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AG’s Low Carbon Legacy
4 minute read
Prioritising People, Planet + Performance
Amidst the construction industry’s urgent battle against climate change, AG Paving + Building Products emerges as a pioneer, leading the market with innovative low-carbon solutions. Through our paving, walling, and facing brick offerings, we set new standards, providing architects, housebuilders, and contractors with sustainable product options to shape a more eco-friendly built environment.
The construction sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, responsible for a staggering 37% of global emissions. With the UK’s ambitious Net Zero targets and the Future Homes Standard on the horizon, the urgent need to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and embrace greener building materials is clear.
Compliance with stringent environmental regulations presents a substantial challenge, requiring companies to adapt and invest in sustainable technologies, which can be both costly and complex. Creating a better future hinges on making construction more sustainable—a challenge our company is dedicated to addressing.
At AG, our purpose is to develop and create the most sustainable paving and building products available today. Our deep commitment to leaving a low-carbon legacy is not just an initiative; it is a fundamental part of our identity, guided by our core values: Sustainability, Customer Care, Integrity, Wellbeing, and Innovation.
Our efforts to date have garnered significant recognition. AG was named Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year 2024 at the Business Eye Awards, a testament to our leadership in sustainable practices. We have also achieved Platinum status in the 2023 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, reflecting our comprehensive and integrated approach to environmental responsibility. These accolades are not merely awards but indicators of our strategic vision and success in implementing it.
Our Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy (CSR) is structured around three fundamental pillars: People, Planet, and Performance. Through these principles, we aim to make a lasting impact, ensuring that our operations contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
People
Our first pillar, People, focuses on empowering communities and fostering a culture of sustainability both within and outside our organisation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and their wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the health of our environment.
People
Our first pillar, People, focuses on empowering communities and fostering a culture of sustainability both within and outside our organisation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and their wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the health of our environment.
People
Our first pillar, People, focuses on empowering communities and fostering a culture of sustainability both within and outside our organisation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and their wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the health of our environment.
Employee
Wellbeing
At AG, we prioritise fostering a supportive work environment, promoting health and safety, and championing equal opportunities. Our ongoing dedication to creating an excellent workplace was recognised in 2022 when AG was awarded The People Insight’s Outstanding Workplace Award.
Our continual #GoHomeSafe campaign is integral to our safety culture, ensuring that all employees and contractors go home safely to their loved ones. By making safety personal and engaging our team in regular Toolbox talks and training sessions, as well as incentivising safety issue reporting through our Good Catch initiative, we foster a positive, safety-minded organisation.
We emphasise the wellbeing of our team through initiatives like Activ8, our “Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing” level 3 accredited Health and Wellbeing Programme. Activ8 offers a wide range of activities and events throughout the year, from team-building exercises to regular occupational health checks, all aimed at enhancing the physical and mental health of our employees.
Our tailored Health Cash Plan allows employees to focus on their health without financial stress, offering reimbursements for everyday healthcare costs. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Programme offers confidential 24-hour telephone counselling and structured face-to-face sessions for those that need it. We also offer a range of benefits designed to enhance work-life balance, including enhanced annual leave allowance and the option to buy or sell holidays.
Our employee benefits package is continually evolving. In 2024, we’ve introduced upgraded Long Service Awards to recognise and reward employees at every stage of their career with us, and Women in Business membership to support female advancement in the construction sector. Learn more about our comprehensive benefits package here.
Customer Engagement
AG Tours
Our relationships with customers are built on a foundation of honesty, respect, and integrity. We actively engage with our clients through events and site tours, fostering strong, lasting partnerships.
Offering site tours of our factories is crucial as it provides transparency, allowing customers to witness firsthand the meticulous process behind our products. This transparency builds trust and credibility, showcasing our confidence in our operations.
By observing our production methods and quality control measures, customers gain a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship and technology involved, which reassures them of the product’s reliability and durability. Additionally, site tours foster engagement, enabling customers to interact directly with our team, ask questions, and enhance their understanding of our brand and practices.
