Environment and sustainability
Environment and Sustainability: A thriving planet
We want you to help us to build cleaner, greener, and better future. We know this sector is responsible for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. As a major player in the field, we can make a big difference. That’s why we’re doing all we can to be more sustainable.
Our Environmental Sustainability Plan
We want to do all we can to create a cleaner, greener, and safer world for future generations. Our aim is to be net zero and zero waste by 2045, and to use biodiversity net gain to protect the natural world. We will achieve this by:
- Optimising the use of materials and avoiding waste through resource efficiency.
- Reducing our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in all products and processes.
- Driving positive outcomes for the natural environment.
These three targets are in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
DOING MORE WITH LESS
Resource Efficiency
We need new housing stock and infrastructure but must reduce use of natural resources and protect our environment from further harm. We recycle and divert over 99% of the waste we produce.
We retrofit, rather than rebuild, and optimise material use and reduce waste through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). We encourage our supply chain to do the same.
GREENHOUSE GASES
Carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 31 December 2025
Greenhouse gases are a major cause if climate change. Our aim is to be carbon neutral for direct and indirect emissions by the end of 2025.
We also have a target for our supply chain (Scope 3) emissions as we work towards net zero. Our Zero Carbon Sites programme is helping us to reduce diesel use, cut energy demand, employ efficient generators, and favour battery systems.
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN
The goods and services we buy account for over 89% of our emissions.
To meet our net zero target, we’re reducing embodied carbon from key materials like concrete and steel. It’s also more important than ever that we have a sustainable supply chain.
We’re working towards making our housing stock more energy efficient too, as this accounts for around 5% of emissions. See our carbon reduction plans below to learn more.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Aiming for a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of 20%
We want to protect and enhance the natural environment wherever possible. The national minimum for biodiversity net gain is 10%. On projects where gains and losses can be measured, we aim for double that. Where this isn’t possible, we will measure the social value generated by, and resources committed to, boosting the natural environment.