AG Sets the Standard for Sustainability

AG Paving and Building Products continues to lead the way in sustainable construction practices, with industry-leading certifications and a growing list of accolades.

Recently, the company achieved the prestigious “Excellent” ranking under the BES6001 Framework for responsible sourcing, marking a significant milestone in the company’s sustainability journey. This third-party accreditation evaluates environmental, economic, and social impacts across the supply chain, underscoring AG’s commitment to responsible sourcing at every stage.

The BES6001 framework is one of the most respected in the industry, requiring companies to embrace sustainable practices in areas such as energy use, waste management, employment standards, and corporate social responsibility.

This achievement is particularly notable, given the transition to a more demanding version of the BES6001 standard, which requires collaboration from every part of the business and supply chain. For customers, this certification provides confidence that AG’s products meet the highest sustainability criteria, while also supporting architects and specifiers in achieving BREEAM goals for their projects.

In line with its commitment to transparency, AG launched Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for over 370 products in 2024. These detailed declarations provide clear, data-driven insights into the environmental impact of AG’s product range, empowering customers to make well-informed, sustainable choices. Like the BES6001 certification, the EPDs complement BREEAM goals by offering transparency on sustainability credentials, further solidifying AG’s position as a leader in responsible construction solutions.

AG has also successfully recertified its compliance with three critical ISO standards: ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 9001 (Quality Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management). These globally recognised certifications are a testament to AG’s dedication to quality, environmental responsibility, and employee wellbeing throughout its design, manufacture, and product delivery processes.

The company’s recent integrated audit, with no non-conformances, a rare achievement in itself, and the positive feedback from assessors, underscores AG’s commitment to the highest operational standards and continuous improvement across the business.

AG’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in its growing list of accolades. In 2024, AG was named Green Exporter of the Year at the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards and Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year at the Business Eye Awards, recognising the company’s continuous investment in innovative, sustainable practices. Additionally, AG earned Platinum Status in the BITC Environmental Benchmarking Survey for the second consecutive year, further solidifying its leadership in driving sustainability within the construction sector.

The third generation company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy is based on three core pillars: Product, People, and Performance. This approach ensures that sustainability is embedded in every aspect of the business, from the products AG manufactures to the wellbeing of its employees. By aligning its operations with these pillars, AG ensures its sustainability efforts are comprehensive, long-term, and impactful.

Employee wellbeing is a critical part of AG’s sustainability strategy. In 2024, AG was awarded the ‘Wellbeing at Work’ accolade at the BITC Responsible Business Awards and ‘Safer Through Improvements in Health & Wellbeing Award’ at the MPA Health and Safety Awards, recognising the company’s focus on creating a healthy and supportive workplace. The Activ8 programme, designed to promote both physical and mental health, played a key role in earning this prestigious recognition. The programme reinforces AG’s belief that the health and wellbeing of its workforce are vital to business success, contributing to the company’s ongoing sustainability goals.

Cathy Maguire, HSEQ Manager at AG Paving and Building Products, commented:
“Achieving the ‘Excellent’ ranking under the revised BES6001 framework is a significant milestone for AG, highlighting our comprehensive commitment to sustainability at every level of our business. These achievements, along with our successful recertifications and the introduction of EPDs, demonstrate that we don’t just meet industry standards – we consistently aim to exceed them. Sustainability is a fundamental part of our culture, embedded in everything we do, from responsible sourcing and manufacturing to supporting the health and wellbeing of our employees. This recognition is not just a reflection of our achievements but a motivator for continuous improvement, as we push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable construction practices.”