Guidance

Sustainability Policy

Published 27 October 2026

Policy Statement

Nuclear Waste Services is an ambitious and action orientated organisation and how we approach sustainability is no exception, we are responding to the climate crisis and proactively improving the prosperity of our people, communities and the planet.  

Our focus is to make nuclear waste permanently safe, sooner whilst ensuring intergenerational equity. The NDA group sustainability definition is to create value through nuclear decommissioning, at pace, affordably, with participation and creatively.  We are committed to the NDA sustainability legacies (decommissioning; social-economic; cultural, environment and net zero) and will deliver our mission in line with the UN sustainable development goals. 

Sustainable development will be achieved by taking a holistic lifecycle approach across Nuclear Waste Services by balancing environmental, societal and economic performance guided by the following principles:

Sustainable delivery of our mission

Our purpose is to make nuclear waste permanently safe, sooner by providing nuclear waste management and disposal lifecycle solutions in support of nuclear decommissioning. We will transform how we consider waste and treat it as a valuable asset with a circular economy mindset where applicable. We will be responsible nuclear operators and ensure innovative, safe and compliant application of the waste hierarchy. We will build and maintain public and regulatory confidence to operate, ensuring sustainable, safe operations and infrastructure resilience (investing for the long-term).

Engage, support and deliver for our local communities

We will operate our sites responsibly whilst respecting our neighbours and local community. We will ensure our local communities benefit from the delivery of our mission by listening, engaging and enhancing the community through social value and economic action.

Responsible management of our environment

We will protect and enhance our environment through long term investment.  We will reduce our consumption of energy and resources through lifecycle considerations and aim for zero waste. We will drive innovation and minimise our carbon footprint, achieve net zero and ensure our operations lead to a net gain in natural capital.

Sustainable supply chain and responsible procurement

We encourage a thriving, diverse and respected base of suppliers by being a good client. We promote social value through local enterprise & community benefits. We will focus on sourcing goods and services in a way that minimises damage to resources and the environment.

People focused

We care for our people & our supply chain colleagues and ensure everyone can perform in a safe environment.  We will invest in well-being, training and opportunities for employment and career development for all backgrounds to ensure a diverse and sustainable nuclear workforce now and in the future and develop a waste professionals career pathway. We will promote & develop a culture of sustainability leadership with all those we work with.

Transparent

We will publish our sustainability commitments  and report on our achievements and challenges.

NWS Commits to:	We will achieve this by:
Sustainable delivery of our mission	We will provide long term lifecycle solutions, working closely with waste producers and delivering sustainable waste management services. Embedding sustainability into business processes & procedures. Work closely with regulators, the NDA group and the wider nuclear industry to ensure resilient operations and infrastructure. Incorporate best practise where applicable (e.g PAS2060)
Responsible management of our environment	Minimise carbon footprint at the earliest opportunity while recognising the need to achieve the permanently safe, sooner mission which will support Net Zero for the estate. Following the waste hierarchy for all wastes generated by our site operations and office activities, avoiding generation where possible, targeting early identification of generation to enable best re-use and only disposing if unavoidable. Understand the natural capitol of our land, balancing its use with operational requirements to provide the best advantage
People Focused	Providing information & training to our staff on sustainability practises. Ensure everyone can work in a safe environment. The promotion of wellbeing, equality, diversity, openness and fairness across the business & more widely. Actively promoting a wide range of professional skills via our training programmes to develop the UK nuclear skills base. Ensure we attract and retain a diverse and highly skilled workforce by providing an inclusive work environment, good pay and benefits and regular, timely engagement with our trade unions.
Engage, support and deliver for our local communities	Consulting to the local community on decisions which may affect them. Working with industry groups and other local partnerships. Working with local schools, colleges & universities to encourage STEM development. Encouraging staff participation and support for charitable activities & community volunteering; building longer term relationship. Demonstrating our commitments through our socio-economic plan
Sustainable supply chain & responsible procurement	Embedding sustainability within our supply chain requirements & considering whole life costing, carbon impacts and social value when assessing quotations consciously partnering with those who have clear sustainability driven commitments. Assessing suppliers approach to sustainability and net zero throughout the qualification stage for all major procurements. Expecting our suppliers to embed sustainability within their processes; and requiring them to report their sustainability performance as part of their contracts with us. Continue to remove barriers to accessing local businesses and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs & VCSEs). Ensuring the materials and equipment we procure are sourced ethically and responsibly and the logistical footprint is considered. Priority Area of focus with be Scope 3
Transparent	We will publish a 2030 sustainability strategy by 31/11/2023. We will drive delivery through internal and external sustainability goal targets and key performance indicators. We will report quarterly on progress towards targets and be open about challenges.