The environment is close to our hearts here at Harlestone Group. From our headquarters in the leafy woodlands of Althorp Estate, every moment has a “green” perspective, and we’re proud of the ongoing steps we’re taking at every level to help our planet thrive.

More than compliance

In addition to meeting (and sometimes exceeding) the criteria for our various sustainability accreditations, we make a point of helping our teams, customers, partners and suppliers to do more and introduce their own eco-friendly practices wherever possible. We’re in this together!

Our environmental policy is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it incorporates all the relevant issues and all opportunities that are available to make a difference. It is also developed in conjunction with our health and safety policies, because we believe these are closely linked.

It has long been our policy to make every member of the Harlestone team part of our environmental programme, and this includes sharing responsibility and kudos – from directors and department managers through to team members. It’s an important part of our culture.

The Group is also a proud member of the Supply Chain School – an online learning forum that’s designed to help the construction sector assess and improve knowledge of the sustainability issues facing our industry.

Sustainable Steps

Steps we’re currently taking to reduce our impact on the environment and make a positive contribution include:

• Sourcing sustainable materials wherever possible, for every project, no matter how large or small. We also actively encourage sustainable sourcing and production with our suppliers and partners, and choose who we work with accordingly.
• Responsible waste management on our premises and on site.
• Reducing pollution in every way – this includes land, air, water, noise, and even dust.
• Effective management of our use of energy and other resources – again, this applies at all levels and scales, from planning large construction projects to switching off the office lights!

We have designed our processes to be more sustainable throughout, and we consider all the details. For example, we have switched from paper plans and blueprints to electronic – a small change that adds up over time, and helps our customers and partners to be more eco-friendly too.

Greener Projects

We’re thrilled to be involved in a growing number of eco-friendly ventures in both Harlestone Projects and Harlestone Supplies.

One of the most recent is ISG’s “deep green” refurbishment of a building at Cambridge University, to be used as headquarters for the university’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership. It is “Expected to set new standards for low energy use,” as reported by The Constriction Index.

Accreditations

We tend to focus on our results and impact, but certificates and recognition from the experts is important to us too!

Our credentials include:

• CE Marking certification for our Metals – meeting EU safety, environment and health standards: BS EN 1090-1 EXC2 Standard Quality System Buildings (similar scope to NSSS) - BS EN ISO 3834
• Harlestone Supplies holds SFC registration – our timber is responsibly sourced.
• Achilles Community Certificate
• CHAS – Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme
• SMAS – “The UK’s leading SSIP accreditation”
• FSC - ensuring that our wooden products are sourced from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
• And of course, ISO9001:2015

We are also members of Constructionline, Lloyds Register, and Builder’s Profile.

As the Harlestone Group moves forward, we will be constantly reviewing and adding to our sustainability policies and programmes, and look forward to working together to do even more for our environment and the future for our children, grandchildren, and beyond.