Customer Feedback + Testimonials
The strength of our relationships is clearly reflected in the feedback from our customers. Their experiences offer genuine insights into the quality and impact of our products and services. The testimonials below celebrate our successful partnerships and provide prospective customers with a glimpse into the satisfaction and results enjoyed by our clients.
Community Involvement
Volunteering + Sponsorship
At AG, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our operations, deeply embedding us in the local communities where we operate. We place a high value on fostering strong connections and actively engage with our neighbours through various initiatives.
Over the past year, our team has supported numerous local charities and schools, including dedicating time each week to assist primary school children with their literacy development via the Business in the Community’s ‘Time to Read’ programme. In addition offering our employees valuable opportunities for team building, skill development, and meaningful community interaction.
We also support local sporting clubs and events across Northern Ireland, such as Moyola Football Club and Cookstown Primary School’s Hockey Team. In 2024, our charitable contributions have included donations to Ellie’s Retreat, where we installed Rosemount flagstones to create a peaceful outdoor space for bereaved families, and to St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School, where we donated paving to enhance their ‘Green Area’ for students. Additionally, we upgraded the poly tunnel floor at Duneane Community Garden, a cherished local space for growing plants and fostering community interaction.
Time to Read at Moat Primary School
Hi-vis Vests Donation to Tempo Primary School
Time to Read at Enniskillen Integrated Primary School
Time to Read at St Peter's Primary School
Volunteers cleaned-up Willowbridge School Grounds
Moyola Park Kit Sponsorship
Volunteers at Clogher Valley 5K
AG Sponsored Pub Quiz to raise money for Air Ambulance NI
Fivemiletown United Football Sponsorship
Volunteers Clean-up Crom Estate woodland at National Trust
Product donation to Ellie’s Retreat
Product donation to Duneane Community Garden
Product donation to St. Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School and Nursery Unit
Community Involvement
Charitable
Partnership
Our longstanding partnership with Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI) highlights our dedication to making a meaningful impact. To date, we have raised over £30,000 for the charity through a variety of fundraising initiatives. These efforts not only support AANI but also foster mental, emotional, and physical well-being within AG. This includes hosting Time to Talk days, where we take time to enjoy treats and meaningful conversations with colleagues, as well as participating in the Belfast Marathon.
Having already achieved significant success with our fundraising events this year, AG remains committed to deepening our relationship with the charity and continuing to positively impact those in need across Northern Ireland. As we advance, our mission is focused on building a better, faster, and safer future, ensuring that our success benefits the communities we serve.
Planet
Our Planet pillar represents a profound commitment to environmental preservation, recognising that the health of our planet is crucial to our collective survival and prosperity. We are resolutely dedicated to advancing sustainability, which is evident in our proactive efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, bolster biodiversity, and lead by example in sustainable practices.
Net Zero Commitment
Our environmental strategy is intricately aligned with both global and local sustainability goals, particularly those outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action, we are committed to driving meaningful change and setting new benchmarks in sustainable manufacturing.
Our dedication to minimising environmental impact is demonstrated through a comprehensive suite of ambitious initiatives. Central to our strategy is our pledge to achieve a 30% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030, in line with the Business in the Community’s Climate Action Pledge. This commitment has already delivered significant results, with our current emissions at 2,142 tonnes of CO2—marking a substantial 47.8% reduction from our 2019 baseline of 4,117 tonnes. Additionally, we have achieved a 4.67% reduction in Scope 3 emissions since 2021.
To meet these goals, we have recently invested over £5 million in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions throughout our factories. Our approach includes transitioning our manufacturing processes to 100% renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing travel through virtual meetings and a ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme. We have also equipped all our sites with electric charge points and operate a fleet that includes bio-diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
Biodiversity Efforts
Our dedication to biodiversity is evident through our active support of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and our management of wildlife habitats at our sites. Our conservation efforts include reforestation, wetland restoration, and wildlife protection, leading to increased populations of Irish hares, sand martins, peregrine falcons and dragonflies. Notably, our involvement in the Ballinderry River Project has improved watercourse conditions and protected the white-clawed crayfish.
With a vision that extends far beyond our own lifetimes, our Quarry Restoration Project exemplifies our deep commitment to environmental stewardship. At our Fivemiletown facility, we utilise aggregates from our adjacent quarry. This strategic proximity not only streamlines our production process but also significantly reduces the embodied carbon of our products by cutting out transportation emissions.
To address the environmental impact of quarrying, we have implemented a carefully crafted restoration strategy aimed at sustainable rehabilitation. Central to this plan is the use of waste silt— a byproduct of our manufacturing processes—transformed into eco-friendly clay for backfilling the quarry. This process not only repurposes waste but also effectively manages the site’s topography.
Our restoration efforts, which have received official planning approval, include planting a diverse range of native trees and vegetation around the site. As the quarry gradually fills with water, it will evolve into a tranquil water body that harmoniously integrates with the surrounding environment. This initiative not only reduces the ecological footprint of our operations but also ensures the creation of a lasting, beautiful natural space that benefits both the community and the ecosystem.
Performance
Our Performance pillar embodies our commitment to embedding sustainability into the core of our business strategy. We believe that true success extends beyond financial metrics and encompasses the positive impact we make on the world.
Product Innovation
Sustainable innovation is central to our mission. AG has always been synonymous with pioneering new technology in our industry. We ensure our high-quality product range exceeds customer expectations through rigorous design, manufacturing, and testing processes. Our continuous investment in research and development drives the creation of cutting-edge products and services.
Our state-of-the-art Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) Centre at our Fivemiletown headquarters features the most advanced testing equipment available. This facility enables us to perform a full range of tests to meet all technical standards, including the development and testing of prototype products before production.
Our advanced concrete technology, Enduur, exemplifies this commitment by offering enhanced strength, durability, and a significantly lower carbon footprint. Innovations like Enduur set new sustainability standards, delivering superior performance while minimising environmental impact. Learn more about Enduur here.
Transparency + Integrity
Transparency is central to our sustainability efforts. We openly share our progress, challenges, and achievements. Our CSR strategy document is regularly updated to reflect our ongoing efforts and future goals, ensuring our commitment to sustainability is visible to all stakeholders.
From 2025, we will use SustainIQ, our new sustainability reporting software, to provide even more detailed and accurate reports. This tool will enhance our ability to track, manage, and communicate our sustainability performance across all areas, from community engagement to carbon reduction.
Our recently published Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) solidify our dedication to sustainability. These independently verified documents provide a transparent, standardised account of our products’ carbon footprints, highlighting our achievements in reducing embodied carbon. This demonstrates our leadership in sustainability, setting us apart from competitors and offering a clear environmental advantage over alternative products.
Digital Transformation
Our commitment to evolution is evident in our continuous improvement and digital transformation efforts. Digital tools are essential to our operations, helping streamline processes and reduce paper use, thus enhancing efficiency and environmental responsibility.
We utilise cloud-based solutions to drive these improvements. For example, our Engage App eliminates paper for over 20,000 audits per year, significantly reducing our paper consumption and operational costs. This app not only enhances our environmental sustainability but also improves accuracy and efficiency in our auditing processes.
Our online Product Visualiser and Digital Interactive FlipBooks are other key tools in our digital strategy. Our Product Visualiser allows customers to see how our products will look in various settings, reducing the need for physical samples. Our Digital Interactive FlipBooks serve as an eco-friendly alternative to printed brochures. By providing detailed product information in a digital format, we reduce our reliance on paper and ink, contributing to lower carbon emissions. Additionally, these digital resources are easily accessible and shareable, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.
Our commitment to leaving a low carbon legacy is a journey that requires dedication, innovation, and collaboration. Through our focus on People, Planet, and Performance, we strive to create a sustainable future where communities thrive, the environment flourishes, and business success is synonymous with environmental responsibility.