Preserving our planet’s natural environment is the biggest challenge that we face today, and as part of a sector that has such a big environmental footprint it is our responsibility to lead the way for change.
We are helping shape a sustainable world through focussing on three main areas:
ACTING FOR
THE CLIMATE
We will achieve our science-based carbon reduction target by 2030 and be Net Zero by 2050.
We seek out carbon reductions through early engagement with our clients, designers and supply chain - innovating and implementing efficiencies to decarbonise our materials, fleet and our sites.
OPTIMISING RESOURCES THROUGH CIRCULAR ECONOMY
We will divert all avoidable waste from landfill by 2028 and generate zero avoidable waste across our business by 2040.
We continuously review our efficiencies at all stages of our projects, influencing design and specification to reduce materials and waste and thinking innovatively to find opportunities to utilise more sustainable materials.
PRESERVING NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS
We will reduce our water consumption and achieve biodiversity Net Gain across our projects by 2030.
Working alongside our clients, designers, and supply chain we are committed to maximising opportunities for biodiversity improvements on our projects by engaging early and having a Net Gain approach where we can influence design to leave a lasting positive legacy.
We are already delivering many sustainable solutions on our project and our environmental ambition commitments demonstrate how we will continue to improve the sustainability of our projects, whilst at the same time managing and reducing the direct impact of our activities.
Paving the way for ultra-low carbon concrete
Taylor Woodrow partnered with Ecocem to conduct the first use of Exegy® ultra-low carbon concrete in the UK at the team’s EcoPark South project. Developed over four years by VINCI Construction and Ecocem, the technology – Ecocem Ultra – forms part of VINCI Construction's Exegy® ultra-low carbon concrete range.
The mix used on the project reduces the carbon footprint by up to 70 per cent when compared to traditional concrete.
Maximising recycled materials
The M4 Junctions 3-12 Motorway Upgrade scheme embraced the principles of circular economy to increase the volume of suitable clean material that could be retained on site and utilised within the construction of the scheme. This collaborative planning with our client, designer and joint venture partners allowed the project to reuse 380,000 tonnes of suitable fill materials, 469,000 tonnes of demolition materials and 74% of imported aggregate was sourced locally to the project and from recycled sources.
Enhancing biodiversity
We have extensive experience in managing construction in and around areas with high biodiversity. On a recent project, we were able to work with our client and designer to increase a trenchless crossing by 400m to avoid impacts on an internationally protected site and several protected species. We also worked with the client and local stakeholders to identify opportunities for environmental improvements along the route including new ponds, glades, invasive species removal and heathland regeneration. We produce Biodiversity Net Gain strategies to create additional habitats and leave a positive legacy.