Go Plant Fleet Services has won a gold medal for its working approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The nationwide fleet provider has been awarded the status by EcoVadis – the global ratings platform that evaluates sustainability.

Its overall CSR score places the company in the top 5% within the renting and leasing industry.

Go Plant’s human resources manager Sheldon Gayfer said: ”EcoVadis is an external platform that measures and assesses a broad range of non-financial topics, so we’re delighted to have been awarded a gold rating.

“It’s independent recognition of our commitment to sustainable economic, social and environmental impact and shows that we’ve aligned all of our activities to that goal.

“Corporate Social Responsibility is a core focus for the business and the fact that we’re rated in the top 5% in our industry demonstrates that we’re doing all we can to create a better and brighter future.”

The company was already ranked in the top 25% for CSR after its 2018 assessment.

However, it included the introduction of a sustainable procurement policy that recognises the company’s duty to protect communities and the environment.

It seeks to embed the consideration of social, environmental and economic impact as key factors in decisions made by both its staff and partners.

The business also increased its community engagement.

The above factors- that led to its gold medal- included its apprentice development, its charitable contributions, additional reporting and demonstrating a key management system on labour and human right issues.

Gayfer added: “We’ve made great strides in a number of aspects of sustainability over recent years and this rating illustrates we’re on the right track.

“But we’re continually striving to improve our performance and have other initiatives in the pipeline to maintain our progress.”

The platform assesses 21 criteria across aspects of environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

Earlier this year, Go Plant Fleet Services became one of the first providers of specialist vehicles to be awarded a new international standard for Occupational Health and Safety.

Go Plant extended its fleet last year taking delivery of 37 brand new Johnston VT802 and VM652 machines in a deal worth more than £5.5 million.