OCS New Zealand has released its 2017 Sustainability Report as part of its wider strategic objective to be the most environmentally sustainable cleaning business by 2020.
New Zealand’s largest hygiene, facilities management and cleaning company, OCS NZemploys more than 4100 staff, with some of its major clients including The Warehouse Group, Westfield, Christchurch Council, Auckland Airport and Air New Zealand.
OCS NZ has more than 4000 clients across 9300 sites, with its key sectors including aviation, government, healthcare, aged care, education, retail and commercial.
According to the newly released report, the 2017 calendar year saw OCS and its hygiene division, Cannon New Zealand, continue year-on-year growth with revenue up 5.3 per cent on 2016 to more than $145 million.
OCS ANZ managing director Gareth Marriott said as one of the largest private employers in New Zealand, OCS is committed to ensuring its operating model minimises environmental impact, as well as looking after colleagues, their families and the communities they operate in.
“OCS prides itself on being a responsible business. Our commitment goes much further than striving to provide value for our clients and ensuring the safety and well being of our colleagues and the public,” Marriott said.
“We continually identify and implement initiatives that reduce our environmental impact, and deliver social and environmental benefits to help improve the lives of thousands of people across the world.”
Marriott said over the last four years, the company has made significant progress in identifying opportunities to reduce its potential impact under its sustainability framework.
“Sustainability is a long-term commitment, and it is a journey that we are proud to be a part of. We have made some excellent progress over the last two years and look forward to continuing this trend in the coming years.”
According to the report, OCS NZ reduced its fleet greenhouse gas emissions by 5 per cent in 2017 by selecting electric/hybrid vehicles, where possible, and by introducing a range of SmartDose chemicals reduced its chemical carbon emissions by 55.7 per cent and plastic waste use by 55.8 per cent.
The company also grew its branch network, opening two new sites in Albany (North Auckland) and at Auckland Airport, taking its total network to 25.
Moving forward, OCS NZ plans to focus on the environment – especially those elements affecting climate change. These include the crucial areas of eco-friendly product consumption, fleet management and waste management. OCS NZ anticipates between 8-10 per cent revenue growth in 2018 and is aiming to increase employee numbers to more than 4500.
“Investing in our people is paramount. We are trialling the KYND wellness app among managers to help with wellbeing, and we continue to recognise our cleaners with occasions such as Thank Your Cleaner Day,” Marriott said.
“Our maxim ‘Here Today, Here Tomorrow’ reflects our determination to deliver facilities management solutions that are sustainable in financial, human, community and environmental terms.”
Marriott said while the key sustainability focus will continue to be their people, it is not without its issues.
“One of our major challenges in 2017 has been the retention of front-line team members. It is important we continue to focus on employee engagement and on educating our clients and the wider community about the value of our front-line team through initiatives such as Thank Your Cleaner Day.”
