Sustainability & The Environment
At Erith, we fully adhere to The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, demonstrating our commitment through comprehensive project planning, a certified Integrated Management System (IMS), and robust operational controls. We prioritise the waste management hierarchy, focusing on prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal, ensuring both controlled and hazardous waste are managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Sustainable Practices and Partnerships
As a waste producer and manager, we emphasise the resource value of waste and maintain health and safety standards to achieve the best environmental outcomes. Our projects consistently achieve over 95% landfill diversion, pushing materials up the waste hierarchy and embracing circular economy principles. We partner with various companies to recycle and reuse materials, such as recycled concrete aggregates and raised access flooring, and collaborate with organisations like Saint-Gobain and SAS International to recycle specific demolition materials. Our soft-strip teams work with partners to repurpose items, supporting secondary markets and charitable foundations.
Responsible Sourcing and Innovation
We prioritise responsible sourcing of materials and the circular economy in all our activities. Our Sustainable Procurement Policy drives innovation with suppliers, sourcing environmentally friendly materials, tools, and equipment. We assess materials based on their embodied impacts and lifecycle considerations, aiming to repair, reuse, and redistribute rather than dispose of and repurchase. We are key suppliers and procurers of recycled materials.
Tracking and Reporting Sustainability
We track and report the sustainability performance of our projects using BREEAM scoring, including the carbon footprint of material transport. We source timber in line with Government Timber Procurement Policy and FSC standards, minimising its use and opting for pre-used timber where possible. Our commitment to ethical practices is reflected in our Sustainable Procurement and Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policies, ensuring responsible supply chain dealings.
Ambitious Net Zero Plans
We are committed to advancing the economy and communities sustainably, recognising global warming as a climate, ecological, and social emergency. We aim to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, aligning with the Construction Leadership Council’s Net Zero Carbon Industry Initiative and the Government’s pathway to Net Zero 2050. Our ambitious net zero plans align with key organisations such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (particularly Goal 13: Climate Action), the UN’s Race to Zero campaign, the UK Government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050, and the Science-Based Target Initiative’s best practices. We also adhere to the Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS) Silver standard for fuel, emissions, and air quality requirements.
Achievements and Future Goals
Our carbon and environmental management approach is structured around ISO 14001 certified systems. Key achievements include using 100% REGO-backed renewable energy, utilising telematics to reduce travel and idling time, employing renewable materials, maximising waste recycling, and engaging with suppliers to ensure glass and metal waste is reused and recycled.
Our carbon reduction plan for 2024 is available here