Sustainability at Assent
Our corporate sustainability journey, covering our Environmental, Social, & Governance efforts.
Committed to Deep Sustainability
From the Desk of Andrew Waitman, CEO
Assent is on a mission to make the world’s supply chains deeply and durably good. We have a responsibility to lead by example and guide manufacturers on their journeys to deep sustainability.
Supply chains represent the biggest opportunity and biggest obstacle on this journey. Here’s why: Complex manufacturing supply chains are deep and touch global communities, economies, and ecologies, yet they lack transparency without the right tools and guidance. When manufacturers make progress toward building a more sustainable supply chain, they have a broader net positive impact. Assent’s purpose is to use our depth of experience and perspective to chart a course toward meaningful sustainability and map out global supply chains for our customers.
We’re making it possible for others to journey alongside us by developing new solutions and services, and embracing new technologies like machine learning. The need for deeper supply chain insight is particularly urgent today, with stricter restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” Our advanced platform and team of experts mean that we’re able to quickly assist manufacturers as they comply with new regulations and protect human and environmental health.
Supply Chains Matter
An organization’s ESG impacts extend far beyond the four corners of its operations. For many industries, upwards of 90% of their footprint and risks are hidden deep in their supply chains. ESG is the new corporate social responsibility (CSR), encompassing everything that CSR does while adding richer layers of performance management.
Assent’s mission is to help these businesses see deeper, work smarter, and grow better by giving them real insights and reliable data into their suppliers, parts, and parts of parts.
Our Sustainability Priorities
Our Current ESG Focus Areas — Where We Want to Grow
United Nations Global Compact
Assent is among only a handful of North American software and computer services companies that hold “advanced status” with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a ranking in recognition of advanced corporate sustainability performance and disclosure.
As a member of the UNGC, Assent is committed to:
- Reporting annually on our ESG progress.
- Embedding ESG values at our leadership and board levels.
- Operating in alignment with the UN universal sustainability principles.
Our engagement with the UNGC has included the:
- UN Young SDG Innovators program.
- Target Gender Equality accelerator program.
- Climate Ambition accelerator program.
- Decent Work in Global Supply Chains action platform
Diversity & Culture
Creating a Global Organization
As a global company, Assent celebrates diversity and inclusion. As part of our ESG goals, we strive for leadership in social and governance actions.
- Global offices across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, with over 800 employees internationally.
- 52 percent of Assent management is female identified.
- Employee-led resource groups, including Women in Technology, LGBTQIA*, and families.
Assent is a Certified B CorporationTM, having attained the highest standards of transparency and sustainability in our operations. B CorpTM is a non-profit, independently-audited certification program that recognizes companies that improve economic sustainability for all their partners. Assent is the only North American company to hold both B Corp and “advanced status” with the United Nations Global Compact.
Diversity & Inclusion
People — and a diversity of perspectives — are what drive our purpose. As part of our corporate sustainability efforts, we work to constantly evolve and improve our workplace diversity and inclusion through job description reviews, inclusion training, guest speakers, and inclusion committees.
Our priorities include:
- Continuously measuring our team diversity
- Establishing a robust, ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program
- Engaging with our entire team of Assentees to inform our corporate sustainability plan
- Reviewing job descriptions to ensure inclusive language
Corporate Sustainability
Assent is transitioning from a focus on CSR to a more comprehensive ESG effort. As part of this move, we envision our social actions as part of our corporate sustainability portfolio.
Community Engagement
Assentees are actively involved in our ESG programs, including community engagement and charitable giving:
- Over $60,000 donated since 2018
- 50+ charities have received donations through our employee recognition and giving program
- 5,000+ Assentee volunteer hours provided annually
Global Giving
- Kenya team donated hand washing tanks to Uasin Gishu
- Supported six children to date through the Make a Wish program
- Canadian team raised over $68,000 for Fight for the Cure
- Malaysian team donated 47 bags of essential items to the Mutiara Food Bank
Through our association with external organizations, associations, and initiatives, Assent plays a valuable role in the private sector, contributing to the environmental and human rights programs of our clients and their suppliers. These external groups include:
Environmental Stewardship
2021 Best Ottawa Business Award in Environmental Sustainability
Assent was awarded the 2021 Best Ottawa Business Award in Environmental Sustainability for the green renovations done to our headquarters and the efforts of our Environmental working group.
- Replaced heating/cooling with a high-efficiency HVAC system and filters.
- 60 percent reduction in energy use with LED lights.
- Reduced light usage with dimmer switches and built-in occupancy sensors.
- Sustainably-sourced furniture and finishes.
- 925 pieces of furniture rehomed.
- 100 percent of removed carpet was recycled.
- Established an environmentally preferable purchasing program.
Trust: Data & Privacy
Compliance & Certifications
