The construction industry has a significant impact on the environment and, at Beechcroft, we are committed to ensuring that we minimise our company’s impact and that all our staff, contractors, suppliers and visitors play their part in achieving this goal. We are working towards carbon net zero by 2035 and our decision making always respects climate change issues, biodiversity, ecology and resource management.
We select brownfield sites in locations close to local amenities and build energy-efficient, well-insulated homes. Materials are carefully selected including 50% recycled PVC-u windows and certified, ethically sourced timber products. We install air source heat pumps which have a lower carbon footprint than traditional heating and energy-efficient whole-house ventilation systems. All new developments feature electric car charging points whilst solar bollards provide external lighting.
We are already achieving 10% net biodiversity gain on all our sites submitted for planning. Our landscapes are designed to attract insect life and we provide nesting boxes and hibernacula along with water butts for water conservation. Shuttle buses for the use of residents reduce the reliance on individual cars and hybrid working reduces the number of journeys to our head office.
Our aim is for carbon net zero regulated operational emissions by 2035. This may be achieved by the continued installation of air source heat pumps, the installation of triple glazing, the use of PV systems which convert light into electricity and whole house ventilation systems which are energy efficient and can help home owners reduce energy usage. Residual carbon will be dealt with by offsetting and the fixing of energy procurement. The move away from traditional gas boilers to air source heat pumps is one of the most important decisions we have made in reducing regulated CO2 emissions. Whole house ventilation systems are energy efficient and can help home owners reduce energy usage.
Our aim is always to improve and enhance the well-being of those who work for us and with us, our customers and the wider community. We take pride in creating high quality developments, ensuring site safety for our employees and visitors to our construction sites and actively helping generate a sense of community on all of our developments. Diversity and inclusivity is important to us as is engagement with our local communities.
We create social spaces on the majority of our developments enabling residents to meet and chat with neighbours and we organise events to promote socialisation. Our Estate Managers are on hand to offer help and advice, maintain the development and run the shuttle bus service taking residents to shops or on outings. Where possible, we engage with resident associations and local interest groups and provide residents with information to help them engage with the wider community.
In 2023, 60% of our staff are engaging in hybrid working. We have refurbished our head offices, creating break-out spaces and a garden for relaxation. On-site prayer areas are provided for construction staff. Over the last year, some head office employees have trained in first aid and mental well-being and our aim is to increase this number over the next two years. We are currently implementing a management training programme and a company intranet for staff to improve communication and ensure that everyone is kept up to date with company news and policies.
We aim to increase our support for local charities in the areas in which we work.
As a company, we act ethically and with integrity and expect the same high standards from all suppliers, sub-contractors and business partners. We believe in transparency in terms of pay and gender gaps and provide accurate financial reporting and transparent decision making.
We take a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and our relationships with suppliers and subcontractors allows us to engage with partners on a regular basis to safeguard the highest levels of quality and integrity in terms of modern slavery as well as diversity and equality. Our site health and safety policies ensure that each site is equally safe for workers, customers, visitors and the general public. Our suppliers are registered, assessed, certified and aware of – and adhere to – current environmental and social legislation including respecting human rights.
Beechcroft is a member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme which covers all three aspects of modern Environmental, Social and Governance policy. By signing up to the Code of Considerate Practice, we have committed to respecting the community, protecting the environment, securing safety for employees, customers and the general public and valuing our workforce.
