Environmental protection
Protecting the environment is central to our operations. We work hard to minimise the impacts of quarrying and manufacturing activities at our sites, and to carefully manage biodiversity and archaeological heritage.
We assess each individual site to identify any issues or impacts, before proactively planning how we will manage them using our ISO 14001 certified environmental management systems. Our environmental management takes place within a robust regulatory framework, including the environmental permitting and planning regimes. We consult openly and transparently with local communities and independent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) about our plans, particularly on subjects such as using waste-derived fuels, restoration, archaeology and biodiversity.
Performance summary
- 99% of our UK operational sites have ISO 14001 certified environmental management systems – Biodiversity Action Plans are in place at all operational quarries.
- At the end of 2011, a total of 1,971 hectares of restored land remained within company ownership in the UK, this includes 333 hectares restored to agriculture, 475 restored for conservation or amenities, and 35 hectares restored as woodland.
- We spent £311,000 on archaeological investigations in 2011.
- In 2011, we planted 21,500 trees and 11,000 metres of hedgerow, laid 3,000 metres of dry stone wall and constructed 3,400 metres of public footpath.
Our targets
- Maintain ISO 14001 certification at all operational locations and implement ISO 14001 at all new operational locations to manage our impacts on air, water, land and people.
- Maintain existing Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) and implement new BAPs at all new mineral operations.
1,971 hectares of land restored
100%: All our active quarries have Biodiversity Action Plans
