In 2021 we set ourselves the monumental task of becoming the first UK highways infrastructure business to go fully carbon neutral across our entire business operations. Promise made; promise delivered. We are now certified carbon neutral in accordance with PAS 2060:2014 – the only recognised international standard for carbon neutrality.
Proud to be leading the sector and certified as Carbon Neutral under PAS 2060, across the entire value chain for our UK operations.
Our integrated social value policy prioritises positive improvements on local wellbeing, with our strategy aligned to our core values to ensure social, economic and environmental benefits.
Our governance statement reflects our commitment to integrating sustainability into all aspects of our operations. Sustainable practices are essential for long term success and value creation.
Through collaboration and partnerships we have achieved the best possible environmental standards currently available within the highways sector.
Working with the Carbon Trust our mission is aligned to accelerate the move to a decarbonised future. Climate pioneers for more than 20 years, they partner with leading businesses, governments and financial institutions to accelerate the route to Net Zero and provide solutions to the climate crisis.
We are also working with Climate Impact Partners. Climate Impact Partners deliver high-quality solutions for action on climate change. The voluntary carbon market plays a critical role in helping companies like ours tackle climate change by putting a price on carbon emissions and funding carbon reduction and removal activities whilst emissions are reduced over time.
Natalie Taylor, Director of Client Solutions at Climate Impact Partners, explains: ‘Our joined-up approach helps organisations like GW Highways address their environmental impacts through high-quality carbon market solutions that also deliver positive impact for nature and local communities.’
We are fully accountable for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions across all our UK operations. It is now a big part of our corporate identity. There is a shift within the business that has changed our culture to support the sector with sustainable infrastructure.
We will reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% before 2030 from a 2021 baseline; as well as achieve organisational net zero by 2050. We collaborate with our value chain partners to reduce Scope 3 emissions in line with our own ambitions.
As well as measuring our baseline emissions, we continue to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible through effective collaboration with our partners and finally offset the residual emissions. It has been essential for us to follow best practices and use internationally recognised standards.
Sustainable infrastructure is crucial for addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality.
Key elements of our vision include:
Environmental Stewardship
We prioritise the protection and conservation of natural resources. Our infrastructure projects are designed to minimise environmental impacts, promote energy efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions.
Social Inclusion and Equity
We strive to create infrastructure that is accessible, inclusive, and beneficial for all members of society. Our projects consider the needs and aspirations of diverse communities, ensuring that they have equal access to essential services and opportunities.
Economic Prosperity
Our sustainable infrastructure projects contribute to economic growth and prosperity. We prioritise investments that generate employment opportunities, enhance local economies, and foster innovation.
Resilience and Adaptation
Climate change poses significant challenges to infrastructure systems. We integrate climate risk assessments and adapt strategies into our projects to ensure their long-term functionality and durability.
Collaboration and Partnerships
We believe in the power of collaboration and partnerships to maximise innovation for sustainable infrastructure development. We work closely with governments, communities, businesses, and other stakeholders to leverage collective expertise, resources, and knowledge.
By embracing this sustainability vision in infrastructure, we are creating a positive impact on society, the environment, and the economy. We are committed to promoting sustainable infrastructure as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development.
For GW Highways, carbon neutrality was the first major milestone in a longer decarbonisation plan to achieve the ultimate goal of organisational net zero before 2050.
We continue to reduce emissions from our activities, and now recycle 100% of all waste generated across the business. This has been made possible through accurate footprint modelling and implementing the key opportunities that came from a carbon reduction workshop.
We support the principles for carbon management in infrastructure and are working towards certification under PAS 2080.
We have developed a bespoke calculator to measure the carbon footprint of individual schemes that enables us to make informed decisions on carbon reduction at design.
We have developed a Roadmap to Net Zero that is fully integrated within the business.