PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
Corporate Responsibility
At A&A we recognize the paramount importance of implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within our company. We are dedicated to minimizing our organizational impacts on both people and the planet, while simultaneously creating long-term and enduring value in the communities where we operate.
ESG is a fundamental aspect of our business philosophy and by embracing responsible ESG practices, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also foster a culture of respect and inclusivity, ensuring the well-being of our team members and the satisfaction of our clients. We are proud of our unwavering commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices that benefit not only our organization but also the world at large.
A message from our CEO
words we stand behind as a company
"We believe that a sustainable business is a healthy business, with transparent disclosures and communications contributing to enterprise value, and sound environmental and social practices reducing overall risk. This disclosure takes a step towards ensuring transparency in our actions,and sets the stage for us to improve upon our practices and increase our ambition.”
President and CEO
A GLIMPS INSIDE OUR PROCESS
Environmental Leadership
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Consumption
A&A believes that every company has a responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strive to meet global targets to avert the worst consequences of global warming. Our direct energy consumption predominantly comes from our headquarters building and our fleet; our corporate practices help our customers minimize energy consumption in their buildings.
Our fleet vehicles are used to transport materials and personnel to and from our customers sites, with fifty eight vehicles in total. We use shuttle buses and medium duty vans for most of our operations, and assign hybrid electric vehicles to managers who drive to multiple sites at a time. We are exploring options to electrify our fleet, as there are now electric vehicles that can fulfill most of our duty cycles.
We are proud to say that we have bought seven electric vehicles into the fleet, with six of those replacing gas or diesel vehicles and one addition to the fleet. We are on track to drive 200,000 electrified miles over the course of 2023 with our three Ford E-Transit Vans, 3 Tesla Model 3 sedans, and one Tesla Model Y SUV. We are eagerly seeking opportunities to expand our electric fleet given the fuel and maintenance savings associated with these vehicles and the reduction in our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) footprint. Given that we do not own sites where we operate, we will need to ensure that there is adequate charging infrastructure to support an electric fleet without impacting our employees' daily duties
Our energy consumption metrics are below
| TOPIC | UNIT | 2022 CONSUMPTION | TONS CO2E (ESTIMATE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet Fuel Consumption | US Gallons of Gasoline | 15,423 | 136.8 |
| Building Electricity Consumption | kWh | 106,819 | 43.68 |
| Building Natural Gas Consumption | CCF | 4,985 | 29.91 |
| Total Scope 1 + 2 GHG Emissions | Tons CO2e | 210.39 |
*note - vehicle electricity consumption and diesel usage not included
Product Environmental Performance
As a janitorial services company, our products constitute our largest environmental impact. We believe in reducing the embodied environmental impacts of our product use, as well as using products that lead to better indoor air quality at our customer sites. Our Green Cleaning Policy is in place at all of our client sites. Over 50% of all consumable product spend is certified as "green" by a third party such as EcoLogo.
Waste Management
A&A values the pivotal role janitorial services play in waste reduction, recycling, and reuse. Our staff diligently adhere to waste and recycling separation protocols in the buildings we serve. We collaborate with clients and properties to elevate waste diversion and reuse rates. Our commitment to sustainability has earned us the prestigious Golden Dumpster Award, notably in Seattle's Millennium Tower. This award presented by Recology King County, BOMA Seattle/King County, and Seattle Public Utilities, celebrates local businesses' green achievements, recognizing their efforts in reducing waste, cutting solid waste management expenses, and preserving natural resources
A GLIMPS INSIDE OUR PROCESS
Employee Wellbeing & Community Engagement
- The freedom of association
- The right to collective bargaining
- The elimination of forced or compulsory labor, the abolition of child labor
- The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
At A&A, we've implemented various programs and policies to uphold our values. Notably, our Safe2Say program provides an anonymous online platform for reporting workplace safety and human rights concerns. We encourage our employees, customers, and stakeholders to report any worrisome situations without fear of retaliation. Detailed follow-up procedures are outlined in our Safe2Say policy.
Employee Health & Safety
At A&A, we are deeply committed to the health and safety of both our employees and customers. We've invested significantly in employee resources and training, including a strong emphasis on promoting their health while on the job. Our comprehensive safety training programs, available in multiple languages, are independently reviewed and verified by respected third-party organizations such as the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS).
To maintain safety certifications, all employees are required to participate in ongoing continuing education, which follows global standards and guidance from reputable agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Our health and safety programs are overseen by our Director of Risk Management, responsible for training, tracking metrics, incident response, and fostering employee engagement.
