LIAISE is primarily based on the seven pillars of circularity. It is a result of the work of our internal group named TRAction (Towards Resilient Action). It is subject to assessment from an external panel of experts.
LIAISE is a set of services for our customers (and that we test and use ourselves) that meet the letters of ESG. The pillars of circularity are used as a mechanism to score proposed products and services. LIAISE’s external expert group sets this scoring structure. They check that it has been applied correctly. The concepts behind the pillars can apply to benefits as well as products. It, therefore, enables a robust and recognised approach.
The pillars were chosen as they offer a robust assessment approach. The pillars are utilised internationally, including at European, National and subnational government levels, to build circularity schemes. Although the UK has left the EU, there are policies and approaches that we continue to mirror. Through the LIAISE approach, we seek to push the boundaries of what can be done further, further supporting our values and the goals of our customers.
Through this approach, we will communicate a lot of information through radar diagrams. These diagrams will enable our customers to understand how such products link to Net-Zero, TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures) and TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures). The TNFD is reasonably new, mainly impacting the financial sector in the first instance. The combination of the TNFD and the TCFD is one area where we will excel.
The pillars of the circular economy are:
- Recycled Parts – This is the part of circularity that people know well. It incorporates everything from the repurposing of products to the components used to construct a new product or service.
- Renewable Energy – When a new product or service is created, even out of recycled parts, it is essential. The energy used to do so is zero carbon sourced.
- Biodiversity is supported and enhanced – Habitats are not to be destroyed or encroached upon. Materials and energetic losses are considered less of a concern than biodiversity loss.
- Human Society and Culture are Preserved – This is delivered through appropriate governance and management approaches. These may be locally altered but subject to international expectations of reason.
- The Health and Wellbeing of Humans and other Species are Preserved – This requires appropriate work environments where toxic and hazardous materials are minimised or eliminated. So performing a toxic activity to extract materials is not circularity.
- Human Activity Maximises Social Value – This includes a form of value that extends beyond financial. Using resources reduces the impact of all pillars rather than improving revenue.
- Water Resources – Water is one of our most important shared resources. Its existence in sufficient quality and quantity is essential to species survival as well as the economy. This type of focus means the prevention of discharges of toxic substances into water, directly or indirectly.
LIAISE, as its name suggests, is about working in Partnership with all our stakeholders. These stakeholders include our People, suppliers, customers, community and environment. As specific stakeholders may not have their own voice (e.g. community and environment), we will engage with representatives.
We are on a learning journey here, it is R&D. It requires using ourselves as a testbed and working with others to improve. Please join us.