Sustainability at Assent

Download our corporate sustainability report to see how we’re growing responsibly and working to make a positive impact on society and the environment.

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Committed to Deep Sustainability

From the Desk of Andrew Waitman, CEO

In this dynamic, ever-evolving global landscape, sustainability has emerged as both a practical business imperative and an enduring moral commitment. The term “ESG” has gone by many names, but despite these changes, the principles underpinning the concept remain essential to building resilient businesses and a better future. At Assent, we view sustainability as a holistic way of operating — one that unites responsible environmental practices, robust business governance, and deep social engagement.

We are publishing our 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report with a renewed commitment to making sustainability the unshakable foundation of our work. The practical realities of climate change, evolving regulations, and supply chain disruptions are impossible to ignore. We continue to invest in strategies that align with science-based targets for emissions reduction, while also strengthening our data security frameworks, transparency initiatives, and the positive impacts we have on people.

At the heart of this progress is innovation — a commitment to applying technological advancements to drive meaningful outcomes. Here, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role. We believe in providing AI-assisted solutions and services that enhance an experience our customers already trust. By integrating AI insights into everything from supplier data analysis to risk management, we’re reinforcing our broader mission to bring responsible products to the world. It’s an investment in agility, precision, and insight — one that ultimately empowers manufacturers to protect their revenue and reputation while focusing on strategic growth.

As the conversation around sustainability evolves, our focus remains on creating real, lasting impact. By centering our efforts on sustainability — not as a buzzword but as a fundamental principle — we strive to deliver tangible benefits to our people, our customers, and our planet.

Our Executive Sustainability Committee

“Diversity isn’t a goal at Assent — it’s an expectation. Our global teams enrich our culture and our value to our customers, and make Assent an exciting place to grow and thrive.”
Keira Torkko
Chief People Officer
Tackling the climate emergency and cutting emissions are key parts of Assent’s sustainability efforts. By embracing sustainable practices and innovative solutions, we can lead the way in making a real difference
Andrew Holyome
Chief Information Officer
At Assent, we prioritize the privacy of our customers and the security of their data. We’re committed to protecting sensitive information and ensuring our systems are secure, building confidence and trust in our services.
Samantha Heagle
Director, Information Security
Team growth is about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. By investing in development, celebrating successes, and providing stretch opportunities, we cultivate continuous improvement, driving greater achievements together.
Keira Torkko
Chief People Officer
Customer wellbeing drives our success. We’re dedicated to creating outstanding experiences, building strong relationships, and supporting our customers’ success in every interaction.
Mike Todd
VP, Professional Services & Customer Success
When we prioritize our team’s health and happiness, we create a resilient and motivated workforce. By fostering a culture of care and connection, we ensure everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective success.
Keira Torkko
Chief People Officer
Every year, millions are trafficked worldwide, many into forced labor in global supply chains. At Assent, we play a crucial role in combating this. Our support helps customers develop systems to detect, prevent, and combat human trafficking.
Abi Okpechi
Regulatory & Sustainability Expert, ESG & Responsible Sourcing
Upholding ethical standards and acting with integrity are the cornerstones of our success. When we commit to doing what is right, even when it’s difficult, we build trust and respect within our team and with our partners.
Keira Torkko
Chief People Officer

Charting a Sustainable Future Together

Our Material ESG Topics

Climate Emergency & Emissions

Our priority is to tackle the climate emergency by setting science-based targets for all emissions and participating in the UN Climate Ambition accelerator program.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We’re creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace by participating in the UN Target Gender Equality accelerator program, supporting equity-deserving groups, ensuring fair compensation, and fostering a welcoming culture.
Team Growth

We empower our team by developing their leadership skills, creating clear career paths, and fostering a supportive culture, as demonstrated by our involvement in the UN Young SDG Innovators program.
Team Prosperity

We prioritize our people’s well-being and engagement to ensure everyone thrives, aligning with the UN Decent Work in Global Supply Chains principles.
Customer Privacy & Data Security

We work closely with customers to protect their privacy and secure their data by minimizing phishing risks and following global privacy and security standards.
Customer Wellbeing

We help our customers bring responsible products to the world by delivering leading sustainability solutions and ensuring an excellent customer experience.
Ethical Standards

We always act with integrity by reducing ethical risks and building a strong culture of ethics.
Human Rights

We respect and promote human rights by following thorough due diligence processes.

United Nations Global Compact

Assent holds “advanced status” with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), which demonstrates our commitment to:

As a UNGC member, 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

B Corporation

B Corp Certification

In addition to holding “advanced status” with the United Nations Global Compact, Assent is proud to be a Certified B Corporation™, making us the only North American company to hold both distinctions. Check out our B Corp blog to learn more about how we’re meeting rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

2021 Best Ottawa Business Award

We’re honored to have received the 2021 Best Ottawa Business Award in Environmental Sustainability for our eco-friendly headquarters renovation and the hard work of our Environmental Working Group.

Office Renovation Highlights:

  • Upgraded to a high-efficiency HVAC system
  • Cut energy use by 60% with LED lights and occupancy sensors
  • Used sustainably sourced furniture, recycled 100% of our old carpet, and rehomed 925 pieces of furniture

2024 Sustainability Report Highlights

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:

 

Governance at Assent

As supply chain data experts, Assent understands that data governance is fundamental. Our customer privacy and data security actions align our operations with best practices in data security, privacy protection, and ethical conduct.

Security

As data experts, we know keeping data safe, secure, and confidential is key. Read more about our security policies and certifications here.

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Privacy

The privacy of customers, their suppliers, and the public is paramount. Assent is General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant, with stringent privacy protection policies.

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Code of Conduct

Every member of the Assent team follows a code of conduct that holds us accountable to act ethically, in the best interest of our customers and community.

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Certifications

Assent ensures that our governance efforts are aligned with industry and government standards. Our governance certifications include SOC 2 and GDPR.

View Our Certifications

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