Sustainability strategy

AQA is committed to making a positive impact through outstanding environmental sustainability performance.

In 2020, we launched our sustainability strategy with an overarching goal to reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 60% against the 2018/19 baseline by 2025/26.

To date, we've exceeded this target and we're committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions before 2050. To achieve this, we will align our approach to the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) reporting methodology.

Work is underway to progress our SBTi application and develop our long-term implementation plans.

Key targets

To achieve our initial short-term objectives, we've implemented an action plan with six key areas. Some actions are already underway or have been implemented whilst others will follow in the coming months and years:

Partnership and engagement

  • share knowledge and expertise or to support staff volunteers in local community projects
  • engage employees, customers, associates and key stakeholders through regular communications using internal and external resources.

Waste management and resource use

  • maintain zero waste to landfill
  • improve recycling and impacts of waste materials for end users
  • reduce usage of single-use plastics across all business areas.

Energy and carbon management

  • AQA remain on track to exceed the reduction of scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2025/26
  • AQA are committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions before 2050
  • phase out gas usage for heating our offices.

Sustainable investments

  • advance sustainability through our environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment strategy
  • make sure that all our investments avoid harm
  • integrate ESG factors into our investment processes
  • implement an investment screening policy
  • reduce total portfolio carbon emissions.

Travel

  • reduce business travel by at least 50% compared to baseline year
  • default to train travel where travel is essential (exceptions may apply)
  • continue to invest in technology to support remote meetings
  • make electric vehicle lease schemes available to staff to reduce impacts on employee commuting.

Sustainable procurement

  • undertake impact assessments and broaden carbon reporting within our supply chain
  • secure 100% renewable electricity contracts for our offices
  • work with suppliers to provide alternative sustainable products and phase out the use of single-use plastics within our exam processes
  • provide fresh and seasonal food in our on-site restaurants.