Our Commitment to Zero Waste

British Builders Sustainability Pledge

At British Builders, we believe construction must play a leading role in building a sustainable future.
We are making bold, measurable commitments to go further and faster than government requirements.
By 2025, we pledge to deliver:

Our Targets

Zero Waste

We will prevent, reuse, and recycle all waste generated from our on-site operations,
ensuring that nothing ends up in landfill. This includes:

• Eliminating single-use plastics across our business and supply chain.
• Maximising recycling and reuse of construction materials.
• Partnering with certified waste contractors to achieve closed-loop recovery.

Zero Carbon

We will reduce and then eliminate carbon emissions from our direct operations and company vehicles (Scope 1 and 2).
Our actions include:

• Transitioning to an all-electric commercial fleet by 2025.
• Powering all offices and depots through 100% renewable energy.
• Phasing out fossil-fuel-dependent site equipment and replacing it with low-carbon alternatives.

Positive Impact on Nature

Every project will leave a net-positive legacy for biodiversity and local communities. We will:

• Deliver at least one nature enhancement project per site (e.g. conservation projects, community gardens, wildlife habitats).
• Plant up to 5,000 trees annually.
• Design with nature in mind, including green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and biodiversity-friendly landscaping.

How We Will Deliver

To achieve these goals, we are embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations:

• Green Supply Chain – working only with suppliers who meet our environmental standards.
• Sustainable Building Methods – investing in modern construction techniques such as modular design, low-carbon concrete, and energy-efficient systems.
• Training & Culture – ensuring every employee understands their role in sustainability.
• Innovation & Partnerships – collaborating with environmental partners to pilot new solutions.
• Graduate & Apprenticeship Placements – providing development opportunities for future sustainability leaders.

Track Record of Change

We know we can achieve ambitious goals because we’ve done it before.
Our Zero Harm in Safety programme (2016–2020) transformed our culture:

• Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) reduced by 70% in five years.
• RIDDOR AFR dropped 26% since 2017, down to 0.035.
• We became recognised as a health & safety leader in the industry.

We are applying the same determination and accountability to sustainability,
setting us on course for Zero Harm to the Environment by 2025.

Leadership Statement

“We have set bold, ambitious, deliberately stretching targets for achieving zero harm to the environment by 2025
because we believe that by committing to something extraordinary, we can achieve something extraordinary.
Together with our partners, we will reduce waste and carbon, and improve our natural environment for generations to come.

We have a responsibility not only to reduce our environmental impact but to reverse it wherever possible,
and every member of the British Builders family has a role to play in making a real and lasting difference.”

— Donald Smith, Managing Director

Accountability & Reporting

Our commitments will be backed by transparent reporting and independent oversight:

• Publishing an annual Sustainability Report tracking progress against targets.
• Independent verification of carbon and waste data.
• Measurement aligned with Science-Based Targets and ISO 14001 Environmental Standards.
• Regular engagement with clients, suppliers, and communities.

Why It Matters

• For our clients: sustainable buildings are more efficient and cost-effective long-term.
• For our communities: conservation and green design improve quality of life.
• For our business: reducing waste and energy use strengthens competitiveness.
• For our planet: zero waste and zero carbon help tackle climate change and protect biodiversity.