ESG

The “Environmental” pillar of ESG represents our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship across all aspects of our operations.

We are dedicated to achieving a biodiversity net gain of at least 10% by integrating biodiversity considerations into every stage of our projects, from design to delivery. By collaborating with ecological experts and stakeholders, we enhance natural habitats and deliver measurable ecological improvements, creating lasting value for communities.

Through sustainable sourcing, we work closely with our supply chain to align with our net zero ambitions. This includes encouraging the use of sustainable materials, optimising logistics to reduce emissions, and promoting low-carbon technologies. By fostering collaboration and supporting our partners, we aim to lead the industry in responsible construction practices.

Our commitment to carbon reduction is evident in our achievement of carbon neutrality in 2024, certified by Achilles in line with ISO 14064 standards. We are on track to reach Net Zero in operations by 2040 through energy efficiency measures, renewable energy sources, and innovative technologies. We rigorously monitor and offset residual emissions to ensure compliance with government standards while driving innovation in carbon management.

In addressing pollution, waste, and water, we are working towards zero waste to landfill by reducing waste at the source, maximising reuse, and implementing recycling programmes. By embedding circular economy principles and collaborating with supply chain partners, we are minimising our environmental impact and championing sustainable construction practices.

Together, these efforts demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protecting the environment while driving meaningful, sustainable change within the construction industry.

The “Social” pillar of ESG reflects our commitment to our people, our communities, and the creation of lasting positive impact.

We are passionate about learning and development, supporting professional growth through memberships with leading industry bodies such as RICS, ICE, CIOB, and CIBSE.
By maintaining over 5% of early career individuals within the business through apprenticeships, graduate programmes, and placements, we are building a diverse and skilled pipeline of future leaders, ensuring long-term success for both our workforce and the construction sector.

Through social value, we utilise the Thrive platform to track, measure, and report our social impact, translating our efforts into transparent, auditable outcomes. By engaging with local businesses, small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), we support local economies, encourage innovation, and create meaningful job opportunities.

The health, safety, and wellbeing of our people are central to our operations. We promote a culture of care with targeted wellbeing campaigns and are striving for a zero accident incidence rate (AIR) through rigorous safety standards, proactive risk management, and continuous training to ensure a healthy and supportive workplace.

We are also committed to creating opportunities for all, reaching individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds through our Circl dual mentorship programme, as well as community outreach and recruitment initiatives. By offering mentoring, skills training, and employment opportunities, we help unlock potential and foster a more inclusive workforce.

Our commitment to ethical business & human rights ensures fairness and transparency throughout our supply chain. We require all partners to have a modern slavery policy and adhere to the Fair Payment Code, promoting respect for workers’ rights and upholding our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery.

Finally customer satisfaction is at the heart of our operations. We achieve an annual average score of above 80% by actively listening to feedback, fostering strong communication, and continuously improving processes to deliver value and quality for our clients.

At the core of our ESG principles is a strong corporate governance framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making. Our Board governance structure is supported by well-defined committees that promote good governance, with clear terms of reference and structured memberships to drive strategic oversight.

To enhance leadership effectiveness and strengthen ESG integration, we have established an Executive Committee (ExCo) alongside supporting committees, ensuring that governance remains proactive, agile, and aligned with best practices.

Furthermore, we uphold clear accountability across all levels of the organisation, with delegated authorities cascading from the Board through to our operating divisions. This ensures that ESG commitments are embedded within business operations, empowering teams to make responsible, impact-driven decisions.
Through this governance structure, we maintain a culture of integrity, sustainability, and continuous improvement, reinforcing our dedication to responsible corporate leadership.

Process and procedures

Our commitment to ESG principles is underpinned by robust processes and procedures that ensure consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement across all aspects of our operations.

We maintain clear policy statements that define our commitments, ensuring alignment with industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations. These policies are reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and responsive to evolving governance challenges.

Additionally, we have implemented an operational Integrated Management System (IMS), which has been successfully rolled out across all operating businesses. This system standardises our approach to quality, environmental sustainability, health & safety, and information security, embedding our processes into daily operations and decision-making.

By integrating these structured policies and management systems, we drive accountability, operational excellence, and long-term value creation, reinforcing our dedication to sustainable and responsible business practices.

Internal assurance and audit

To uphold the highest standards of governance, risk management, and compliance, we have established a comprehensive internal business assurance and audit programme. This structured framework ensures that our policies, processes, and controls are effectively implemented and continuously improved to drive responsible business practices.

Our internal audit programme is reviewed annually, with assessments conducted based on a risk-based approach to identify areas for enhancement and mitigate potential risks. This proactive review process enables us to maintain regulatory compliance, uphold stakeholder trust, and ensure alignment with industry best practices.

By embedding rigorous assurance mechanisms, we reinforce our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring that ESG principles remain at the core of our business operations.

External accreditation

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, environmental sustainability, information management, and cybersecurity through recognised external accreditations. Our business holds critical certifications, to ISO, standards, which demonstrate our adherence to industry-leading practices and regulatory compliance.

These accreditations serve as a benchmark for excellence, ensuring that our operations are aligned with best-in-class frameworks for risk management, and corporate governance. To uphold these standards, we conduct regular audits and renew certifications in line with re-certification requirements, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and responsible business practices.

Through these external validations, we provide stakeholders with confidence in our ability to operate sustainably, securely, and efficiently.