Sustainability

We aim to construct, deliver, and maintain the future through integrity, innovation and our people.

Creating a Sustainable Future Together

In 2023 we set a science-based target committing to achieving Net-Zero across our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2045. This is in line with the trajectory needed to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. In order to achieve our target, we have identified four Strategic Pillars:

  1. Sustainable operations - reducing our energy, water, waste and travel impacts across our buildings and project sites.
  2. Materials and resources - conserving natural resources and using materials from sustainable sources.
  3. Health, wellbeing and nature - creating safe places to work, promoting good health and wellbeing and helping our staff to grow.
  4. Skills and community - working with local communities to promote a culture of sustainable living and protecting land for the benefit of people and wildlife.

These pillars guide our efforts to reduce our environmental footprint, source responsibly, create a positive social impact, and collaborate with communities for a sustainable future.

Net-Zero

Attainment of our net-zero goal will driven by our Sustainability Strategy and associated Action Plan. Delivery of the Action Plan is led by the Sustainability Working Group under the leadership of our Group Health, Safety and Compliance Director, Ian Loader.

The strategy builds on the success of recent initiatives to reduce energy usage, waste, and carbon emissions across our projects. This success is evidenced through a strong track record of successfully managing and delivering sustainable BREEAM-certified projects. As part of this work, we have also set an interim target to improve the energy efficiency of our operations by 2030.

“At GPF Lewis we recognise that Climate change is, without doubt, one of the biggest challenges the world faces today. We at GPF Lewis are committed to playing our part and becoming a net-zero carbon business.”

Ian Loader
Group Health, Safety and Compliance Director

Our Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint is a measure of the total greenhouse gases (GHG) produced directly and indirectly by an organisation and its operations. A full carbon footprint is made up of three levels of emissions sources called the carbon ‘scopes’.

In 2023 we established our baseline carbon footprint based on the GHG Protocol covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3. From this baseline we identified key emissions hotspots providing a focus and direction for our strategy, ensuring our sustainability actions are as impactful as possible. One area in particular that stood out with the greatest level of emissions, and consequently the most significant contribution to our baseline, was our construction activities and materials which is under Scope 3 of the GHG Protocol.

Whilst many companies report on direct emissions from their operations, emissions from their scope 3 emissions often have the biggest carbon impact. Our Scope 3 emissions can be broken down into 15 categories of business activity, ranging from purchased goods and services to generated waste and employee commuting. This will make it easier for us to prioritise and target improvements going forward.

Resource Efficiency

We are committed to reducing waste and the development of a more circular economy. Where waste cannot be fully eliminated it is treated in adherence with the Waste Hierarchy in order to preserve it environmental and commercial value.

Last year we successfully diverted 100% of site waste from landfill, recycling more than 73.51%. The residual material (26.49%) was used in the production of sustainable energy. This exceeded our landfill diversion target of 85%.

As a member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, we are driving positive change using technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modelling).

Social Value

GPF Lewis recognises it’s responsibility to its people and the communities in which it operates. In addition to the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, we also support a number of local charities, clubs and organisations.

In 2021 we launched the Kevin Buzec Foundation in memory of the Group’s former Project’s & Maintenance Director. The Foundation supports UK charities that are working to beat cancer and helping those living with the disease. A range of fundraising initiatives take place over the course of the year with the proceeds donated to the foundation’s partners.

The company also supports the Considerate Constructors Scheme which has been promoting positive change in the construction industry for the past three decades. Its Code of Considerate Practice helps drive higher standards and supports contractors to operate more responsibly and respectfully. 

Accreditations

In addition to our ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification, we are members of the Supply Chain Sustainability School and maintain a FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme) accreditation.