Sustainability report 2009
Materials
Nearly 90% of the timber we directly procure by value comes from recognised responsible sources. We are extending our responsible sourcing practices to include at least 25% of our other major construction materials by 2012.
Why this matters to us
The sourcing of materials is a significant issue for us. Worldwide, the construction industry consumes approximately 40% of the earth’s resources. As the world’s population continues to grow, so too will demand on natural resources and the degradation of the environment. These demands could adversely affect the future availability and cost of natural materials.
Some materials have high levels of embodied carbon and/or water through processes used in their processing, manufacture and transport. If not carefully managed, timber can be sourced from illegal logging or poorly-managed forests leading to destruction of habitat and land degradation.
Our customers increasingly expect their infrastructure to be built and maintained using materials with the minimum environmental impact over the lifecycle and to have been responsibly sourced. At a policy level, the UK has set a target of 25% of construction materials to come from responsible sourcing schemes by 2012.
As a leading contractor, we play a significant role in sourcing materials responsibly and selecting materials for lower environmental impacts. Not only is it right but it enhances our reputation with customers and other stakeholders. Being a leader in the responsible sourcing of materials helps differentiate our business in the marketplace.
Reprocessing demolition and other waste materials for use in our projects minimises demand for primary materials such as aggregates, helping to conserve these materials for future generations, minimising environmental impacts and reducing our costs (materials costs and taxes such as the UK’s aggregates levy).
Our approach
We continue to procure timber from recognised sustainable sources, verifying the chain of custody of such materials through the supply chain. This includes timber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for Endorsement of Forestry Certification (PEFC).
We have started to extend data collection systems to track the sourcing of other major construction materials such as aggregates and concrete, in addition to timber. Furthermore, we will develop our understanding of the environmental impacts of the materials we procure on our projects so that we can select those with lower lifecycle impacts.
Engaging our supply chain to align their thinking with ours on the responsible sourcing of materials will be a key element to delivering a more sustainable Balfour Beatty.
Our progress and performance
In 2009, 89% of timber spend by value from our operating companies came from a certified managed source (69% in 2007). Of that total, 67% was purchased from a purely FSC certified source (54% in 2007).
Our construction and civil engineering businesses seek to use recycled materials where possible to reduce demand for primary materials and save costs. We have been particularly successful in this regard with major infrastructure projects.
What’s next?
The responsible procurement of materials will continue to grow in importance. Responsible sourcing schemes will continue to be developed and encompass other major construction materials in addition to timber. These schemes take into account legal requirements, employment, safety, labour rights community and environmental impacts.
The 2012 expectations in our sustainability roadmap set out our plans for selecting materials with lower environmental impacts and extending our approach to responsible sourcing by:
- Assessing and understanding the high environmental impact materials used in our projects;
- Establishing plans to minimise these environmental impacts over the project and product lifecycle;
- Monitoring our use of major materials such as timber, concrete, aggregates, steel, aluminium and copper;
- Procuring at least 25% (by value) of these major materials from recognised responsible sourcing schemes, where these exist; and
- Procuring all our timber and timber products from recognised responsible sourcing schemes.
2012 targets
Procure at least 25% (by value) of major materials from recognised responsible sourcing schemes
Procure 100% of timber/timber products from recognised responsible sourcing schemes
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