LDC ESG Academy
Project Spotlights
The LDC ESG Academy empowers learners to translate sustainability knowledge into real-world impact.
Across diverse roles and departments, participants are leading initiatives that strengthen ESG performance, drive operational improvements, and embed responsible practices across their organisations.
Below, we highlight three learners whose projects demonstrate the breadth and depth of the Academy’s impact, from net-zero strategy and compliance improvements to embedding sustainability into talent development.
Mia Demsey
J&J Global Fulfilment
Mia Dempsey, ESG Coordinator and Data Analyst, has delivered significant impact through the LDC ESG Academy for J&J Global Fulfilment. Her work has strengthened ESG performance, improved compliance, and embedded sustainability across operations.
One of Mia’s key achievements was leading the development of a Carbon Reduction Pathway and Action Plan, setting Scope 1, 2, and 3 targets. This enables J&J to track emissions accurately and meet future regulatory requirements. She also refreshed the ESG strategy, aligning it with UK legislation and creating a roadmap of initiatives that meet stakeholder expectations.
Mia enhanced compliance and data integrity through the Sedex project, supporting J&J’s onboarding onto a supply chain management platform and gathering data to complete required questionnaires. This strengthened ESG oversight and supported compliance teams in monitoring the supply chain.
"These CR&S projects and their respective outcomes will support our company in developing a long-lasting and impactful ESG roadmap that is embedded into our wider business strategy and creates long-term value for both our business and society.”
Beyond environmental impact, Mia drove social value by forming a Charity Committee and developing a Community Engagement Programme, enabling structured volunteering and fundraising. She also secured Disability Confident Employer re-certification, reinforcing J&J’s commitment to inclusivity.
Her work improved internal engagement with sustainability, from creating a company-wide ESG narrative and client-facing communications to developing waste management training in collaboration with Operations. These resources empower employees to understand and champion ESG principles.
Through her apprenticeship, Mia has shown how sustainability expertise translates into tangible organisational benefits—reducing risk, enhancing reputation, and driving positive change.
Erik Dillon
Cellhire
Erik Dillon, Quality and Compliance Manager at Cellhire, has delivered measurable ESG improvements through the LDC ESG Academy. His projects demonstrate how sustainability initiatives can drive cost savings, compliance, and cultural change.
Erik led a full conversion to energy-efficient LED retrofits, reducing hazardous materials, improving lighting, and cutting electricity costs. The in-house retrofit achieved payback in one month and supports Cellhire’s net-zero target for 2040.
He ensured compliance with the UK Government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ legislation by introducing food waste segregation, strengthening environmental credentials and engaging staff in sustainable practices.
“I found the whole experience to be a wholesome endeavour, in no small part by the staff at LDN and my cohort. Throughout the journey I’ve learned how to branch out into strategic projects that have brought real impact and value to society. It has improved my credibility as a professional and as a person.”
On the social side, Erik proposed adopting the National Living Wage to reinforce fair employment and retention. He also advanced DEI by adapting onboarding for different learning styles and creating an inclusive policy framework.
Additional initiatives included streamlining customer service systems, conducting ISO27001 audits to enhance data security, and organising community volunteering to remove invasive species along York’s riverbank.
Collectively, these projects reduced costs, improved compliance, strengthened brand reputation, and fostered a culture of responsibility and inclusion - showcasing how sustainability apprenticeships deliver long-term organisational value.
Stephanie Magrs
Aspire Technology Solutions Ltd
Stephanie Magrs, Compliance Coordinator, has delivered measurable sustainability improvements at Aspire through the LDC ESG Academy, strengthening ESG performance across the organisation.
A key achievement was leading Aspire’s waste management review to meet investor ESG objectives. By analysing baseline data and negotiating with providers, Stephanie secured accurate waste reporting and implemented best practices ahead of new recycling legislation. This proactive approach reduced landfill waste and supported Net Zero ambitions.
'I am pleased that the projects I have worked on throughout the apprenticeship have improved the ESG performance of the organisation and showcased ourselves as a responsible business. My proactiveness towards ESG has seen an improvement in employee engagement, which has further strengthened the progress we are making towards our ESG objectives.'
Stephanie also developed a carbon emissions tracking system, enabling Aspire to monitor progress towards its Net Zero target. She managed ESG metric collection for Aspire’s major investor, ensuring timely submission of data via a data management platform, which provided visibility against industry benchmarks and informed future priorities. Initiatives included transitioning customers to 100% renewable energy data centres, delivering both environmental and cost benefits.
Her efforts have enhanced Aspire’s reputation, improved ISO compliance, and embedded sustainability into core operations - demonstrating how apprentices deliver tangible value through practical action.
Want to get involved?
For further information, please join us on Wednesday, 28th January at 10 am for the LDC ESG Academy Webinar, where we will formally launch the next cohort!