CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

Caring for people, places and the planet

From the company’s origins in 1901, ISS has been a people organisation, working with a strong belief that great people can and do make a difference. We believe in our responsibility – to the planet, our people and the communities we serve. We know that when we get things right, it enhances lives and makes the world work better – and that is what drives us.

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OUR PROMISE

A sustainable business model that supports the world we live in

As a global company with nearly 500,000 employees, we have an important role to play in solving some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. We contribute to sustainable development around three thematic areas:     

  • People: Promoting safe working conditions, health & well-being, and human rights, while cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion.   
  • Planet: Reducing our environmental impact, while helping our customers create sustainable workplaces through strategic advice and services.   
  • Profit: Positively influencing the global business environment by complying with sound business standards and compliance with our business integrity framework.  
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OUR APPROACH

Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals

We are deeply committed to the transformation to a more resilient and just international community. Our target is to lead our industry by example, always aiming to positively influence the market wherever we operate. With our focus on how we can take an ethical approach to people, planet and profit, we invest particular effort in supporting these UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 5

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

At ISS, we embrace and encourage diversity. Women make up nearly half our workforce, and we’re continually striving to increase female representation in management, leadership development and graduate programmes through our top-level diversity and inclusion strategy.

SDG 6

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Water consumption is one of our main environmental impacts. Through our global ISS Green Offices Programme and Cleaning Excellence approach, we aim to reduce the use of detergents by 75%, and water consumption and disposal by up to 70% across the world.

SDG 8

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

As a dedicated people company, we invest significantly in developing employees at all levels of our organisation – eradicating injuries and fatalities, ensuring fair pay, and operating with zero tolerance of forced labour, child labour, modern slavery and human trafficking.

SDG 10

Reduce inequality within and among countries

As one of the world’s largest private employers, we pride ourselves on welcoming people from a diverse range of backgrounds and educations. We offer training and career opportunities for an increasing number of refugees, as well as people with mental and physical disabilities, social challenges or limited or no education.

SDG 12

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Through our Cleaning Excellence programme and green innovation projects, we aim to reduce the consumption of chemicals, working with strategic suppliers to develop and test new tools, technologies and processes that will reduce environmental impact.

SDG 13

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

ISS is committed to reducing our own – and our customers’ – impact on the environment wherever possible. We partner with our customers on- and off-premise, serving as strategic advisers to help them manage and reduce their environmental footprint.

SDG 16

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

We do not tolerate corruption, bribery, discrimination or unethical behaviour. Through the ISS Code of Conduct and the Global People Standards, we promote and encourage a culture where different perspectives are valued and it is safe to speak up.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

Maximising opportunities for indigenous groups in Australia

As one of the world’s largest employers, we have a role to play in improving employment opportunities for people across the globe – including providing sustainable employment and career development for indigenous Australians.

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DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

People who make a difference

We embrace and encourage diversity and inclusion in their broadest terms, including ethnicity, race, age, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, cultural and educational background. Our diverse workforce is recognised as a key competitive advantage and a vital asset in our long-term sustainable business success. Our inclusive culture empowers our people, and make us more creative, productive, and attractive as a workplace.

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Corporate sustainability in focus

Find out how we create long-term value for our business, and thus the world around us – by addressing our main sustainability challenges and reporting our performance regularly and transparently.

Read our Corporate Responsibility report

INSIGHTS

Stories about people, places and planet

foto fabriek Nestle

CASE

Transitioning a global contract during a global pandemic

In the early months of 2020, ISS successfully navigated the challenges of transitioning Nestlé’s facility management services to ISS. Despite the pandemic, we helped ensure a smooth transition and still managed to complete in record time.

Transitioning a global contract during a global pandemic
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CASE

A five-star location with seven-star service

ISS is about to take the services of Mikonkatu 7 to a new level. Owned by Ilmarinen, Finland’s largest pension insurance company, Mikonkatu 7 is undergoing a building renovation and complete service transformation. At the heart of the operation is a restaurant, which will become a meeting place for both property users and those moving around in Helsinki's city centre.

A five-star location with seven-star service
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PEOPLE

Being part of something more by protecting life and property

Meet Meleah Kielty. She is a security officer at a customer location in Hiawatha, Iowa in the United States. Meleah and her team protect the customers and the site by providing 24-hour security service. Read about her working day and what empowers her.

Meleah Kielty

PEOPLE MAKE PLACES

Over 60K customers across 30+ countries