Strengthening a Sustainable Partnership

G4S Secure Solutions (UK) has been working collaboratively with Play it Green as part of the Climate Positive Workforce programme. This demonstrates our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainability and positive social impact within security  operations. The introduction of the "1 in 100" initiative marks a significant step forward in our joint efforts.

Introducing the "1 in 100" Initiative

The "1 in 100" initiative is a simple yet powerful concept adopted by the Property Management division of G4S Secure Solutions (UK). For every 100 miles of unavoidable travel using vehicles running on fossil fuels, G4S will plant one tree. This initiative directly addresses some of  the carbon emissions from necessary travel. Consequently, it transforms an environmental challenge into an opportunity for positive action.

A Diverse Planting Approach

To maximise the environmental and social impact, every three trees planted under this initiative will include:

• One Fruit Tree in Senegal: Supporting local communities through agroforestry. This enhances food security and promotes sustainable agriculture.
• One Mangrove in Kenya: Restoring vital coastal ecosystems. Mangroves protect shorelines from erosion and provide habitats for diverse marine life.
• One Sea Kelp off the Sunshine Coast of Canada: Contributing to marine biodiversity. Sea kelp acts as significant carbon sinks.

By diversifying the types of trees and locations, we address environmental challenges across different ecosystems. Thus, we amplify the positive effects of the initiativ

Collaborative Efforts for a Greater Impact

The "1 in 100" initiative was developed through close collaboration between Heike Butler, Head of Sustainability and Social Value at G4S, and Play it Green CEO, Richard Dickson. Their shared vision and commitment to sustainability have been instrumental. 
Together, they created a programme that rebalances carbon emissions and generates substantial social and environmental benefits.

Launch and Future Plans

The initiative was successfully launched last week with one of G4S's key accounts. Moreover, the positive reception and immediate impact have set the stage for rolling out the programme across other accounts soon. This expansion will significantly increase the number of trees planted. Therefore, it will enhance our collective contribution to environmental restoration.

Transparent and Secure Contributions

In addition to the environmental benefit, Play It Green gives 10% of the cost of each tree planted back to G4S's chosen charity, the WWF. This further extends the positive impact of the initiative.
To ensure transparency and trust, all tree planting activities are protected by blockchain technology. This innovative approach provides a secure and verifiable record of every contribution. Thus, it ensures accountability and builds confidence in the programme's integrity. The growth rates are also recorded and analysed using a specially developed AI to increase transparency even more.

The Benefits of Our Planting Projects

Our planting initiatives offer a range of environmental and social benefits:

• Agroforestry in Senegal: By planting fruit trees, we support local farmers. This improves food security and promotes sustainable land use practices.
• Mangrove Restoration in Kenya: Mangroves act as natural barriers against coastal erosion. They support fisheries and sequester significant amounts of carbon.
• Kelp Restoration in Canada: Sea kelp forests are crucial for marine ecosystems. They provide habitats for marine life and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

These projects contribute to carbon rebalancing. Furthermore, they support biodiversity, local economies, community resilience and create jobs for life.

Making a Real Difference

We are proud of the launch of the "1 in 100" initiative. Over 2450 mangrove and fruit trees have been planted in Kenya and Senegal to date, with more to come.