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Environment

We are committed to protecting the environment and work in line with our environmental management system, which is accredited to ISO 14001.

This system, along with our policy, provides information on our dedication and commitment to enhance and improve the areas we work in, reducing the impact of each project. This is typically conducted through the following:
 
  • Reduction of waste – We were proud to form part of the Halving Waste to Landfill Initiative and adopt WRAP principles, undertaking waste minimisation and management through our Waste Reduction Policy, Package Reduction Policy and site specific Waste Management Plans. 93% of our waste is currently being diverted from landfill, with procedures in place to continually improve this figure. We have also been part of some ground breaking projects including The University of Nottingham Energy Technology Building, the world’s first zero carbon operational laboratory complex, where 100% of construction waste was diverted from landfill
 
  • Reduction of CO2 footprint – We are acutely aware of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, both on site, in our offices and through our entire operation. We monitor electricity, fuel and water usage, keeping logs to calculate our carbon impact following the DTI Constructing Excellence KPI system and meeting BRE/BREEAM Standard Codes of Practice
 
  • Site Specific Site Environmental Management Plans – For all sites, we create bespoke Site Environmental Management Plans with the objective to manage each project to minimise any environmental impact. This is done through a specific Aspects and Impacts Assessment which is completed before we start on site and subsequently monitored, reviewed and updated throughout the project

    Sustainable procurement

    Our sustainability policy highlights our approach to the use of sustainable materials and methods of construction, including:

    • Recycled crushed brick or concrete for temporary roads and hard standings

    • Concrete blocks with high recycled content, and beam floors with cement and aggregate substitution

    • Cement/concrete block manufacturers that use GGBS and/or PFA cement substitution

    • Thermal insulation manufactured without the use of, nor containing, CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and HFAs as blowing agents

    • Water based paints for internal painting

    • Paints supplied in cardboard drums which are compostable

    • Paints with long life – 10 years external or 20 years internal between coatings

    • Gabion retaining walls of stone rubble, stone waste, crushed concrete, crushed brick

    • Existing subsoil as part of reinforced earth retaining walls

    • Recycled masonry or concrete from any existing buildings or foundations

    • Timber sourced from sustainable forests (FSC Approved)

 

Energy Technologies Building - BREEAM Outstanding

As a BREEAM 'Outstanding' building, the Energy Technologies Building is one of the lowest carbon buildings in the UK, and received a score of 87%. It has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of 6 within category A, whilst 100% of waste was diverted from landfill.