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Introduction
In the development and commercialisation of our technology – especially our proprietary system for producing energy and hydrogen from waste products – we offer the ability to create a clean energy source by disposing of waste that fails to be recycled – one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. Prevention of pollution as well as minimising climate change sits at the very heart of ‘Sustainability’. As does the responsible use of resources, which is essential to sustaining humanity.
This strategy outlines Powerhouse’s approach to sustainability and its environmental, social and governance priorities – the three pillars of corporate sustainability – through which the Group’s purpose is to be achieved and measured.
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The PHE Purpose and Our Approach to Sustainability
We believe that our corporate activities can make a significant contribution to achieving some of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals were developed to support the UN 2030 Agenda which aims ultimately to end poverty and inequality and to protect the planet.
Whilst we cannot impact all 17 of these goals, we are well-positioned and capable of contributing to six of the goals, which span the area of our expertise: These include:
- SDG 8 – Promote sustained inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all;
- SDG 9 – Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization;
- SDG 11 – Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable;
- SDG 12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns; and
- SDG 13 – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Powerhouse’s proprietary waste to energy technology can produce synthesis gas (“Syngas”) for various applications which is a clean energy source at the point of use and results in a lower carbon footprint than most syngas currently produced in the world. It also has a lower carbon footprint than the current disposal method of incineration. The fact that our technology also deals with wastes, the treatment of which would otherwise cause significant production of CO2, makes it a complementary technology rather than a competing one.
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Defining What Matters
While our vision and purpose may contribute to and facilitate sustainable development, we firmly understand that a truly sustainable Group is one that is a good corporate citizen and seeks to create long-term value for all stakeholders. In other words, as a responsible business it is important that we minimise our own impact and support the communities in which we live and work.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is the framework by which a Group’s good corporate citizenship is measured. Of course, not all ESG issues are material to the business. However, given that Powerhouse is still a small and focused Group, our environmental and social impacts and the ways in which these need to be managed are still very limited. As our projects gain traction, we will assess the materiality of our activities to identify what matters most to our stakeholders and to the Group.
ESG Priorities
Considering the current phase of Powerhouse growth, being largely focused on feasibility, planning and licensing, we consider our current ESG priorities to be as follows:
To integrate environmental sustainability into our designs, the engineering and operational services we provide, minimising waste and optimising the use of resources.
To reduce emissions and set science-based targets to achieve net zero across the activities of the business by 2035.
To ensure the safety and well-being of all our employees and contractors, as well as those communities residing within the sphere of our activities.
To make a positive difference to our host communities and to provide high-quality jobs that support local economies.
To be collaborative, trusted and a good neighbour helping to tackle common challenges.
To create awareness and educate our stakeholders on the scope and value of our projects and of the nature and benefits of low-carbon syngas more broadly.
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Powerhouse invests in innovation and research. We have developed one means of helping to utilise waste plastic, end-of-life-tyres, and other waste streams converting this to a low carbon fuel. The Group will pursue further opportunities to contribute to removal of pollution, achieving a circular economy in use of resources, providing low carbon heat and electricity at a community level, and exploring how to create true sustainable outcomes for the built environment. We will continue to prioritise the use of innovative design approaches to help unlock opportunities for our clients and offer design solutions and options that build resilience for both their and our projects.
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Social Responsibility
Our People
Powerhouse understands that it has a fundamental responsibility to protect and improve the lives of our employees and community stakeholders. The safety, health and well-being of our people, our clients and the public is, therefore, a foremost priority. In fulfilling this commitment, Powerhouse promotes the importance of health and safety to all stakeholders and has implemented procedures to ensure that the working environment is safe, fair and inclusive.
Our Community
Powerhouse’s aim as a responsible corporate citizen is to create sustainable and shared values for the communities residing in the vicinities of our projects.
Our Clients
Powerhouse acts with integrity in all our business dealings. We have a strong sense of responsibility to treat people respectfully and we maintain ethical business standards in all the markets in which we operate.
Powerhouse prides itself on its technical innovation to unlock opportunities and provide service for our clients. Engineering technology will be key to addressing the major global issues and the Group wishes to make its contribution to that.
Thought leadership and championing innovation
The Group commits to continuing to share our technical knowledge, insights and experience, and actively engage and collaborate with our peers, academia and industry. Change must come and we want to be part of that renaissance.
Good Governance
Powerhouse is committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, ethical conduct, and regulatory compliance both in terms of United Kingdom law and international standards. The Board has oversight and overall accountability for guiding the strategic direction of the Group, for ensuring an ethical culture and for effective control and legitimacy.