A&A is proud that our Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) and Days Away Restricted/Transfer Rate (DART) remain well below our industry average as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Our past three years of results are below.
| YEAR | BLS Avg Rates for NAICS 561720 | A&A Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRIR | DART | TRIR | |
| 2020 | 2.8 | 1.7 | .87 |
| 2021 | 2.4 | 1.7 | .94 |
| 2022 | Not yet reported | Not yet reported | .87 |
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) & Employee Engagement
At A&A, our People First™ approach is at the heart of our commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. As a minority-owned business, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are core values that guide our actions. We recognize that the richness of diverse perspectives within our workforce aligns with the needs of our customers and communities, enabling us to better achieve our objectives.
Our pledge is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive culture for our entire workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all. We are dedicated to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and respecting every employee, allowing them to thrive. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy underlines our unwavering commitment to these principles.
- A&A, we have cultivated a culture of fairness and respect where individual differences and contributions are acknowledged and valued. Our commitment to treating all employees with courtesy and respect creates a workplace that upholds dignity for everyone and celebrates their unique strengths.
- We prioritize professional development and growth, providing opportunities for each individual to enhance their skills and realize their full potential. Our continuous review of employment practices ensures that fairness is consistently upheld.
- As a positive and supportive team, we promote workplace equality as not only good management practice but also sound business sense. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, or intimidation, and we are committed to taking appropriate action against any violations of this policy
Half of our executive leadership identifies as a minority, as well as over 90% of our managers. Of this management group, 25% of employees identify as female, and we are actively working to increase female leadership in the company.
| Female | Male | N/A* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Management | 1 | 3 | |
| All other employees | 1,056 | 867 |
*N/A - not available or not disclosed
| Asian | Black or African American | Hispanic or Latino | White | Other* | N/A** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Management | 2 | 2 | ||||
| All other employees | 11 | 91 | 1,632 | 102 | 9 | 80 |
*other includes the classifications: Native American or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiin or Pacific Islander, and "Two or more races"
**N/A - not available or not disclosed
Community Impact and Engagement
At A&A, community involvement is a core belief. We're committed to giving back to the communities where we operate and actively participate in their outreach and engagement activities. Our philanthropic efforts are centered around advancing childhood education, addressing hunger, and enhancing community health.
Through partnerships with organizations like No Kids Hungry and Feeding America, we've made a meaningful impact by reducing food insecurity and making a positive difference in the communities they serve. Our commitment to community well-being benefits us all.
A GLIMPS INSIDE OUR PROCESS
Our Governance Practices
Protecting our Employee and Customer Information
A&A prioritizes the protection of employee and customer information. We engage with our customers through the AA360 cloud-based system, which offers a comprehensive suite of services for seamless interaction. This system empowers clients to access periodicals, request immediate services, and monitor inspection data in real time.
Our commitment to information security is steadfast, and we've implemented robust protocols in AA360 to define roles and responsibilities and outline a sequence of operations in the event of a data breach. The software includes procedures for notification, activation, recovery, and data reconstitution, involving specific parties on both the AA360 and client sides. Notably, both AA360 and A&A have not experienced any past data breaches.
ESG Governance
A&A's ESG program is under the guidance of our Chief Executive Officer. This ESG report marks our initial disclosure following a materiality assessment in 2021, offering an overview of our current performance. We plan to establish ESG-focused goals and objectives for our material ESG topics in 2023, recognizing ESG as a long-term value enhancer for both our business and customers. Our commitment to improving disclosures over time is a testament to our multi-stakeholder initiative, with dedicated leadership across the enterprise.
A&A Corporate Responsibility Committee (CRC)
The A&A Corporate Responsibility Committee is a dedicated group established to manage and oversee corporate social responsibility and sustainability matters. Its primary role is to assess, enact, and oversee the organization's initiatives and policies pertaining to social and environmental impact.
Comprising individuals with relevant expertise, including senior executives, department heads, and subject matter experts from various areas within the organization, the committee ensures a well-rounded perspective. It may also involve external stakeholders, such as representatives from community organizations, NGOs, or regulatory bodies, to foster a diverse range of viewpoints.
The main purpose of the Corporate Responsibility Committee is to guide and support the organization in aligning its operations with ethical, environmental, and social standards. Some of the key responsibilities of the committee includes:
-
Policy Development: Creating and revising policies that promote corporate responsibility, sustainability, and ethical practices.
- Strategy Planning: Developing strategies and action plans to integrate responsible practices into the organization's core business operations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to understand their concerns, gather feedback, and foster positive relationships.
- Compliance and Reporting: Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, and reporting requirements related to CSR and sustainability.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks and opportunities associated with social and environmental factors and proposing mitigation measures.
- Impact Assessment: Evaluating the organization's social, environmental, and economic impact and identifying areas for improvement.
- Employee Engagement: Promoting awareness and engagement among employees through training programs, communication campaigns, and volunteer activities.
