Our transition to an even greener Esh Group

OUR CHALLENGE

Climate change is a threat to everyone’s wellbeing and the health of the planet – the world is warming, rainfall patterns are changing, and sea levels are rising. To ensure a sustainable future, society and businesses from all sectors must ensure rapid and sustained greenhouse-gas emissions reduction.

The construction industry contributes to over one third of UK’s carbon emissions and Esh Group is playing its part in our Even Greener future.

We are committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040 by taking achievable steps towards an Even Greener operating model. This includes providing our clients with low carbon construction solutions, trialling and adopting greener processes, products, fleet and fuel solutions, and supporting our supply chain to accurately measure and reduce their carbon footprint.

Our Commitment

In November 2023 Esh Group launched its ‘Even Greener’ strategy, a roadmap to reducing its carbon emissions to zero with minimal offsetting. Our monitoring procedure covers Scope 1 and 2 sources and selected Scope 3 carbon emissions where we have the greatest level of control and can report with confidence.

A 5% reduction in business operating carbon by 2027.
A 65% reduction in business operating carbon by 2034 – specifically, Scope 1, 2, and Scope 3 waste, business travel, upstream transportation, and staff commuting.
100% of owned fleet being fully electrified or low carbon vehicles by 2035.
A 90%reduction of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2040;
With remaining emissions being offset using credible carbon removal or sequestering offsets.

01/08

Science Based Targets Initiative

In 2023 we signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) committing to both near-term and long-term net zero targets.

Carbon Champions

We have appointed a team of Carbon Champions made up of senior representatives and subject matter experts from across our business with the relevant knowledge and authority to bring forward new low carbon products, processes, ideas and innovations.

Carbon Clienting

We continue proactive discussions with our clients regarding the commissioning of low carbon construction projects, the use of low carbon building materials and adopting low carbon processes.

Carbon Communications

We have created a ‘how to guide’ to guide relevant colleagues through the implementation of our Even Greener Strategy which is communicated through our company intranet My.Esh, site signage, vehicle livery, posters and toolbox talks.

Pre Construction & Delivery

We offer our clients low carbon alternatives through 'green engineering' and updated our standardised project adjudication packs and preliminaries book to include low carbon 'defaults'.

Inventory

Our purchasing team is working closely with our suppliers to bring forth low carbon welfare facilities, plant, building materials, small tools, wagons, PPE and hygiene products, updating our stock catalogue with ‘Even Greener’ alternatives.

Supply Chain

The largest proportion of our carbon footprint is our Scope 3 emissions - those generated by our suppliers and subcontractors. We are surveying our supply chain, offering carbon guidance, resources and training support.

Consultancy

We use the SmartCarbon calculator to calculate and report our carbon emissions and employ SmartCarbon on a consultancy basis to help us ensure legal compliance, manage climate related risks, identify opportunities and develop our strategy.

Science Based Targets Initiative

In 2023 we signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) committing to both near-term and long-term net zero targets.

Carbon Champions

We have appointed a team of Carbon Champions made up of senior representatives and subject matter experts from across our business with the relevant knowledge and authority to bring forward new low carbon products, processes, ideas and innovations.

Carbon Clienting

We continue proactive discussions with our clients regarding the commissioning of low carbon construction projects, the use of low carbon building materials and adopting low carbon processes.

Carbon Communications

We have created a ‘how to guide’ to guide relevant colleagues through the implementation of our Even Greener Strategy which is communicated through our company intranet My.Esh, site signage, vehicle livery, posters and toolbox talks.

Pre Construction & Delivery

We offer our clients low carbon alternatives through 'green engineering' and updated our standardised project adjudication packs and preliminaries book to include low carbon 'defaults'.

Inventory

Our purchasing team is working closely with our suppliers to bring forth low carbon welfare facilities, plant, building materials, small tools, wagons, PPE and hygiene products, updating our stock catalogue with ‘Even Greener’ alternatives.

Supply Chain

The largest proportion of our carbon footprint is our Scope 3 emissions - those generated by our suppliers and subcontractors. We are surveying our supply chain, offering carbon guidance, resources and training support.

Consultancy

We use the SmartCarbon calculator to calculate and report our carbon emissions and employ SmartCarbon on a consultancy basis to help us ensure legal compliance, manage climate related risks, identify opportunities and develop our strategy.

01/08

EVEN GREENER NEWS

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ESH CONSTRUCTION FUNDS ENERGY-SAVING UPGRADES FOR SOUTH BANK COMMUNITY LAND TRUST HOMES

Two properties which were classed as ‘uninhabitable’ have received energy efficient improvements as a result of funding donated by Esh Construction. Located in Middlesbrough's South Bank, the void properties were undergoing refurbishment work to bring them back into use. Led by South Bank Community Land Trust, the trust was keen to see improvements to the energy rating of each home to reduce the cost of gas and electricity bills for future tenants

GREENER COMMUNITIES FUND PROVIDES COMMUNITY CENTRE WITH SOLAR PANELS

A Chester-le-Street community centre has taken a step towards a lower carbon footprint and reduced energy bills after using Esh’s ‘Greener Communities’ funding to install solar panels on its building. The costs savings made as a result the solar panels being installed will allow the centre to remain open for longer and improve the availability of services within the local community, including a hot meal delivery service to the elderly.

LOW carbon expanding geopolymer resin used at Colt Crag Reservoir

Esh-Stantec is delivering essential maintenance works which include infilling the tunnel and installing drainage to capture and direct residual water. The use of the geopolymer resin removed the need for upgrades, with materials being delivered to site in one day using one vehicle, providing carbon savings by reducing the need for large wagon access and multiple deliveries.

ESH GROUP SET FOR ‘EVEN GREENER’ FUTURE WITH 2040 NET ZERO TARGET

Esh Group has outlined its commitment to becoming a more sustainable contractor with the launch of a carbon reduction strategy named Even Greener.

By taking achievable steps across the business to reduce carbon emissions year-on-year, Esh Group aims to achieve net zero by 2040.