Trading Responsibly.
For People & Planet.

Live Trade believes global commerce can be a force for good. We are committed to net-zero operations by 2030, fair and inclusive trade, and empowering SMEs in emerging markets through technology.

Net Zero
Target by 2030
-48%
Carbon vs 2020
12K+
SMEs helped
100%
Renewable electricity

Our Four ESG Pillars

The framework that guides every sustainability decision we make

Planet and Climate

Achieving net-zero across Scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2030. 100% renewable energy and green shipping incentives for suppliers.

SBTi science-based target
People and Inclusion

Building a diverse, equitable workforce. Equal pay audits, leadership diversity targets, and our Global Mentorship Program.

UN WEPs signatory
Fair Trade and Ethics

Zero-tolerance for modern slavery. Mandatory ethical sourcing disclosure for all verified suppliers, backed by third-party audits.

UN Global Compact since 2019
Digital Inclusion

Bridging the digital divide for SMEs. Free platform tiers, 28 languages, and partnerships with 40+ government trade agencies.

ITC SheTrades partner

2024 ESG Performance

Measurable commitments and progress against 2025 targets

Environmental
Carbon vs 2020 baseline-48%
Target: -60% by 2025
Renewable electricity100%
Target 100% achieved
Waste diverted from landfill87%
Target: 95%
Business travel offset74%
Target: 80%
Suppliers with env. policy62%
Target: 75%
Social
Women in senior leadership41%
Target: 50%
Employee satisfaction92%
Target 90% exceeded
SMEs in developing economies12,400
Target: 15,000
Training hours / employee / yr48h
Target 40h exceeded
Gender pay gap (median)2.1%
Target <3% achieved
Governance
Supplier ethical disclosures78%
Target: 90%
3rd-party audits completed340
Target: 400
Data privacy incidents0
Target 0 achieved
Board independence67%
Target 60% exceeded
Supplier code of conduct94%
Target: 100%

Key Initiatives

Six programmes making a real difference in 2024-2025

1
GreenTrade Badge Programme

Suppliers achieving our GreenTrade standard earn a visible badge on their profile covering carbon reporting, sustainable packaging, and responsible sourcing. Over 6,200 companies certified in 2024, helping sustainability-conscious buyers source responsibly.

2
SME Digital Inclusion Fund

2M USD annual fund providing free platform access, onboarding support, and workshops to small businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and LATAM. In 2024, 12,400 businesses were onboarded generating 145M USD in new trade enquiries.

3
Women in Trade Programme

A dedicated programme to boost the commercial success of women-owned businesses on Live Trade. Includes a profile badge, preferential search placement, and access to the ITC SheTrades global network. 4,800 women-led businesses registered in 2024.

4
Carbon Footprint Calculator

A free tool embedded in every product listing that estimates shipment carbon footprint based on origin, destination, volume and transport mode. Used by 28,000 buyers in 2024 to compare environmental impact before placing orders.

5
Responsible Sourcing Hub

A curated directory of 3,200+ suppliers with verified certifications including Fair Trade, SA8000, B Corp, and ISO 14001. Buyers can filter exclusively for responsible suppliers to meet their own ESG procurement commitments.

6
Community Investment Programme

1% of annual profit donated to trade literacy and digital skills programmes in partnership with UNCTAD and ITC. Employees receive 2 paid volunteering days per year. In 2024, staff contributed 3,800 volunteer hours across 18 countries.

Aligned with the UN SDGs

The Global Goals we actively contribute to through our platform and operations

1No Poverty
2Zero Hunger
5Gender Equality
8Decent Work
9Industry & Innovation
10Reduced Inequalities
11Sustainable Cities
13Climate Action
17Partnerships

Net Zero Roadmap

2020 - Baseline established
Scope 1 and 2 emissions measured; first sustainability report published; renewable energy transition begins in London HQ.
2022 - 100% Renewable electricity
All three offices transitioned to 100% renewable electricity via certified RECs. Carbon down 28% vs 2020.
2024 - Carbon -48% (current)
Scope 3 supplier emissions programme launched. GreenTrade Badge live. Data centres on 100% matched renewable power.
2026 - Full Scope 3 disclosure
Top 100 suppliers required to report carbon data on platform. Buyer carbon tool expanded to all categories.
2028 - Residual offsets only
Direct emissions reduced to minimum. Remaining offset via nature-based solutions verified to Gold Standard.
2030 - Net Zero
Full net-zero across all operations. Science-based target achieved. Third-party verified.

Sustainability is not a compliance exercise for us - it is a competitive advantage. The businesses that will thrive in global trade over the next decade are those taking their environmental and social responsibilities seriously today. Live Trade exists to make that easier for every company on our platform.

JM
James Mitchell
CEO and Co-Founder, Live Trade Global
45M
Trade enabled for developing-market SMEs in 2024
6,200+
GreenTrade-certified suppliers on platform
4,800
Women-owned businesses in our WiT programme
3,800h
Employee volunteer hours across 18 countries

Partners and Memberships

Working with global organisations to amplify our impact

ESG Reports and Policies

Full transparency - all our public sustainability documentation

Live Trade ESG Report 2024
PDF 4.8 MB - GRI-aligned - Published March 2025
Download
Supplier Code of Conduct 2024
PDF 1.2 MB - Mandatory for all Verified Suppliers
Download
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
PDF 0.6 MB - UK Modern Slavery Act compliant
Download
Environmental Policy and Net Zero Commitment
PDF 0.9 MB - SBTi-verified targets
Download
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report 2024
PDF 2.1 MB - Includes pay gap data and workforce breakdown
Download
Tax Transparency Report 2023
PDF 0.7 MB - GRI 207 compliant
Download

Questions about our sustainability work?

We publish our progress openly and welcome dialogue with suppliers, buyers, investors, NGOs, and press. Our ESG team responds within 5 business days.