Sustainability Archives - Page 11 of 12

Are you FIR Real? Why I am not really worthy to be a FIR Ambassador, but will try

by Iain McIlwee | Jul 15, 2021 | Fairness, Inclusivity and Respect (FIR), Sustainability

Last month I completed the training to become a Fairness, Inclusivity and Respect (FIR) Ambassador, I don’t feel worthy of the title yet, but I have completed my training and made my commitment.

So why now?

Every now and again something jolts us outside of our comfortable perception of the world and our self. For some, this week it will be the unacceptable face of racism that reared its ugly head when three young Englishmen, missed a penalty and were abused for the colour of their skin. For me, it was closer to home, tripping over my own naivety and being challenged on a statement I made about being ill-equipped to lead on diversity issues because “I’m a middle aged, white man’. Even as I type it I cringe at how naïve that statement was – and, whilst it was a horribly uncomfortable moment for me, I realise just how important it was to be called out on it.

Like any moment of intense shame, I immediately set about trying to justify my statement, but the more I dug the more I realised there was no justification – my conscience wasn’t just pricked it was torn apart. I am not saying I didn’t think the FIR agenda was important, but the sad admission in that statement is that I didn’t fully grasp my responsibility as an individual in trying to lead and support change. The uncomfortable truths continued to flow in the self-reflection that shame typically drives. I had always leaned a bit towards the “this is a meritocracy” type thinking. When you stand back, this is almost as naïve and damaging as a statement that starts with those dreaded words “I’m not being racist but…”. I decided rather than wallow in the negative, I had to go back to school, in this case the Supply Chain Sustainability School, and address my ignorance with training.

The training has been eye-opening. There were more uncomfortable truths – I’ve hidden behind the internal monologue that “I have never worried too much about sexuality, gender, disability or race”, that I was pretty “right on” when it came to this “FIR stuff”. But, over the past couple of months I now understand why this is simply not enough.

The FIR agenda is about so much more than looking past diversity, it is about recognising the value in diversity. I had, wrongly, positioned FIR to be about sexuality, race and physical disability, I had failed to grasp the wider issues of age related prejudice, failed to recognise and support people with particular personality traits and failed to understand the impact of deeply hidden mental health issues and neural diversity which can leave people feeling isolated.

In the training I learned more about the dangers of conscious and unconscious bias, the importance of empathy, self reflection and awareness and how to regularly challenge myself and my beliefs. Part of the training was online and part in a workshop format, we looked in the workshops at how to create an environment which goes beyond being intolerant of intolerance, but ensures that nobody can be disadvantaged by anything we say or can control and how we can better work with those around us to ensure that the culture in our organisations and wider sector is equally welcoming and open to change. How we can create an environment that can and does celebrate diversity.

I can’t change the past, but I have been shamed and inspired over the past couple of months and recognised the need to redouble my efforts to be better today and in the future. I can draw confidence too from a better understanding of what fairness, inclusivity and respect really mean and my role in identifying and uphold these values. Vitally too I now have access to a network of other FIR Ambassador’s who have, like me, committed to being better, a network where we can learn from one anothers successes and failures without fear of judgement.

My FIR Ambassador’s commitment is to:

Make a difference by influencing and inspiring others within my organisation
Encourage colleagues at all levels to become engaged with Fairness, Inclusion and Respect issues.
Collaborate with other FIR Ambassadors, particularly those outside my business to help drive cultural change within the construction industry
Share knowledge and resources, both within my organisation and with other FIR Ambassadors
Provide an annual update on my Ambassador progress to the FIR Programme team

And I urge anyone to call me out if I am not living up to this.

We have set up a FIR Toolkit on the FIS website and looking to embed the core principles of Fairness, Inclusivity and Respect in all that we do and help businesses to understand and champion diversity and ensure that the finishes and interiors sector is an environment where people feel welcomed, safe and included.

You can access the FIS Fairness, Inclusivity and Respect Toolkit here.

If anyone wants to talk about the Ambassador’s course, don’t hesitate to get in touch, links are in the above toolkit – I would recommend it to everyone.

