Here at Anderson, we are proud of our reputation for not only respecting and adhering to the complex environmental regulations in the construction industry, but for consistently going above and beyond them.
As we grow, we are acutely aware of the privileges and responsibilities our place in the sector affords us and, through our conscientious and committed workforce, we are determined to do the right thing by those with whom we work, serve and neighbour.
In addition to setting our own exacting environmental policy, we also make sure our partners, suppliers and contractors fully understand our environmental stance and we apply progressive measures that encourage them to practice similar degrees of rigour.
Below are just some of the ways in which Anderson manages its environment policy.
1) Plant & vehicles
Knowing that plant and vehicles are by far the biggest emitters of onsite carbon emissions, we invest £2m per year in new plant equipment to ensure we are always using the most efficient machinery available. By 2020, our entire fleet of over 100 commercial vehicles will be Euro 6 compliant. We are also rapidly increasing the percentage of electric/hybrid vehicles within our company car fleet.
2) Waste management
Aware of the unacceptable levels of landfill waste produced by the demolition and construction industry, we have implemented a series of controls based around prevention, re-use and recycling so as to play a leading part in addressing this issue. Below are just some examples of these controls in action:
Prevention
- accurate ordering of quantities of materials
- ordering of materials at correct sizes to avoid off-cuts
- requests made to suppliers for reduced packaging
- avoidance of over excavation
Re-using
- re-use of plywood and timber
- use of surplus materials on other sites
- use of excavated material for landscaping purposes
- re-use of pallets
Recycling
- shredding of timber for re-use as other timber products
- concrete and brick rubble used for temporary road surfaces
- paper and cardboard separated for recycling
- composting of vegetation
3) Water
Water is a precious resource and we do our utmost to manage its usage responsibly. Measures such as installing spring-loaded pistol grips on all hoses and fitting push taps on basins have been employed across all our sites. In addition, all wash-out water from concrete discharge skips, ready mix concrete lorries and cement mixers is discharged into lined self-contained areas housed well away from any water courses.
4) Wildlife
Prior to work commencing on a new site, an environmental report is undertaken to assess whether any protected species are present on the land. Measures such the isolation of sensitive areas and the installation of specialist fencing are put in place to significantly reduce the risk of disrupting the natural ecosystem of a site.
5) Noise
Our sites only operate within designated hours agreed with the relevant local authority. Additional noise control measures include the switching off of generators when their power is not required, the procurement of equipment that emits lower sound levels and the ongoing inspection and maintenance of existing equipment.
6) Training
Anderson’s environmental procedures are relayed to all employees through project induction, task briefings and our ‘toolbox talks’ – the regular informal training sessions undertaken by the site manager. All staff with specific responsibilities relating to environmental management and controls receive specialist training.
For more information on Anderson’s environmental policy, please contact us.