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Sustainability at ACE

On the path to becoming net zero by 2030

At ACE, we believe sustainability is simply part of doing business well. It guides how we advise our clients, make decisions and manage our own operations responsibly. Our approach focuses on four key areas: Environment, Ethics, Labour & Human Rights, and Sustainable Procurement, helping us create long-term value while keeping our impact in check.

The Four Sustainability Pillars

Environment

Sustainability drives our work with clients: from advising on regulation, strategy, and climate risk to promoting sustainable finance through our podcast and webinars.

We’re also committed to our own footprint, aiming to reach net zero by 2030, twenty years ahead of the EU target. In 2024, our emissions were 78.93 tonnes CO₂e, a large reduction from our 2023 emissions of 133,84 tonnes, a strong start. We prioritize real reductions:

  • 100% green wind energy and heat-cold storage in our Amsterdam office
  • Fully reimbursed public transport, bike leasing, and electric-only cars
  • 90%+ recycling and reuse of office waste and IT equipment
  • 50% plant-based catering with local, social suppliers

By combining renewable energy, smarter mobility, and circular practices, we’re steadily moving toward our 2030 goal.

Ethics

Integrity and transparency are the foundation of everything we do. It guides how we work with clients, partners and each other, from advising on complex regulations to the way we run our business. We hold ourselves to clear standards: a Code of Conduct, an Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy and a Data Protection Standard, supported by independent, anonymous whistleblowing channels and ongoing training.

By combining strong policies, secure reporting, and everyday accountability, we embed ethics into our culture and decisions.We focus on doing the right thing in practice:

  • Zero tolerance for bribery and corruption with clear rules on gifts, hospitality and conflicts of interest.
  • Confidential whistleblower channels and non-retaliation safeguards so anyone can raise concerns safely and be heard.
  • Data protection and information security to keep client and company data secure and confidential.
  • Mandatory training and continuous learning on digital security for all employees.

 

Labour & Human Rights

Our people are at the heart of ACE’s success. We build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Our DE&I Strategy sets clear goals for representation, engagement and inclusive leadership. We’re proud to be Great Place to Work® certified, a reflection of what we strive to be at ACE.

We invest in growth and well-being, ensuring every colleague feels supported and empowered. From learning opportunities to everyday care, we try to create an environment where people can do their best work. Where we prioritize real impact through:

  • Annual learning budgets and tailored career development frameworks
  • Flexible working hours and a transparent salary house that promote fairness and balance
  • Volunteering and empowerment initiatives through the empowerment foundation, LEF Foundation and Amref Health Africa partnership
  • Celebrating “brilliant failures” to encourage creativity, courage, and continuous learning

Sustainable Procurement

We strive to buy responsibly, partnering with suppliers who share our values. Since 2025, we’ve integrated sustainable procurement as part of our ESG standard of practice Our Supplier Code of Conduct sets clear expectations on fair labour, human rights, ethics and environmental standards. We also evaluate suppliers on their ESG performance, which guides our future decisions and partnerships.

We focus on local impact and circular choices, aiming to reduce waste and support responsible production:

  • Preference for local SMEs and circular products
  • Reused or modular office furniture to extend product life
  • Socially driven, low-waste catering partners
  • Purposeful and sustainable gifts that align with our values

Our Commitment

Sustainability is a continuous journey for ACE. We measure our progress each year through EcoVadis, where we hold a Silver Medal, ranking in the 86th percentile among our peers. Since 2022, we have conducted annual EcoVadis assessments to stay transparent and accountable.

Click here to find more about Ecovadis