Blog by Iain McIlwee, FIS CEO
E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org
M: 07792 959 481

Building a greener Britain is essential to tackle climate change says CLC

by Clair Mooney | Jul 7, 2021 | Sustainability

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is calling on industry, government and society to help build a greener Britain to tackle climate change. Buildings and construction contribute 39% of the UK’s total carbon emissions so unless action is taken to make the construction industry greener, the UK Government won’t be able to meet its 2035 carbon reduction target of reducing emissions by 78%.

To help promote the message for a Greener Britain, the CLC has linked up with ITN

Productions to produce a new dynamic news style programme called, ‘Building A Greener Britain’, which will raise awareness of the ways in which the construction industry is proactively prioritising climate change. The programme will also offer a series of inspirational editorial profiles delivered by ITN reporters — filmed on location and remotely — highlighting industry leaders that are driving change, improving standards, and championing innovation across the UK.

The 2021 collaboration between ITN Productions and the CLC will ensure the key sector messages are covered within the programme and reach all relevant audiences. The CLC has recently launched CO₂nstruct Zero, a plan outlining how the construction industry will come together to reduce its carbon footprint. The nine stated priorities, revolving around transport, buildings, and construction activity, include a shift toward zero-emission vehicles, the introduction of better building energy performance monitoring, and the implementation of broad spectrum carbon measurement.

Building A Greener Britain will launch ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November.

Responding to the CLC initiative, the Construction Minister, Anne Marie Trevelyan MP tweeted “Construction and buildings contribute 39% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. ‘Building a Greener Britain’ will showcase the incredible work #ConstructZero is doing to address climate change in the industry”

Nina Harrison-Bell, Head of ITN Productions Industry News said:

“The Industry News team are delighted to be working in partnership with the Construction Leadership Council to produce a programme that will raise awareness of key issues in the built environment sector, showcase best practice and provide an opportunity for thought leadership to be shared with a wide audience. Our programme will demonstrate how the sector can benefit society through high quality, energy efficient homes; safer public buildings reliable, interconnected transport networks and accessible, high-performing buildings and infrastructure that work for all and meet our sustainability obligations to future generations.”

Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment published

by Clair Mooney | Jun 16, 2021 | Sustainability

On 15 June, issue 1.0 of the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment was been published on the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC) website.

The Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment has been developed on behalf of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and is part of the Council’s Construct Zero initiative. The Code has been developed by the Achieving Net Zero Cross-Industry Working Group convened by CSIC. It is a first step to facilitate action towards reducing carbon emissions (CO2eq) related to design, construction, maintenance and operation of built assets.

Leading sustainability experts, industry and government representatives will be speaking at the online launch of the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment, hosted by the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC), at the University of Cambridge on 17 June.

The launch event will be introduced by Hannah Vickers, CEO, Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), and Jennifer Schooling OBE, Director of CSIC, and will include short presentations by the organisations which are currently conducting trials of the Code including: James Wilcox, representing the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF); Kat Ibbotson, Net Zero Carbon Infrastructure Programme Manager at the Environment Agency; and Chris Hayes, Sustainability Operations Director, Skanska UK. Feedback from the trials, which are being conducted across different organisational scales, have helped to shape the development of the Code, which is broad in intent and designed for participating organisations to share experience and learn from each other.

“It is essential that our industry reduces carbon emissions and the more organisations that sign up to the Code the more we will achieve. Carbon reduction is much more likely to happen when all organisations within a value chain are committed to working together to reduce their footprint and save costs,” said Dr Jennifer Schooling, Director of CSIC. “Collaboration is the key to success, and with alignment across all parties we can progress towards the net zero carbon objective at the pace required. There are already many excellent examples of carbon reduction measures among our Achieving NetZero Cross-Industry Working Group and the Code builds upon these strengths to provide an encouraging, supportive and collaborative approach to reducing carbon.”

The launch event will feature short reflections on the trial and the Carbon Reduction Code given by Peter Yates, Regional Frameworks Director, Constructing West Midlands and Vice Chair, NACF; Charmaine Hughes, Programme Manager and Head of Frameworks (NWCH), Manchester City Council; and Fergus Harradence, Deputy Director, Construction, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and also Stuart Young of BEIS. The hour-long launch event, which is free to register and open to all, will conclude with a Q&A with the speakers.

Visit the FIS Sustainability Hub for resources and supporting information that will support your journey to net zero.

