Environmental, Social & Governance

At Walls we recognise that we must be transparent about the impact we are having, measure it accurately, and take clear action to minimise that impact.

Walls Construction 2023 ESG Report

All businesses has an impact on the world

They include but are not limited to, Land Use, Water Consumption, Carbon Emissions, Pollution, use of natural resources, materials management, Well-Being and Social Justice. We recognise that we must be transparent about the impact we are having, measure it accurately, and take clear action to minimise that impact, which is why as an organisation, Walls Construction have embarked on our ESG journey. This journey will continue to build on much of the work we have already done in our business through our years of successful certification to standards ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 as well as our ongoing commitment to work sustainably and conscientiously as per our clients and statutory requirements.

We at Walls Construction have determined our Sustainability Strategy and ESG goals based on many of the ESG goals that align with the UN Sustainability Goals. This is outlined throughout the strategy and plan in each goal section and allows us to ensure our ESG plan is relevant and works towards a globally agreed and shared blueprint.

Policies

Objective: Outline the WCL ESG commitments by reviewing, updating and communicating all relevant company policies to highlight these commitments.

Water Protection & Conservation

Objective: Manage water usage and wastewater discharges on all sites during.

Plans:

Record and conserve water usage on sites during 2022.
Water Protection – Wastewater treatment / management practices on all sites – No waste water breaches / incidents.

Carbon Management

Objective: Reduce carbon emissions throughout the company by 30% by 2025.

Plans:

Carbon Calculation

Calculate site baseline Scope 1 & 2 carbon per 1,000 – man hours worked 2022.
Document Scope 2 carbon WCL Head Office in 2022.
Calculate Scope 1, 2 & 3 carbon on 2 sites during 2022.

Carbon Reduction

10% reduction on 2022 baseline in 2023.
20% reduction on 2022 baseline in 2024.
30% reduction on 2022 baseline in 2025.

Document Annual Carbon Action Plan

Calculate Scope 1, 2 & 3 carbon on our sites on a site and client specific basis.
Document Scope 2 carbon at WCL Head Office and Munster office.

Carbon Reduction Initiatives

Introduce a Walls policy in relation to a low carbon energy alternative.
Extend our embodied carbon calculation process on a project specific basis.
Introduce carbon science-based targets.
Disclose our carbon information through CDP.
Offset carbon through innovative measures at our Cavan forest.

Biodiversity

Objective: Promote environmental sustainability and biodiversity enhancement initiatives during all works.

Plans:

Sign up to the All Ireland Pollinator Plan. Set annual targets for pollinator friendly actions across company
sites.
Initiate a number of annual Community Engagement Programmes across selected sites.
Promote biodiversity and sustainability internally within WCL though the Wellness Programme and ISO 4001 Environmental System Management.
Sponsor and work in consultation with Environmental Charities / Organisations to promote and enhance biodiversity.
Work with (GreenBelt) to assess and further develop our Cavan forest area over the next few years.

Waste Management

Objective: Focus on innovative waste / material management practices and recycling/reuse initiatives to support a circular economy.

Plans:

Delete concrete bullet point.
Remove construction: 90% of mixed materials away from landfill.
Assess and implement a number of material management improvement initiatives across our sites.