-driven but collaborative initiative, with open discourse encouraged among all team members and stakeholders. All meetings and workshops regarding the ethical framework and ESG are conducted transparently, with every employee invited to participate through open forums or confidential feedback channels.
The organisation commits to building trust through transparency and measurable progress, sharing findings, plans, achievements, and challenges annually or as they arise. An open-source platform enables knowledge sharing and collaborative development.
Core Themes and Pillars
ENVIRONMENTAL
Key Focus Areas
- Post-Pandemic Adaptation
- Climate Positive Operations: Reducing production and operational carbon emissions
- Technology Integration: Design innovations that improve performance
- Performative Solutions
| Category | Practice Level | Project/Design Level |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Positive | - Carbon certification - Decarbonisation initiatives - Eliminate purchased offsets | - Carbon-neutral projects - High-impact initiatives - Research-driven outcomes |
| Regenerative Approach | - Conservation programs - Reforestation efforts | - Regenerative design - Endemic species integration - Urban renewal - Local industry support |
| Energy Supply | - Certified renewable energy | - Renewable supply integration - Wind, solar, hydro options |
GOVERNANCE
Key Focus Areas
- Open Source: Research and findings shared through platforms, speaking engagements, and educational opportunities
- Typological Standards
| Category | Practice Level | Project/Design Level |
|---|---|---|
| Social Impact | - B Corporation certification - Strategic investments - Charitable donations | - Pro bono services |
| Category | Practice Level | Project/Design Level |
|---|---|---|
| Advisory Standards | - Workplace excellence | - Trusted advisor relationships |
| Category | Practice Level | Project/Design Level |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Sharing | - R&D investment - Industry events - Open office initiatives | - Research publication |
| Access for All | - Resource library | - Online journals - Public publications |
| Thought Leadership | - Speaking engagements | - Awards participation - Industry leadership |
Implementation Framework
1. People and Workforce
Objective: Provide a respectful and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
Key Considerations:
- Local job creation and support for disadvantaged groups
- Minimum tender and social procurement requirements
- Diversity and inclusion policies and targets
Diversity and Inclusion
Aim: Create a workplace people want to join, where they feel respected and can reach their full potential regardless of background.
Comprehensive Plan Includes:
- Gender Equality Plan
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employee Plan
- Workplace Accessibility Plan
- Mature Age and Young Professionals Plan
- LGBTQI+ Inclusion Plan
- Reconciliation Action Plan
Priority Areas:
Gender Equality
- Goal: Achieve 50/50 gender representation at all levels across all disciplines by 2030
- Key Issues to Address: Underrepresentation in senior roles, leadership and ownership, career progression disparities for parents, technical role gender imbalances.
- Actions: Parental leave policies, flexible working arrangements, support programs, mentoring, leadership development, targeted recruitment, gender balance initiatives.
Indigenous Representation
- Current Challenge: Low industry representation (typically <2%)
- Actions: Student encouragement programs, high school work experience, educational partnerships, vocational/university programs, social procurement, cultural awareness training, cultural observance, acknowledgment protocols, reconciliation action plan.
Disability Inclusion
- Improve representation and success rates
- Enhance workplace culture and awareness
- Develop accessible pathway programs
2. Prosperity and Giving Back
Objective: Contribute meaningfully to society through strategic giving and support.
Programmes:
Donations
- Establish clear support criteria
- Set budget parameters (e.g., percentage of turnover or profit)
- Strategic selection of supported organizations
- Indigenous community support programs
Fundraising and Support
- Company-sponsored events
- Client and staff engagement initiatives
Employee Contribution Programs
- Optional payroll giving programs
- Annual charity selection process
Volunteering
- Company-organized initiatives
- Charity and volunteering leave policies
Pro Bono Work
- Support causes aligned with core competencies
- Focus on projects benefiting disadvantaged communities
- Prioritize sustainability-focused initiatives
- Local and international projects
3. Sustainability
Objective: Reduce environmental impacts related to climate change and waste through design, specification, and operational practices.
Key Questions:
- How do we reduce environmental impact as designers?
- How do we ensure responsible specification?
- How do we operate sustainably as an organization?
Approach:
Sustainable Design Philosophy
- Establish clear sustainability principles
- Integrate into all design processes
Responsible Specification
- Prioritize sustainable materials
- Ensure supply chain transparency
Organizational Operations
- Reduce operational carbon footprint
- Implement waste reduction programs
- Sign industry climate declarations
Goals and Timeline Structure
Short-Term Goals (1-2 years)
- Establish baseline measurements
- Implement foundational policies
- Begin awareness and training programs
Long-Term Goals (5-10 years)
- Achieve measurable diversity targets
- Reach carbon neutrality
- Establish industry leadership position
Monitoring and Reporting
- Annual progress reports
- Regular stakeholder updates
- Transparent communication of successes and challenges
- Continuous improvement mechanisms
- Third-party verification where applicable
SOCIAL
Key Focus Areas
- Recycling programs
- Upcycling initiatives
- Reconciliation action plans
- Cultural observances
- Workshops
- Education programs
- Community excursions
- Project collaboration
- Place respect
- Reforestation programs
- Indigenous representation
- LGBTQI+ inclusion
- Low socioeconomic support
- Accessibility
- Safe, supportive spaces
- Employee assistance programs
- Health memberships