Hybrid Air Vehicles signs UK Defence ESG Charter

Hybrid Air Vehicles is now a signatory to the UK Defence ESG Charter, the defence sector’s industry wide framework for driving ambition and action on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.

The UK Defence ESG Charter was spearheaded by ADS, the leading trade body for Britain’s defence, aerospace and security industries and has been signed by some of the biggest names in British industry.

The ESG Charter outlines the industry’s commitment to cutting carbon emissions to help Britain reach its net zero target by 2050 and develop innovative new technologies for the armed forces.

It also pledges to cut Britain’s skills gap by forging more partnerships with colleges, universities and local communities to encourage more people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

“The objectives and focus of the ESG Charter reflect those of our company values. Environmental issues are at the forefront of our business focus with Airlander’s ability to provide a solution for the defence industry that will see new capabilities coupled with reduced emissions and fuel use. Socially we believe organisations like ours have a responsibility to promote and educate on the STEM roles in our industry, and we take our work with education bodies and groups very seriously. The work of ADS to bring this Charter to bear, with key industry players signing, is crucial to the future of our industry.” Tom Grundy CEO, Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd

The Charter also outlines a commitment to improve diversity, equality and inclusion across all levels.

The value of the sector to keeping Britain’s national infrastructure safe, supporting the armed forces and shoring up the nation’s defences against cyber-attacks are also highlighted in the document.

It commits to “improve and sustain a strict, efficient and comprehensive export control system” and play a pivotal role in Britain’s prosperity and protection.

“Hybrid Air Vehicles’ signature of the UK Defence ESG Charter is reflective of their commitment to their ESG goals and to working alongside the sector to achieve this. Delivering progress on ESG in defence is not the responsibility of a single organisation, it is a duty that requires collective action. The UK Defence ESG Charter was created to support that progress and unite a range of businesses across the supply chain in these common goals. We hope their commitment will also inspire others within our sector to commit to a more sustainable approach” Kevin Craven CEO, ADS

The defence sector delivers a £15 billion boost to the British economy annually and employs more than 180,000 people. 70 per cent of defence jobs are outside London and the industry supports 8,000 apprenticeships.