Sustainability

Why it matters

Construction has a significant impact on waste and carbon emissions.

Reducing both is not only better for the environment; it can also improve efficiency and reduce costs.

That’s why YORhub is focused on helping projects minimise waste, lower carbon emissions and make more efficient use of resources.

Waste and carbon reduction

YORhub was the first framework provider to sign up to the WRAP Halving Waste to Landfill commitments.

Since then, we have supported academic research into a suite of carbon KPIs, which have been successfully trialled by the YORhub lead authorities.

Our frameworks aim to produce less than four tonnes of waste per £100k, with no more than two tonnes of waste per £100k sent to landfill.

For every project, key performance indicators are generated, and contractors are required to report on:

Waste arising
Waste sent to landfill
The locality of spend in relation to the construction project

We’re also committed to supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future by embedding sustainability into the procurement process, from project design through to construction, operation and maintenance.

You can read more in our Net Zero Carbon Strategy.

YORhub is signed up to the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment and sits on its carbon advisory group.

We also lead the National Association of Construction Frameworks sustainability strategy, helping set the direction for framework providers across England and Wales.

We are currently working with the Built Environment Carbon Database to create a home for NACF carbon data.

Framework contractors are also measured against environmental performance KPIs, based on the steps they take to minimise the environmental impact of their projects.

Additional measures

Our frameworks also offer further options to further support sustainability, such as:

The option within call-off contracts to specify that steel conforms to BES6001 or an equivalent standard
Guidance developed in collaboration with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to help protect wildlife during construction projects and enhance the built environment for both wildlife and people

You can view the guidance below: