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Environment

We’re constantly looking at innovative ways to keep our impact on the climate to a minimum.

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Introduction

At Cappagh Browne, we believe that innovation holds the key to decarbonising our operations. We have robust targets to decarbonise and reach net zero by 2050.

Our new vans are fitted with 310-watt solar panels to further reduce our carbon footprint on the way to reaching net zero. The solar panels provide power in the vans for the various everyday electronic devices our operatives use. We are currently working on enhancing this technology, enabling future solar panels to draw energy from streetlights as well as solar rays.

We are also trialling battery-powered equipment, such as LED Remote Stand Lighting and Disc cutters, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Our multi-functional recyclers enable our engineers to re-use water from jetting activity. This enables longer jetting capacity and reduces the frequency of refilling the unit. Our recyclers are also equipped with industry-leading telemetry, CCTV units and sewer chamber person-entry equipment. The multi-functionality of these units means a saving in time, cost, risk, and carbon footprint.

We make use of innovative no-dig technology such as, CIPP lining, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), guided auger boring (GAB) and flooded systems (Tubogel). These techniques help to minimise our impact on the environment, reducing the size of the excavation site, volumes of material to landfill, as well as less fossil-fuel powered plant and equipment.

Environment

We commit to reducing our environmental impact by…

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Reducing vehicle movements

We have reduced vehicle movements by developing multi-purpose vehicles equipped with recyclers, Wi-Fi, and solar panels, enabling our teams to work efficiently with less travel and lower fuel consumption. This not only cuts operational costs but also enhances our environmental sustainability efforts

Replacing fossil-fuel powered equipment with electric-powered where possible

We are committed to sustainability by replacing fossil-fuel powered equipment with renewable energy alternatives wherever feasible. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions, lowers our carbon footprint, and supports a healthier environment, benefiting both our operations and the communities we serve

Improving local biodiversity

At every yard and depot, we strive to improve local biodiversity by installing: no mow zones, bug hotels, bird feeders and boxes, native species garden, hedgehog homes

Replanting Trees

When felling a tree is unavoidable, we replant two trees for each one removed and always restore all vegetation. Recently, we collaborated with Southern Water to plant a native species hedgerow, enhancing community areas and providing educational opportunities for local schools focusing on protecting the environment

Maximising no-dig technique

We make use of innovative technology such as: CIPP lining, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), guided auger boring (GAB) and flooded systems (Tubogel).

Reducing material landfill through our recycling schemes

Our innovative recycling programs are designed to minimize waste and promote sustainability. Through converting waste materials into reusable resources, we not only reduce the volume of landfill but also contribute to a circular economy. Our schemes include comprehensive sorting and processing systems that ensure maximum recovery of materials, which are then repurposed into new products

Environment

We care about the environment, which is aided by the work we do.

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Recycling Report for 2023-2024

Recycled

85.76

Percent

of the waste material removed and collected

Recovered

11.07

Percent

of recycled material to be converted for useful purposes

Reducing Waste

We are always looking at how we can reduce the amount of waste we produce – from our work sites to our offices.

Our partnership

Our partnership with Cusack’s PPE Recycling Services marks a milestone in our journey to reach our sustainability goals. PPE clothing and appliances are often made of complex materials and parts that can’t be recycled in traditional recycling facilities. As a result, used PPE often ends up in landfill which is widely recognised as the least sustainable method of disposal. By implementing this approach into our waste management strategy, we will reduce waste entering landfill, improve our carbon footprint and generate reusable energy from our unwanted PPE.


Every CBUL yard and depot has segregated waste bins on site to ensure recyclable waste doesn’t end up in landfill. Our waste management is regularly monitored through our “Gogreen Portal”, which tracks the volumes of waste going into each waste stream. This allows us to make strategic operational changes to ensure maximum waste is recycled and removed from landfill.

In addition, excavated material is returned to the ground where possible to reduce soil erosion, transport of air-borne contaminants, ecosystem disturbance and offsite disposal. Where backfill is not possible, excess waste created from excavation projects is often recycled as aggregates.

Carbon Footprint

At Cappagh Browne, we believe that innovation holds the key to decarbonising our operations. We have robust targets to decarbonise and reach net zero by 2050.

Our Strategy

Our new vans are fitted with 310-watt solar panels to further reduce our carbon footprint on the way to reaching net zero. The solar panels provide power in the vans for the various everyday electronic devices our operatives use. We are currently working on enhancing this technology, enabling future solar panels to draw energy from streetlights as well as solar rays.
We are also trialling battery-powered equipment, such as LED Remote Stand Lighting and Disc cutters, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
Our multi-functional recyclers enable our engineers to re-use water from jetting activity. This enables longer jetting capacity and reduces the frequency of refilling the unit. Our recyclers are also equipped with industry-leading telemetry, CCTV units and sewer chamber person-entry equipment. The multi-functionality of these units means a saving in time, cost, risk, and carbon footprint.

We make use of innovative no-dig technology such as, CIPP lining, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), guided auger boring (GAB) and flooded systems (Tubogel). These techniques help to minimise our impact on the environment, reducing the size of the excavation site, volumes of material to landfill, as well as less fossil-fuel powered plant and equipment.

Carbon Reduction Targets & Objectives

Short-Term Targets (2023–2032)

• 2024/2025: Appraise PAS 2060 to achieve carbon neutrality and develop a detailed implementation roadmap.

• By 2026/2027: Achieve a 20% reduction in travel-related carbon emissions compared to our 2022/2023 baseline.

• By 2028/2029: Achieve a 40% reduction in travel-related carbon emissions compared to our 2022/2023 baseline.

• By 2030/2032: Achieve a 60% reduction in travel-related carbon emissions compared to our 2022/2023 baseline.

Long-Term Goal (2050)

• Net Zero by 2050: Align long-term reduction targets with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Social Initiatives, Targets & Objectives

Our commitment to social responsibility is reflected in our ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement, promoting employee well-being, and ensuring diversity and inclusion within our workforce.

Community Engagement

Annual Initiatives: Deliver a minimum of six community engagement initiatives annually across our operational regions, including school outreach programs, local environmental projects, and environmental awareness sessions.

Local Employment & Skills Development

Local Hiring: Ensure that at least 70% of new hires annually come from the local communities in which we operate.

Mental Health & Well-being

Mental Health First Aiders: Achieve a ratio of 1:20 certified Mental Health First Aiders among employees by the end of 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

DEI Training: Achieve 100% completion of our online DEI training course by all employees by the end of 2026.

Some of the services we provide in action

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