top of page

Sustainability Policy

Introduction

South Coast Builders recognises the critical importance of sustainable practices in the construction industry and is committed to minimising our environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future. We believe that sustainable building practices are not only ethically responsible but also offer long-term benefits for our clients, our community, and our business. This Sustainability Policy outlines our commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability and sets out the principles and practices we will adhere to in all our operations. We acknowledge the increasing urgency of addressing climate change and resource depletion and are dedicated to playing our part in creating a more sustainable built environment.

​

Our Commitment

South Coast Builders is committed to:

​

  • Minimising our environmental footprint by reducing our consumption of resources, reducing waste, and preventing pollution.

  • Promoting the use of sustainable materials and construction methods.

  • Improving the energy efficiency of the buildings we construct.

  • Respecting and protecting biodiversity.

  • Engaging with our supply chain to promote sustainable practices throughout the construction process.

  • Creating a healthy and safe working environment for our employees.

  • Contributing to the social and economic well-being of the communities in which we operate.

  • Continuously improving our sustainability performance through regular review and target setting.

 

Environmental Sustainability

We are committed to the following environmental principles and practices:

​

  • Resource Efficiency: We will strive to minimise the use of natural resources in our projects by:

    • Designing buildings for optimal material use and minimising waste during construction. This includes using Building Information Modelling (BIM) where appropriate to optimise material quantities and reduce offcuts.

    • Sourcing materials from sustainable and responsibly managed sources, such as FSC-certified timber.We will prioritise locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions where feasible.

    • Promoting the use of recycled and reclaimed materials, including exploring innovative solutions for incorporating these materials into our projects.

    • Implementing waste management strategies that prioritise reduction, reuse, and recycling. We will set targets for waste diversion from landfill and track our progress.

    • Reducing our energy and water consumption in our offices and on construction sites through energy-efficient equipment, water-saving fixtures, and behavioural changes.

  • Sustainable Sourcing and Due Diligence: We recognise the significant environmental impact of our supply chain and are committed to responsible sourcing practices. Our due diligence process for material selection includes:

    • Environmental Impact Assessment: Evaluating the environmental impact of materials, including their embodied carbon, recyclability, and potential for pollution.

    • Supplier Audits: Conducting audits of our key suppliers to assess their environmental performance and adherence to sustainable practices. This includes looking at their own supply chains.

    • Certification and Ecolabels: Prioritising materials with recognised environmental certifications and ecolabels, such as FSC, PEFC, and Cradle to Cradle.

    • Transparency and Traceability: Working towards greater transparency and traceability in our supply chains to ensure the responsible sourcing of materials. We aim to know the origin of our key materials.

    • Ethical Considerations: Considering ethical sourcing practices, including fair labour standards and respect for human rights, alongside environmental factors.

  • Energy Efficiency: We will prioritise energy efficiency in the buildings we construct by:

    • Designing buildings that incorporate passive design principles, such as optimising orientation, insulation, and natural ventilation to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

    • Using energy-efficient building materials and technologies, such as high-performance insulation, low-E windows, and energy-efficient lighting (e.g., LED).

    • Promoting the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, heat pumps, and ground source energy. We will advise clients on the feasibility and benefits of incorporating renewable energy technologies into their projects.

    • Providing clients with information and advice on how to reduce energy consumption in their buildings through energy-efficient appliances, smart controls, and behavioural changes.

    • Considering the whole life cycle energy performance of buildings, including the energy used during construction, operation, and demolition.4

  • Waste Management: We will implement effective waste management practices on our construction sites by:

    • Developing waste management plans for each project that prioritise waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. These plans will set specific targets for waste diversion from landfill.

    • Segregating waste materials on site to maximise recycling rates. We will provide clear signage and designated bins for different waste streams.

    • Working with waste management companies that are committed to sustainable practices and provide transparent waste tracking data.

    • Minimising the use of hazardous materials and ensuring their safe disposal in accordance with all relevant regulations.

    • Exploring opportunities for closed-loop recycling systems, where waste materials are reused in new construction projects.

  • Pollution Prevention: We will take steps to prevent pollution from our construction activities by:

    • Controlling dust and noise pollution on construction sites through dust suppression measures, noise barriers, and adherence to permitted construction hours.

    • Preventing the release of pollutants into the air, water, and soil by implementing spill prevention and control measures.

    • Using environmentally friendly products and materials, such as low-VOC paints and solvents.

    • Managing and disposing of hazardous materials safely and in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and other relevant legislation.

  • Biodiversity Protection: We will protect and enhance biodiversity on our construction sites by:

    • Avoiding construction in ecologically sensitive areas, such as protected habitats and wildlife corridors.

    • Implementing measures to protect existing vegetation and wildlife, such as tree protection orders and wildlife surveys.

    • Creating new habitats where possible, such as green roofs, living walls, and wildflower meadows.

    • Using landscaping that incorporates native species and supports local ecosystems.

  • Legal Compliance: We will ensure full compliance with all relevant environmental legislation, including but not limited to:

    • Environmental Protection Act 1990

    • The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

    • The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011

    • The Building Regulations 2010 (as amended)

    • Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990

 

Social Sustainability

We are committed to the following social principles and practices:

​

  • Health and Safety: We will prioritise the health and safety of our employees, contractors, and the public by:

    • Providing a safe and healthy working environment on all our construction sites.

    • Implementing robust health and safety procedures and training.

    • Promoting a culture of safety awareness.

  • Community Engagement: We will engage with the communities in which we operate by:

    • Communicating openly and transparently about our projects.

    • Considering the needs and concerns of local communities.

    • Supporting local businesses and initiatives where possible.

    • Minimising disruption to local communities during construction.

  • Fair Employment Practices: We will adhere to fair employment practices by:

    • Providing fair wages and benefits to our employees.

    • Promoting equal opportunities and diversity in our workforce.

    • Providing training and development opportunities for our employees.

    • Respecting human rights and promoting ethical labour practices throughout our supply chain.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: We will engage with our stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, employees, and local communities, to promote sustainability and gather feedback on our performance.

 

Economic Sustainability

We are committed to the following economic principles and practices:

  • Long-Term Value: We will focus on creating long-term value for our clients and our business by:

    • Delivering high-quality, sustainable buildings that are durable and cost-effective.

    • Providing clients with advice and support on sustainable building practices.

    • Investing in innovation and research to improve our sustainability performance.

  • Sustainable Procurement: We will promote sustainable procurement practices by:

    • Working with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability.

    • Considering the environmental and social impacts of our purchasing decisions.

    • Prioritising the purchase of sustainable materials and products.

  • Continuous Improvement: We will continuously improve our sustainability performance by:

    • Setting measurable sustainability targets.

    • Monitoring our performance against these targets.

    • Regularly reviewing our Sustainability Policy and practices.

    • Seeking feedback from our stakeholders.

 

Implementation and Monitoring

The Managing Director, Andrew Barber, is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of this Sustainability Policy. We will:

​

  • Develop specific action plans to achieve our sustainability objectives.

  • Provide training to our employees on sustainable practices.

  • Regularly monitor and report on our sustainability performance.

  • Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with this policy.

  • Review and update this policy annually or as required.

 

Communication

This Sustainability Policy will be communicated to all our employees, contractors, suppliers, and clients. It will be publicly available on our website.

 

Contact

Andrew Barber (Managing Director)

Address: 1 Manor Ave, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4LB

Tel: 01145 518963 Mobile: 07893 905674

Email: andy@scbuilders.co.uk

bottom of page