VFS Global achieves new milestones in its sustainability journey

• Under our global reforestation initiatives, VFS Global planted a total of 403,500 trees by the end of 2023
• Our overall emissions reduced by 48 percent over the 2019 baseline, the year we started publishing our annually Sustainability Report.

VFS Global, the leading outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has made significant strides in environmental sustainability. The recently released Integrated Sustainability Report reveals impressive progress in reducing the company's carbon footprint and enhancing its environmental initiatives.

Key Environmental Achievements:

• 72% reduction in GHG Emissions: VFS Global has successfully reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 72% compared to 2019 levels. This remarkable achievement highlights the company’s dedication to combating climate change.
• Switch to Green Energy: The company has transitioned 76% of its electricity consumption to green energy sources, significantly decreasing its reliance on fossil fuels.
• Tree Planting Initiatives: As part of its commitment to reforestation, VFS Global has planted 200,000 trees, contributing to its target of planting one million trees by 2027, aimed at enhancing global green cover.
• 8.04 Tonnes of electronic waste was properly recycled to avoid potentially toxic material ending up in landfills.
• We offset 100% business travel with 2,000 tCO2 contributing to a climate protection project that provides improved domestic cook stoves for 25,000 households in remote areas of India.

These accomplishments are part of VFS Global's broader sustainability strategy, which is built on five fundamental pillars: Contributing to Sustainable Economic Growth, Good Governance, Nurturing Colleagues, Protecting our Environment, and Supporting our Communities.

The company’s environmental initiatives have not only reduced its carbon footprint but also enhanced its overall operational efficiency. VFS Global’s focus on environmental sustainability is further underscored by its certification under 'ISO 14001:2015 - Environmental Management Systems'.

Shireen Mistree, Head - ESG at VFS Global, commented, “The launch of the 5th Integrated Sustainability Report is a testament to the collective efforts of our workforce, partners, and stakeholders driving positive change. This report details the impact of our ESG initiatives and serves as a roadmap for our continued progress towards a more sustainable future.”

Click here to read the full report.

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About VFS Global

As the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.

With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as a trusted partner to 67 client governments. Operating over 3,353 Application Centres in 149 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 278 million applications since 2001.

Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai and backed by majority shareholder Blackstone, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.