ESG is now an essential part of an organisation’s operations
By 2026, ESG-focused investments are set to reach $33.9 trillion, showing its rising importance amongst organisations. Commitments to environmental and social wellbeing are now commonplace in long-term strategic plans. Sustainability creates value for key stakeholders across any organisation, which is why they need to be supported and upheld.
With the public sector putting more focus on ESG, it was worth a discussion at GX Summit 2025. Gamma’s Public Sector Director Sam Winterbottom led the conversation with Chris Smith and Callum Lydon on Gamma’s own approach to sustainability and social value. With the goal of being net zero by 2042 underway, we’ll share the steps being taken to stay on course.
Quantifying emissions
As ESG Programme Manager, Chris needs to identify the “problem areas” that help to drive the programme themselves. Over the last 5 years, time and resources have been dedicated to such a task, particularly around calculating emissions. These missions around Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are certainly a good place to start.
Callum, as an Environmental Data Manager, knows the ins and outs around Gamma’s emissions. The primary culprits are the company fleet and electricity consumption, the latter driven by the Manchester-based data centre. It’s led the team to conduct a series of initiatives to keep those emissions down.
Those working the data centre are “environmentally conscious”, with their own work predating Chris’ own appointment last year. The introduction of AI means those practices will “go off the scale”, but saying it’s a recent area of focus is “a bit of a fallacy.” Work has been underway for some time, and plenty of projects have already been completed.
Air conditioning and cooling systems have been optimised through the implementation of cold aisles. The entire room isn’t being cooled – rather, it’s contained and not “freezing like it used to be.” Rack space has also been optimised, meaning cold air is pushed to where it’s needed.
All this has started in a “lab environment” and, in time, will hopefully be pushed into production. Chris reminds us that these areas don’t have to become “like [a] fridge”, but to you can wait for alerts to come in. That way, cooling levels can be optimised and monitored to keep all that kit performing optimally.
“Covered by 100% renewables”
For some time now, this data centre is run on 100% renewable energy. It combines well with all the incredible efficiency measures that have been introduced to reduce the burden on the data centre.
Chris explains that disclosing location and market-based emissions gives substance to how important these milestones are. Market-based reporting allows businesses to measure their consumption by factoring in how much renewable electricity is being used. Location-based reporting illustrates “what demand [you’re] putting on the grid.”
By 2030, it’s predicted that only 44% of the UK’s electricity will come from wind and solar energy. Right now, there isn’t “enough renewable energy to go around”, so by using less, there’s more for everyone else. Makes sense.
Fleet of the moment
In the UK, Gamma oversees a medium-sized fleet that’s primarily used for field engineering works. That fleet is transitioning to one that’s electrified, with the aim of making that a reality by the end of the decade.
Callum mentions the “logistical barriers” around that goal, especially with the field engineers and their toolset. Over in Europe, governmental policy dictates how that proposition is being positioned, as well as logistical reasons. Conversations are already underway around company vehicles and whether they’re necessary for operational works.
Back in the day, Gamma’s fleet was composed of diesel vehicles. Now, as Chris notes, hybrid estates have been part of the fleet for a few years now. Since his appointment last year, more conversations have taken place around getting field engineers access to EVs.
It’s about “doing the right thing” and kicking off this transition. While there is scrutiny over battery-powered vehicles compared to low emission petrol cars, “the science… proves” that EVs are more carbon efficient. When looking at it end to end, from manufacturing, usage and disposal, that efficiency shows.
Last year, an EV was tested in the Gamma fleet setup, but there are still factors that stop this widespread adoption. Battery performance (under load and in winter conditions), charging capabilities and heavy equipment makes the situation challenging. Yet the ambition is still there, and ideas are being discussed on how an electrified fleet can be managed and deployed.
Can engineer skillsets be changed to matched certain vehicle types? Will there be plug in hybrids for those that need a bigger vehicle with a bigger range? Will geography play a factor in where this EV fleet operates?
Only time will tell…
Net zero by 2042?
It’s the “long-term… encapsulating ambition”, which is obviously easier said than done. Callum mentions how Scope 3 emissions (i.e. “everything else”) are out of Gamma’s control. Roughly 90% of those emissions come from suppliers, which is why that net zero message is being spread far and wide.
In the short-term, Gamma’s ahead of schedule of “where we need to be by 2030.” That’s all down to the work currently being done by the ESG team, and the initiatives they’re championing right across the business.
“Good credibility”
Gamma is obliged to publish carbon reduction plans on an annual basis to the Crown Commercial Service (CCS). For Sam, Gamma now has “very good credibility” in that space, which is extremely important for customers.
Callum agrees – publishing those plans has been a regular feature since 2021, and there’s now a “degree of familiarity” with the work. It brings a level of trust that public sector customers appreciate, especially in this era of ‘greenwashing’. However, Gamma has consistently disclosed narratives and results which has built up that credibility.
Gamma was carbon neutral back in 2006, which set the foundation for “[going] the extra mile.” There have been offsetting programmes around net zero with a “much more weaponised… aggressive target” that have all been managed well. Customers can confidently say that they’re working with a supplier who takes their environmental responsibilities seriously.
Carbon neutrality itself gives Gamma’s net zero proposition a “sense of authenticity.” Being active in that goal brings credibility, and it’s important to “move with the times” as framework and practices evolve.
Circularity and e-waste
The idea of a circular economy is one that fascinates the public sector. Chris discusses how there’s now a greater understanding on the global impact of e-waste. The “disproportionately large amount of carbon” needed to create a device, including mining raw resources, transport and disposal, means there’s now a greater focus on the kit’s end of life.
Over the years, Gamma has “been pretty good” at recycling its own kit, and for as long as Chris remembers, none has been sent to landfills. More is being done to get kit from customers at end of contract, as well as efforts around renewing and upgrading tech. That kit can be sent to the “sort of second-hand market”, but if it can’t be used effectively elsewhere, those materials are disposed for reuse.
There’s plenty of activity around this initiative, especially with military grade shredding of chipboards and extracting metals. Chris mentions a partner who he’s “keen to do more with”, with reports already created that cover where proceeds have been donated. These philanthropic ventures are an ongoing project, but it’s something Gamma is looking to emphasise.
The social perspective
You can’t have ESG without the social angle (clue is in the name, really). Gamma’s own social programme does so much, and all that needs to be centrally coordinated. Chris, alongside Gamma’s People team, are collaborating closely on that front.
Volunteer days and the efforts made by Gamma’s own Charity Forum showcase that dedication to social good. The charities supported are ones that align with Gamma’s own commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Areas such as poverty, diversity and equality are all ones addressed by these chosen charities.
Internal communities within Gamma all encourage “inclusivity… within the business”. From health and wellbeing to early careers, multicultural groups, and Women at Gamma, these communities “celebrate the things that are important to [employees].” It encourages people from different backgrounds to pursue senior roles and look at opportunities they might not have otherwise had.
“We do so much in this space” is how Chris perfectly describes it.
Our continued commitment
Whether operating in enterprise and public sector, that dedication to environmental and social good is paramount. For a company like Gamma, that commitment to sustainability is vital when creating long-term value that benefits everyone.
Attending events like GX Summit 2025 helps to give Gamma’s key stakeholders an insight into these ESG initiatives. Reaching net zero by 2042 won’t be an easy journey, obviously. But the efforts being made now and, in the future, will generate value that’s beyond measure. Sustainability will remain a core part of how Gamma operates.
2042 seems like a long way off, but we’ve got it firmly in our sights.