Sustainability
We have an important role in building tomorrow’s world. We shape the built environment, innovate and search for sustainable solutions to ensure we leave a positive legacy.
BDL is not just committed to excellence in construction; we are dedicated to doing so sustainably. By embedding sustainability into our quality-driven approach, we not only meet the demands of our clients but also contribute to a more sustainable future for our environment and communities in which we work.
We achieve this by working towards the values and objectives set out in our Sustainability Strategy, which is set around our 3 C's: Carbon, Compliance+ and Community.
Carbon
Our mission:
To become a net zero Carbon Business by 2045, delivering against our science-based target commitments
What we're doing now
In 2022, we achieved validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our near-term climate commitments with climate science.
We have also begun disclosing our sustainability performance through CDP, ensuring transparency and accountability in our carbon reduction efforts.
Our near-term SBTi Carbon Commitments:
- Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by FY2030 from a FY2019 base year
- Reduce absolute scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from purchased goods and services by 50% by FY2030 from a FY2019 base year.
- 84% of our suppliers by emissions covering key purchased goods and services, will have science-based targets in place by 2026
Scope 1 and 2:
As of FY 24 we have reduced our scope 1 & 2 emissions by 54% from our FY 2019 baseline. The challenge now is to maintain and further drive improvements through to 2030 and beyond.
What We Have Achieved:
- Transitioned our HGV fleet to sustainably sourced Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which has a 90% lower carbon footprint than diesel.
- Aligned our energy supply with certified renewable tariffs, ensuring our operations are powered by cleaner energy sources.
- Upgraded our plant and fleet vehicles to lower-emission models with full telematics
- Increased the use of electric tools and begun upgrading to a more energy-efficient fleet, reducing on-site emissions and improving overall energy efficiency.
Scope 3:
As of FY 24 we have reduced our scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services by 56% from our FY 2019 baseline*. With 69% of our suppliers by emission covering purchased goods and serviced having science-based targets in place.
*A significant driver to our scope 3 emissions reduction has been through data quality improvements from our supply chain. For our key commodities we are transitioning from a spend based calculation to an activity data calculation. We re-baselined in FY24 to take account of these methodology changes and continue to review re-baseline requirements as we adapt our calculation methodology.
Our carbon roadmap
The Carey Group will become a net zero Carbon Business by 2045, delivering against our science-based target commitments
105 Victoria Street
At BDL, we're always striving to reduce our environmental impact and align with the Carey Group’s 3C Sustainability Strategy.
105 Victoria is the UK’s largest all-electric office. In line with developer BGO’s mission of delivering sustainability in the built environment, and as part of our own environmental commitments, our team on the project has chosen to replace 3 tonnes of standard plasterboard with British Gypsum’s Infinae 100.
Infinae 100 is made from 100% recycled gypsum, sourced entirely from construction waste, as opposed to around 4 % in standard board. Helping us to support the circular economy and reduce raw material extraction and its associated environmental impacts. This is just one of many ways we’re turning sustainability ambitions into on-site action.
Compliance+
Our Mission:
Set a minimum Carey Group sustainability standard dedicated to protecting, and wherever possible enhancing, the environment and communities we work in.
Compliance+ builds on our commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and responsible business practices. It aims to embed sustainable thinking in everything we do; at pre-construction, in procurement, and across our operations. We want not only to meet regulatory requirements but exceeds them, driving efficiency, innovation, and environmental best practice.
What We’re Doing Now:
We are embedding Compliance+ into our culture, so that sustainability, safety, the environment and quality are central to all we do. We are:
- Raising Standards – Introducing clear, visual sustainability guidelines for our teams to ensure best practices across all sites
- Reducing Environmental Impact – Strengthening our pollution prevention strategies, adopting circular economy principles, and striving zero major environmental incidents.
- Harnessing Innovation & Best Practice– Digitising key business processes to streamline reporting, reduce waste, and enhance resource management.
- Investing in People & Collaborating – Providing sustainability training to our staff, developing industry-leading sustainable solutions, and fostering collaboration with clients and partners.
Our Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Compliance+ will continue to evolve as we push for even higher standards. Our focus includes:
- Aligning with PAS 2080 – Implementing best practices in carbon management across our business processes to further reduce our environmental impact and improve efficiency.
- Advanced Monitoring & Reporting – Enhancing data capture for carbon, waste, and social value to drive better decision-making.
- Innovation – Expanding trials of low-carbon materials, renewable energy, and sustainable construction methods.
- Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing – Working with industry partners to influence sustainable policies and drive lasting change.
Community
Our Mission:
Create long-term, meaningful, positive, and measurable changes within and around the communities in which we live and operate.
At the BDL, we believe that true success isn’t just measured by the projects we complete; it’s also about the positive, lasting impact we leave on the communities we serve.
Our Community pillar is about building stronger connections, creating opportunities, and ensuring that our work benefits people long after a project is finished.
What We’re Doing Now:
We are committed to delivering meaningful social value in every region where we operate. This includes:
- Education & Outreach – Partnering with schools, colleges, and training providers to inspire the next generation of construction professionals – offering skills training and career pathways for those further away from the job market.
- Charity & Volunteering – Through the Careys Foundation, our people are actively involved in giving back—whether through fundraising, community projects, or hands-on volunteering
- Ethical & Local Procurement – Strengthening responsible supply chains by prioritising local businesses and promoting fair and ethical labour practices.
Our Vision for the Future:
Our commitment to Community goes beyond short-term initiatives; we’re building a long-term strategy to create lasting change. Looking ahead, we will:
- Expand Social Value Commitments – Quantify and increase the positive impact of our projects through measurable social value initiatives.
- Increase Local Employment – Grow the percentage of our workforce recruited from the communities where we operate.
- Enhance Ethical Standards – Strengthen oversight of our supply chains, promoting fair working conditions and tackling issues such as modern slavery.
DIY SOS
The BDL team participated in a 7-day refurbishment for the BBC One show DIY SOS in South London, aimed at helping the Scott family. Following the tragic death of their mother, Zoe, in February 2023, eldest daughter Somer (30) and son Samuel (25) took on the responsibility of caring for their younger siblings: Shay (19), Sadie (13), and Seth (9), who has multiple disabilities. Somer, a medical student in Liverpool, plans to support her family after graduation, while Samuel manages daily care. The reveal of their newly refurbished home occurred on Thursday, 10th April.
‘It was a really great project to be involved in, and a completely different approach to construction to what we’re used to day to day.
The complete ‘chaos’ worked, surprisingly, and all of our team really enjoyed the experience.
It was fantastic to see that hundreds of people and multiple businesses were all motivated to help this family, and every ounce of effort went to benefit them directly.
The handover of the house back to the family was emotional, and it was amazing to see and hear how extremely appreciative, grateful and overwhelmed that they were by the kindness and willingness shown by such a large number of people to deliver a much nicer and better environment for them to live in after experiencing such an unimaginably sad and tragic loss of their mum.’ Jed Green, Commercial Director