New Policy Statement to drive home the need to consider social value

by Clair Mooney | Jun 16, 2021 | Sustainability

The Government has published a new Procurement Policy Note PPN 05/21, a National Procurement Policy Statement that requires contracting authorities in the public sector to ensure procurements support the delivery of wider strategic policy objectives as set out in the Social Value. For the first time the UK government has established a set of principles that all contracting authorities must have regard to when they procure goods and services, alongside any additional local priorities in their procurement activities. These principles include:

● creating new businesses, new jobs and new skills;
● tackling climate change and reducing waste, and
● improving supplier diversity, innovation and resilience.

The PPN also makes a clear statement that delivering best value over the life of the procured asset or service, rather than lowest cost, should be the objective of procurement exercises, and that procurers should take a broad view of what constitutes best value, reflecting policy as set out in the Green Book.

PPNs provide guidance on best practice for procurement for public sector organisations, together with supporting documentation. A PPN applies to all Central Government Departments, their Executive Agencies and Non Departmental Public Bodies in conducting procurement procedures regulated by the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

Commenting on the publishing of this statement, FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee stated:

“It is good to see the vague coulds and shoulds of politicians turned into requirements in this statement. Procurement has to reward more than price – the Construction Playbook is a step in the right direction, this Policy Statement is another stride towards a heathier procurement culture that will support transformation in construction”.

You can read the Procurement Policy Note PPN 05/21 here

Vist the FIS Sustainability Hub

CLC launches Construct Zero website

by Clair Mooney | Jun 9, 2021 | Sustainability

The Construction Leadership Council used the inaugural BMF Sustainability Forum to launch its new Construct Zero website, which will provide a single hub for all information relating to the construction industry’s change programme in the Race to net Zero.

Hannah Vickers, CEO of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and the CLC’s Construct Zero lead, announced the website to delegates from the building materials supply chain attending the virtual meeting.

Hannah Vickers said:

“I’m delighted today to announce the launch of the new Construct Zero website, within the existing Construction Leadership Council website. Since its launch in March 2021, Construct Zero, as an industry-change programme, continues to go from strength to strength, gathering considerable engagement and support from Government, and across the breadth of the sector and beyond, for which we are very grateful.

“The website provides key details on Construct Zero including governance, consultation, events programme, a package of supporting resources for industry together with information on how companies can get involved with the programme as a Business Champion or Business Partner or both. The CLC looks forward to hearing from and working with you on this exciting industry change programme.”

Four BMF members were amongst the first 14 Business Champions announced by the CLC last month.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said:

“The CLC programme will stimulate collaborative behaviours across the supply chain and builders merchants and building materials manufacturers have a vital role to play in championing and delivering the changes necessary for success. BMF Business Champions are committed both to reducing the environmental impact of their operations and supporting others with their low carbon plans.”

Visit the Sustainability Hub

FIS has created a Sustainability Toolkit to help support business on their journey to net zero. If you are interested in improving the sustainability of your business or working on projects where there is the opportunity to introduce or the need to comply with key environmental or health requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact the FIS team.

A business opportunity like no other

by Clair Mooney | May 26, 2021 | Sustainability

This year, the UK government has partnered with business owners and respected climate groups to help businesses to cut carbon emissions and protect the planet. Whatever size your business, your commitment could make a real difference – to your business, to your customers, to your community, to the planet – and to your energy bills!

The UK government has created the UK Business Climate Hub, a campaign that asks UK small businesses of up to 250 employees to join the fight against climate change by committing to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Top reasons to cut carbon emissions:

Grow your business
It can be hard to think as far as 2030 when we’re all building back from coronavirus. But cutting emissions can mean saving money and give you a competitive advantage today. You will also be able to display a logo to show your commitment, attracting the growing number of customers for whom climate change really matters.

Future-proof your business
The UK is changing. For example, by 2030 you won’t be able to buy new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK, while zero-emission vehicles could support 40,000 jobs. Getting ahead of other countries like this will create new opportunities here in the UK. Is your business ready?

Be part of the solution
We all want to create a better planet, but it can be hard to know where to start. Through this commitment, join other businesses, get tips, make a plan, and be confident that you are really making a difference.

Become one of thousands of small business climate leaders across the UK this year and commit today at the UK Business Climate Hub.

Visit the Sustainability Hub

Click Here