- External Relations: Representing the organization in relevant industry associations, conferences, and forums to share best practices and collaborate with other companies.
The Corporate Responsibility Committee serves a vital role in fostering a culture of responsibility and sustainability within the organization, ensuring that it operates in a manner that aligns with our values and positively impacts society and the environment.
A GLIMPS INSIDE OUR PROCESS
Environmental Leadership
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Consumption
A&A believes that every company has a responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strive to meet global targets to avert the worst consequences of global warming. Our direct energy consumption predominantly comes from our headquarters building and our fleet; our corporate practices help our customers minimize energy consumption in their buildings.
Our fleet vehicles are used to transport materials and personnel to and from our customers sites, with fifty eight vehicles in total. We use shuttle buses and medium duty vans for most of our operations, and assign hybrid electric vehicles to managers who drive to multiple sites at a time. We are exploring options to electrify our fleet, as there are now electric vehicles that can fulfill most of our duty cycles.
We are proud to say that we have bought seven electric vehicles into the fleet, with six of those replacing gas or diesel vehicles and one addition to the fleet. We are on track to drive 200,000 electrified miles over the course of 2023 with our three Ford E-Transit Vans, 3 Tesla Model 3 sedans, and one Tesla Model Y SUV. We are eagerly seeking opportunities to expand our electric fleet given the fuel and maintenance savings associated with these vehicles and the reduction in our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) footprint. Given that we do not own sites where we operate, we will need to ensure that there is adequate charging infrastructure to support an electric fleet without impacting our employees' daily duties
Our energy consumption metrics are below
| TOPIC | UNIT | 2022 CONSUMPTION | TONS CO2E (ESTIMATE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet Fuel Consumption | US Gallons of Gasoline | 15,423 | 136.8 |
| Building Electricity Consumption | kWh | 106,819 | 43.68 |
| Building Natural Gas Consumption | CCF | 4,985 | 29.91 |
| Total Scope 1 + 2 GHG Emissions | Tons CO2e | 210.39 |
*note - vehicle electricity consumption and diesel usage not included
Product Environmental Performance
As a janitorial services company, our products constitute our largest environmental impact. We believe in reducing the embodied environmental impacts of our product use, as well as using products that lead to better indoor air quality at our customer sites. Our Green Cleaning Policy is in place at all of our client sites. Over 50% of all consumable product spend is certified as "green" by a third party such as EcoLogo.
Waste Management
A&A values the pivotal role janitorial services play in waste reduction, recycling, and reuse. Our staff diligently adhere to waste and recycling separation protocols in the buildings we serve. We collaborate with clients and properties to elevate waste diversion and reuse rates. Our commitment to sustainability has earned us the prestigious Golden Dumpster Award, notably in Seattle's Millennium Tower. This award presented by Recology King County, BOMA Seattle/King County, and Seattle Public Utilities, celebrates local businesses' green achievements, recognizing their efforts in reducing waste, cutting solid waste management expenses, and preserving natural resources
A GLIMPS INSIDE OUR PROCESS
Employee Wellbeing & Community Engagement
- The freedom of association
- The right to collective bargaining
- The elimination of forced or compulsory labor, the abolition of child labor
- The elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
At A&A, we've implemented various programs and policies to uphold our values. Notably, our Safe2Say program provides an anonymous online platform for reporting workplace safety and human rights concerns. We encourage our employees, customers, and stakeholders to report any worrisome situations without fear of retaliation. Detailed follow-up procedures are outlined in our Safe2Say policy.
Employee Health & Safety
At A&A, we are deeply committed to the health and safety of both our employees and customers. We've invested significantly in employee resources and training, including a strong emphasis on promoting their health while on the job. Our comprehensive safety training programs, available in multiple languages, are independently reviewed and verified by respected third-party organizations such as the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS).
To maintain safety certifications, all employees are required to participate in ongoing continuing education, which follows global standards and guidance from reputable agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Our health and safety programs are overseen by our Director of Risk Management, responsible for training, tracking metrics, incident response, and fostering employee engagement.
A&A is proud that our Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) and Days Away Restricted/Transfer Rate (DART) remain well below our industry average as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Our past three years of results are below.
| YEAR | BLS Avg Rates for NAICS 561720 | A&A Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRIR | DART | TRIR | |
| 2020 | 2.8 | 1.7 | .87 |
| 2021 | 2.4 | 1.7 | .94 |
| 2022 | Not yet reported | Not yet reported | .87 |
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) & Employee Engagement
At A&A, our People First™ approach is at the heart of our commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. As a minority-owned business, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are core values that guide our actions. We recognize that the richness of diverse perspectives within our workforce aligns with the needs of our customers and communities, enabling us to better achieve our objectives.
