Health, Safety + the Environment

AG recognise that the activities of the organisation could potentially have a significant impact on the environment.

In order to minimise this impact, we take a proactive rather than reactive stance on environmental issues. In recognition of these efforts, we have won a number of environmental awards.

‘Green’ Facts for AG

• AG have an internal environmental management system. • We use renewable energy across our sites with 100% electricity from renewable sources. • We also use Bio-LPG which is a renewable energy source compared to traditional LPG. • Concrete paving and flags are rated ‘A’ under the

Green Guide. • Xflo can be used as part of a SUDS system. • 75% of the water used to grind TerraPave® is recycled. • Our Toome plant uses environmentally friendly mixes which use re-cycled water in the mixing process.

Certification

BES 6001 has been developed by BRE Global as a Framework Standard for Responsible Sourcing, certification is completed along with an associated independent third-party certification scheme, we are proud to announce that AG has recently achieved compliance with this standard. In line with their core business values, this standard and audit process reinforces AG’s ongoing commitment to sustainable manufacturing. ISO 14001 is a comprehensive tool that provides industry with a way of controlling environmental impacts. AG were awarded certification for a multi-site management system (across five Northern Ireland manufacturing sites and two quarries) that documents environmental impacts including: energy waste, production waste and carbon emissions.

ISO 45001 is an international occupational health and safety management system that provides a framework to control health and safety risks and improve the health and safety of employees. AG was awarded certification because of the high standards of safety awareness across all of its operations. You can trust that AG will always apply best practice in terms of health and safety. ISO 9001 is a quality management standard that covers all aspects of the business including customer service, production, sales and marketing.

Good Practice Commitments

• Water management and recycling. • Recycling ancillary production waste and use of recycled waste aggregates. • Dust suppression in operation for plant movement, production processes including crushing and screening. • Developing markets for by-products. • Adoption of noise suppression and reduction techniques. • Implementation of waste management systems in place across all locations.

• Energy conservation projects. • Site restoration and aftercare.

• Landscaping and improved visual amenity. • Environmental audits take place monthly at all locations.

This encompasses all aspects of the environment, ensuring that the company is adhering to our in house procedures and legislative requirements. • A HSEQ Manager is dedicated to improving the environment at all our facilities.

Corporate Social Responsibility

A comprehensive social responsibility policy illustrates AG’s commitment to operating to the highest standards in every aspect of its business. We aim to run our business ethically, co-ordinating environmental stewardship with industry best practice, striving to manage activities in a safe manner, protecting the health and safety of everyone involved and encouraging social inclusion in the communities in which we operate.

Sustainability

AG is one of the most innovative and progressive concrete manufacturing companies in the UK and Ireland and has invested significantly in modern ‘green’ technology. Our commitment to positive environmental, social and economic performance is visible through the continuous assessment of our products and their environmental impact.

Restoration

Waste material that cannot be recycled back into the production process is used as an aid to restoration at our sites. It helps to re-landscape and restore parts of our sites no longer used for production purposes. We have joined together with several partners to develop micro habitats to enhance the flora and fauna on our sites:-

• All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2025: in conjunction with the National Biodiversity Programme. • RSPB NI : Work on protecting bank faces for Sand

Martins • Ballinderry River Management Scheme: Protecting

White-Crayfish • Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group: Protecting the

Peregrine Falcon at Fivemiletown

Environmental

AG have designated ‘Care of the Environment’ as an essential part of the business strategy. We would seek to support the government’s environmental aims by adopting, where possible, Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost (BATNEEC).

We will take into account environmental issues when designing management systems, organisational structures and communication systems.

Control of the Working Environment

Any industrial process can lead to pollution of the surrounding environment and atmosphere. In the quarrying and concrete product manufacturing industry, our processes involve blasting raw aggregate, crushing, screening, washing and finally the various production processes to create our extensive product ranges. Dust is the main environmental hazard within our plants. In recognition of this the company has developed an environmental policy, which outlines the company’s commitment to the environment.

• A dedicated environmental operative on each of our manufacturing sites, responsible for dust control, monitoring silt discharge and ensuring company meets requirements of IPC (Industrial

Pollution Control) licence requirements. • Staff training to ensure that the workforce understands the environmental impact of both the individual and company activities, and environmental policy commitments. • Actively promote the communication of issues concerning the environment to staff, suppliers and customers.