Our Commitment to ESG
We are dedicated to fostering positive societal impact, advancing social welfare, generating sustainability, and empowering communities through economic opportunity, all in the pursuit of meaningful progress toward a better world.
DDC Cares
The DDC Group is unwavering in our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, embracing our role not only as a leader in sustainable business practices but also as a model of responsible corporate citizenship. Over the past 30 years, the company has contributed acts of service and donations to support a diverse range of initiatives designed to support and uplift communities and to conserve and preserve for our planet.
A message from our CEO
At The DDC Group, we recognize that our global presence and influence extend far beyond traditional business operations, shaping the lives of individuals, strengthening communities, and contributing to the stewardship of our environment. This understanding underscores our deep commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as foundational elements of our strategy for sustainable growth.
In pursuit of this vision, we are advancing our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives with the objective of creating an enduring and meaningful impact on society and the natural world. By embedding these values at the highest level of our organization, we are ensuring that our initiatives are seamlessly aligned with our overarching business strategy and sustainability ambitions. This strategic addition reflects our belief that corporate responsibility is not a parallel effort but an integral driver of our organizational purpose and success.
Beginning in 2025, our comprehensive CSR reporting will provide transparent insights into our commitments, initiatives, targets, and performance metrics. By systematically fixing these efforts into our core operations, we are actively forging a path toward a more responsible, resilient, and forward-thinking future for our stakeholders and society as a whole.
- Nimesh Akhauri, CEO
What’s at the core of our ESG strategy?
Human Rights
Respect for human rights stands as a foundational pillar of our operating model. This commitment is strengthened through independent ethical audits and a framework of comprehensive policies that guides our actions and holds us accountable to the highest standards. By prioritizing human dignity and fairness, we strive to create an environment where ethical responsibility is not just practiced but deeply valued.
Environmental Stewardship
We are dedicated to building a more sustainable future, with a focused commitment to understanding, managing, and reducing the environmental impact of our business. Recognizing our role and responsibility, we approach each decision with the aim of balancing progress with thoughtful stewardship of our natural resources.
Our Suppliers
We seek to ensure our suppliers are sourced ethically, trade ethically, and are impact-driven enterprises. Critical supplier evaluations and independent ethical audits take place at least once a year.
Our Customers
We aim to deliver products and services that are responsibly sourced, each reflecting our commitment to ethical standards and a more sustainable future. We strive to empower our customers with choices that meet their needs and support the well-being of our planet and communities, fostering a legacy of conscientious impact for generations to come.
Our People
Our people are pivotal to our success, and we prioritize their well-being above all. We are committed to creating a supportive, equal-opportunity workplace where employees feel valued, cared for, and empowered to thrive personally and professionally.
Community
We partner closely with a diverse range of charities within our local communities, nurturing relationships that enable us to make a meaningful difference where it’s needed most. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), we thoughtfully align our efforts to create lasting, positive impact, addressing critical needs and contributing to the well-being of those around us.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Cultivating a healthier planet
At The DDC Group, we recognise the importance of protecting our natural environment to ensure a healthy planet for future generations. Our commitment to sustainability is integral to our business operations and aligns with our core values of respect, seeking improvement, and acting with integrity.
Our environmental objectives include:
- Continually assessing the environmental effects of our activities
- Promoting environmental awareness to our employees
- Minimizing the production of waste
- Minimizing energy waste
- Promoting the use of recyclable and renewable materials
- Preventing pollution in all its forms
- Controlling noise emissions from operations
- Procuring ethically and responsibly
To reduce our environmental impact, we’ve implemented LED lighting, Smart Metering, motion sensors, solar panels, and selected company cars that are either hybrid or fully electric. We’ve also significantly reduced plastic use, established recycling procedures, achieved ISO 14001 accreditation in the UK, and initiated independent environmental audits of our sites.
Additionally, we’ve done extensive work with environmental sustainability, conservation, and restoration organizations working to preserve natural habitats, including the Headwaters Trails Alliance, SECORE, and WildEarth Guardians.
SOCIAL
Driving positive impact
Our approach to corporate social responsibility emphasizes creating positive social change. We fundraise, volunteer, and donate to a wide range of non-profit organizations focused on community well-being and development. We care for our communities and the world at large by contributing to, partnering with, and sourcing from impact-driven and community-empowered enterprises. Our social impact includes support for vital initiatives, such as:
Community support
Organizations, including Bassetlaw Food Banks, Christmas Hampers for the Elm Foundation, Pomozi.ba, Trucker Emergency Assistance Relief, St. Christopher’s Trucker Relief Fund, and Transaid.
Cancer research and treatment
Organizations, including the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Fund (MACC Fund), Race for the Cure®, and the Christie Charity. We’ve also assisted with building hospital wings.
Educational empowerment
Initiatives, such as donating over 100 PCs to support children's education, building and donating libraries and schools, providing school supplies, and more.
You’re in safe hands
At The DDC Group, governance is the backbone of our commitment to ethical business practices. Our governance framework is fortified by:
Comprehensive oversight
Our ESG initiatives are led by a Board comprising a Chief People Officer, Chief Finance Officer, and Chief Purpose Officer.
International standards
We comply with international standards around organizational governance, such as ISO 14001, ISO 27002, ISO 9001, ISO 22301, and ISO 30001.
Transparent reporting
We perform regular internal and external audits in the areas of Business Ethics, Environmental, Workforce Ethics, and Health & Safety.
Strategic risk management
We engage in continuous evaluation of risks and opportunities to align with our business and sustainability goals.