Our ESG policy is intended to provide a framework for how we apply ESG considerations to how we operate our business, how we engage with the communities in which we do business and the way in which we pursue, evaluate, and implement all of our clients and project stakeholders.

Environmental

As part of our commitment to being proactive, not reactive, Unison will take the following actions:

Conduct regular assessments of our environmental impact and identify opportunities for improvement.
Incorporate sustainable design principles into our projects, where feasible and appropriate.
Work with our clients to identify opportunities to reduce environmental impact, and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices.
Continuously seek out and evaluate new technologies and processes that can help us reduce our environmental footprint.
Ensure that our workforce is trained on sustainable practices and that we adhere to the highest standards of environmental protection.
Encourage our suppliers and contractors to adopt sustainable practices and to meet the same high environmental standards that we set for ourselves.

We recognize that protecting the environment is not only the right thing to do, but it is also critical to our long-term success. By taking proactive steps to reduce our environmental impact and helping our clients do the same, we can build a more sustainable future for everyone.

Social

Unison supports fundamental human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and core International Labour Organisation Conventions.

As part of our commitment to respecting and protecting human rights, Unison will take the following actions:

Conduct regular assessments of our human rights impact and identify potential risks and opportunities for improvement.
Incorporate human rights considerations into our decision-making processes and business practices, including in our supply chain management.
Respect the right of our employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Prohibit the use of child labor, forced labor, and any other form of compulsory labor in all our operations and supply chains.
Promote diversity and inclusion, and prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
Protect the cultural heritage and rights of indigenous peoples in the areas where we operate.
Support access to capital, education, affordable housing, and global health and medical technologies in the communities where we do business.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with governments, communities, and other stakeholders based on transparency, respect, and dialogue.
Regularly review and update our policies and practices to ensure that we continue to respect and protect human rights.

We recognize that respecting and protecting human rights is essential for the long-term success of our business and the communities where we operate. By upholding these values, we can build trust with our stakeholders, promote a positive work environment, and contribute to the social and economic development of the regions where we do business.

Unison endeavors to identify and prevent or mitigate potential and actual adverse human rights impacts resulting from our business activities and the relationships connected to those activities through the application of the ESG Policy.

Governance

Unison's ESG Committee has a comprehensive approach towards environmental, social, and governance issues, which involves a diverse group of stakeholders, including business partners, independent consultants, and the Unison Contracts Manager. The committee takes a proactive approach towards developing and regularly reviewing their ESG Policy, which is aligned with internationally recognized standards such as ISO 21500, ISO 9000, and Prince2.

To support its ESG framework, the Committee engages in various activities such as collaborating with external professionals and industry leaders to develop and improve their ESG strategy. They also oversee ESG activities in accordance with their policy, encourage continual improvement from all team members, and support collaboration with other organizations to drive forward the industry's integration of and transparency with respect to ESG factors.

In addition, the Committee provides regular ESG training and guidance for employees to ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in supporting the organization's ESG goals. This approach helps to create a culture of sustainability and responsibility within the organization, which can lead to positive outcomes for both the company and society at large.

Overall, Unison's ESG Committee's approach demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and responsibility that goes beyond mere compliance with standards and regulations. By engaging with stakeholders and taking a proactive approach to ESG issues, Unison is positioning itself as a leader in their industry and contributing to the broader goal of creating a more sustainable and responsible business environment.

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policy requirements typically include the following:

Screening new clients for material environmental and social risks: This involves identifying and evaluating the potential environmental and social risks associated with new clients, such as their impact on climate change, natural resources, human rights, labor practices, community relations, and governance. The aim is to assess the client's sustainability practices and ensure that they align with the organization's ESG goals.
Assessment, categorization, mitigation, and management of environmental and social risks in new projects and for the products required for a project: This involves identifying and evaluating the potential environmental and social risks associated with new projects and the products required for a project, such as their impact on biodiversity, carbon emissions, waste management, social welfare, and stakeholder engagement. The aim is to categorize the risks based on their severity and likelihood of occurrence and develop strategies to mitigate and manage them.
Identification and compliance with applicable environmental and social laws and regulations: This involves identifying and complying with the relevant environmental and social laws and regulations that apply to the organization's operations and activities. The aim is to ensure that the organization's practices are legally compliant and aligned with the ESG goals.
Monitoring and reporting requirements: This involves monitoring the organization's environmental and social performance, tracking progress against ESG goals, and reporting on the results to internal and external stakeholders. The aim is to ensure transparency and accountability and demonstrate the organization's commitment to ESG principles.

UN 2030 Sustainability Development Goals

In September 2015, the Australian Government became a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

These goals build on the Millennium Development Goals but are a more comprehensive, progressive, and innovative agenda that responds to the many challenges the world faces today and the challenges it will face in the future. The new agenda provides a roadmap for global development efforts to 2030 and beyond. The SDGs provide a framework to assess and benchmark our internal approach and progress for sustainable development as an organization.

The morals and ethics upon which Unison was founded and continues to operate today already embodied the fundamentals of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, but have been revised to follow the UN format.