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.

The Carey Group 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.

Our sustainability strategy can be downloaded here

Sustainability graphic

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 xxx% from our FY 2019 baseline. With xxx% of our suppliers by emission covering purchased goods and serviced having science-based targets in place.

What We Have Achieved:

  • Prioritised collaboration with our supply chain partners to improve data collation and deliver innovative solutions on our sites, as shown in our short video here, on harnessing the circular economy at our 105 Victoria Street project
  • Incorporated low-carbon materials to promote sustainable innovation in construction.
  • Began Implementing quantitative project lifecycle assessments to improve informed decision-making at both the tender stage and post-completion evaluation.
  • Transitioned from low-accuracy, spend-based carbon calculation methods to more accurate methods based on commodity-specific activity data.

Our vision for the future

Although we have made significant progress towards our commitments, we must not lose sight of our goal and must continue to drive improvements.

Our early-stage decarbonisation efforts focused on implementing quick-win solutions. As we progress, we must gradually move towards more complex and innovative measures.

Future Focus Areas:

  • Utilising telematics capabilities across our new plant to analyse operational patterns and identify opportunities to reduce idling time.
  • Implementing a behavioural change programme aimed at cutting fuel consumption across our heavy plant operations.
  • Refining our approach to climate-related risks and opportunities.
  • Continuing our plant and fleet upgrades, moving towards zero tailpipe emission options.
  • Aligning our business processes with PAS 2080 – Carbon Management in Buildings and Infrastructure.

Our carbon roadmap

The Carey Group will become a net zero Carbon Business by 2045, delivering against our science-based target commitments

pathway infographic

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 Carey Group, 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:

  • Employment & Skills Development – Expanding apprenticeships, supporting early careers, and working with local communities to provide job opportunities, as per our Skills Bootcamp
  • Education & Outreach – Partnering with schools, colleges, and training providers to inspire the next generation of construction professionals – Setting bootcamps in regions where we work to 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
  • Develop Industry Talent – Continue investing time in regional bootcamps and projects such as our Careys Construction Campus:
  • Enhance Ethical Standards – Strengthen oversight of our supply chains, promoting fair working conditions and tackling issues such as modern slavery.

We'd love to hear from you, so please get in touch