EcoSecurities

For a company that makes its money from offsetting harmful emissions, it's fitting that EcoSecurities is able to give off good vibes to its workforce. Owned by the Dublin-based EcoSecurities Group and with offices and staff in 30 countries, its revenues come from helping to save the environment. The company's role is to develop and finance emission reduction projects around the world. With the global nature of its business it is little surprise to find the company's Oxford office counts 28 nationalities among its 69 employees. Because the company has grown so rapidly, there is plenty of room for ambition, and global domination is part of the brief. Sonia Medina, head of origination and just 27, says: "It has changed dramatically, but it is still a fantastic company. It rewards people on what they are bringing in, not their age, even if it can be demanding and stressful. In the past year I have been to China, Russia, Indonesia, Chile, Ecuador, India and Mexico." She says that although salaries were low four years ago, and woolly hats were necessary against the cold of their country-house office, the rewards are coming in now. Consultancy, the initial earner, has progressed to projects such as harnessing methane from landfill sites in Mexico and then flaming this to produce power — particularly important since methane is considered 21 times more damaging than carbon dioxide. Enric Arderiu is working with Saudi Arabia, where there is also huge new market potential to use the gas that is currently burnt off the oilwells as an alternative power source in itself. The structure of the firm is growing, so training is offered in an ad hoc way — individuals request relevant courses which may be fully funded or receive a contribution from the company. Zoe Taylor was employed to start up a human resources division and has implemented the kind of policies that she welcomes as an employee — health insurance, private healthcare and enhanced maternity leave. There are bonuses for exceptional work and ideas. Everyone has flexitime and can work from home, with an extra day off for events such as moving house. Employees say they experience astonishing personal growth, with the third highest positive score for this in the survey (93%), and feel they can make a difference in the firm (82%). People say that managers and senior managers live the values of the firm (81%). They are also excited about where EcoSecurities is going (89%). Staff are positive about what the company does in its own way for the environment, the 84% score here ranking it fourth among the top 100 SMEs. The company aims shortly to be carbon neutral, and the coffee, tea, paper and even the carpets are Fairtrade and from sustainable sources. "It isn't about being a believer," says global marketing manager Rachel Mountain. "You are doing something that is very worthwhile."