Recognising the impact of construction on the environment, we are tackling issues such as energy use and carbon emissions head on.

We have set stretching performance targets and are working with government regulators, our supply chain, business partners and academic bodies to create innovative environmental solutions.

Our overall approach is guided by our Environmental Management System. This mandates sustainable processes, ensures our people are able to manage risk and identify opportunity, and promotes the communication of best practice. 

Drawing on our considerable purchasing power, we have developed a ‘responsible sourcing’ policy. This requires us to select suppliers with environmental accreditation and opt for low-impact materials wherever possible.

We are also working with designers to improve the lifecycle environmental performance of our buildings through better planning, smarter procurement and aftercare, and the use of sustainable materials.

Using our Design for Manufacture and Assembly approach we are driving out waste. By standardising production, we reduce error and cut construction times.

Laing O’Rourke was one of the first organisations to sign up to the UK government-backed initiative by ‘Waste and Resources Action Programme’ committing to halve waste to landfill by 2012.

We are taking steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by reducing demand for fuel and energy, and are working with the Carbon Trust to measure the carbon footprint of our construction projects.

We are committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity, ensuring that wildlife and ecosystems are considered when planning our activities.