Our pledge is to cultivate a supportive and inclusive culture for our entire workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for all. We are dedicated to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and respecting every employee, allowing them to thrive. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy underlines our unwavering commitment to these principles.
- A&A, we have cultivated a culture of fairness and respect where individual differences and contributions are acknowledged and valued. Our commitment to treating all employees with courtesy and respect creates a workplace that upholds dignity for everyone and celebrates their unique strengths.
- We prioritize professional development and growth, providing opportunities for each individual to enhance their skills and realize their full potential. Our continuous review of employment practices ensures that fairness is consistently upheld.
- As a positive and supportive team, we promote workplace equality as not only good management practice but also sound business sense. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, or intimidation, and we are committed to taking appropriate action against any violations of this policy
Half of our executive leadership identifies as a minority, as well as over 90% of our managers. Of this management group, 25% of employees identify as female, and we are actively working to increase female leadership in the company.
| Female | Male | N/A* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Management | 1 | 3 | |
| All other employees | 1,056 | 867 |
*N/A - not available or not disclosed
| Asian | Black or African American | Hispanic or Latino | White | Other* | N/A** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Management | 2 | 2 | ||||
| All other employees | 11 | 91 | 1,632 | 102 | 9 | 80 |
*other includes the classifications: Native American or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiin or Pacific Islander, and "Two or more races"
**N/A - not available or not disclosed
Community Impact and Engagement
At A&A, community involvement is a core belief. We're committed to giving back to the communities where we operate and actively participate in their outreach and engagement activities. Our philanthropic efforts are centered around advancing childhood education, addressing hunger, and enhancing community health.
Through partnerships with organizations like No Kids Hungry and Feeding America, we've made a meaningful impact by reducing food insecurity and making a positive difference in the communities they serve. Our commitment to community well-being benefits us all.
A GLIMPS INSIDE OUR PROCESS
Our Governance Practices
Protecting our Employee and Customer Information
A&A prioritizes the protection of employee and customer information. We engage with our customers through the AA360 cloud-based system, which offers a comprehensive suite of services for seamless interaction. This system empowers clients to access periodicals, request immediate services, and monitor inspection data in real time.
Our commitment to information security is steadfast, and we've implemented robust protocols in AA360 to define roles and responsibilities and outline a sequence of operations in the event of a data breach. The software includes procedures for notification, activation, recovery, and data reconstitution, involving specific parties on both the AA360 and client sides. Notably, both AA360 and A&A have not experienced any past data breaches.
ESG Governance
A&A's ESG program is under the guidance of our Chief Executive Officer. This ESG report marks our initial disclosure following a materiality assessment in 2021, offering an overview of our current performance. We plan to establish ESG-focused goals and objectives for our material ESG topics in 2023, recognizing ESG as a long-term value enhancer for both our business and customers. Our commitment to improving disclosures over time is a testament to our multi-stakeholder initiative, with dedicated leadership across the enterprise.
A&A Corporate Responsibility Committee (CRC)
The A&A Corporate Responsibility Committee is a dedicated group established to manage and oversee corporate social responsibility and sustainability matters. Its primary role is to assess, enact, and oversee the organization's initiatives and policies pertaining to social and environmental impact.
Comprising individuals with relevant expertise, including senior executives, department heads, and subject matter experts from various areas within the organization, the committee ensures a well-rounded perspective. It may also involve external stakeholders, such as representatives from community organizations, NGOs, or regulatory bodies, to foster a diverse range of viewpoints.
The main purpose of the Corporate Responsibility Committee is to guide and support the organization in aligning its operations with ethical, environmental, and social standards. Some of the key responsibilities of the committee includes:
-
Policy Development: Creating and revising policies that promote corporate responsibility, sustainability, and ethical practices.
- Strategy Planning: Developing strategies and action plans to integrate responsible practices into the organization's core business operations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to understand their concerns, gather feedback, and foster positive relationships.
- Compliance and Reporting: Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, and reporting requirements related to CSR and sustainability.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks and opportunities associated with social and environmental factors and proposing mitigation measures.
- Impact Assessment: Evaluating the organization's social, environmental, and economic impact and identifying areas for improvement.
- Employee Engagement: Promoting awareness and engagement among employees through training programs, communication campaigns, and volunteer activities.
- External Relations: Representing the organization in relevant industry associations, conferences, and forums to share best practices and collaborate with other companies.
The Corporate Responsibility Committee serves a vital role in fostering a culture of responsibility and sustainability within the organization, ensuring that it operates in a manner that aligns with our values and positively impacts society and the environment.
A&A ESG Factsheet & Narrative
Promoting Sustainability for a Better Tomorrow.
Have specific questions? Contact us »