PATRON FOCUS
Construction company is building a positive future
Oaklands College’s Homestead Building, St Albans with Willmott Dixon staff
Sustainability is top of the agenda for a construction company aiming to become zero-carbon in its own operations by 2030.
T
he bold target of Chamber Patrons Willmott Dixon, the UK’s leading independent contracting and interior fit-out group, is being backed by positive action. While some businesses have still to create a plan, Willmott Dixon is already three years into its Now or Never 10-year sustainability strategy. But the organisation is far from complacent and continues to look for different ways to support its long-term goals. Sarah Frith, Head of Design said: “Sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges facing us. As a business, we are concerned with finding ways to ensure that the work we do is delivered sustainably and the buildings we construct are fit for the future. “The Chamber has helped by providing useful contacts and industry insight into key issues.” Willmott Dixon, which is headquartered in Letchworth and also has a regional office in Hitchin, set out its ambitious plans to achieve zero operational carbon emissions – with no offsetting – in 2020 and set a 10-year deadline. It also wants its supply chain partners to reach the same goal by 2040. Its Now or Never strategy covers three key areas, with Better Planet just one of them. The company, which has a purpose beyond profit, also includes Brilliant Buildings and Building Lives in its 10-year plan as it aims to leave a strong community, environmental and economic legacy.
“We are also delivering environmental net gain on our projects. By the end of 2030 we will have planted 100,000 trees, supporting our customers and their local communities to tackle climate change and create green spaces for people and nature.
University of Hertfordshire Sports Science Building with Willmott Dixon staff
“Our approach has seen us create buildings that are well designed, of high quality, excellent value and built upon great customer relationships. But we are about more than just the buildings we create. “We also want to deliver high-impact social value, meeting the needs of the communities where we work. It is important to us that people and businesses in our communities can thrive. “Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the planet. It’s also about creating a future where everyone has opportunities. Supporting people is important to us and we offer practical help to put people on the path to good careers.” Within the Better Planet pillar, Willmott Dixon intends for its projects to leave the environment in a better state than when it began. By 2030, it plans to have no direct emissions from day-today operations by eliminating fossil fuel use in offices and on sites, moving to a 100 per cent electric fleet and continuing to only procure certified natural renewable energy. The strategy also includes generating zero avoidable waste and halving the volume of water used during construction.
“Our focus is very much on the future and how we can help the environment and the people who live in our communities. We have also launched our Decarbonise Today service to support other organisations to tackle the challenges around delivering against their own net zero ambitions. It is more important than ever that we work together and share knowledge.” Willmott Dixon has been a member of the Chamber since 2009 and became a Patron in 2019. The company appreciates the Chamber’s help in providing access to other businesses in the county to share key learning and best practice across the industry. “One of the big challenges we are facing is attracting people to the industry and ensuring they have the right skills. We know that the work the Chamber is doing with the Local Skills Improvement Plan is important in supporting not just our industry but other sectors across Hertfordshire. “Reaching out to organisations across the county and engaging with training providers will be a big positive in ensuring we are able to attract the right people to our business in years to come. “We are also grateful to the Chamber for giving us the opportunity to engage with potential customers to understand what it is they need from us, allowing us to tailor our offering to suit their needs.” For more information on Willmott Dixon’s Now or Never strategy: https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/now-or-never
INSPIRE
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