AI ‘welcomes new net zero rules for major UK government contracts’

Aggregate Industries has apparently "welcomed the news that firms looking to bid for UK government contracts worth more than £5 million will need to prioritize sustainable building materials as a new rule requires them to commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050." The company's press machine has been mobilised: 

Kirstin McCarthy, sustainability director at Aggregate Industries, commented: ‘Given the billions of pounds the government spends on construction schemes each year, these new rules are a major leap forward for sustainability – positioning the UK as a world leader. 

‘However, it also means that companies hoping to win these lucrative government contracts must demonstrate a credible, robust and ambitious plan for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. 

‘The good news is that Aggregate Industries have invested heavily to innovate and develop low-carbon materials in recent years, including concrete, concrete blocks and asphalt. The speedy adoption of these will be fundamental to any successful tender, hence, we’d urge those that haven’t done so already to prioritize the use of sustainable building materials now.’ 

The advice comes as, for the first time, the UK Government will require companies to report some scope-three emissions – including transportation… 

Oh dear, surely that’s a problem for Aggregate Industries, who clearly doesn’t think twice about plotting multi-million mile haulage plans across Devon – with all the resulting CO2 and other nasty emissions that would result? But Ms McCarthy clearly believes otherwise: 

‘While reaching Net Zero remains a big challenge for the construction sector, we’re seeing tangible progress. For instance, at Aggregate Industries, not only are we committed to removing as much transport from roads as possible through the use of rail and water transport… etc etc 

Perhaps Ms McCarthy hasn’t come across the company's plans for Straitgate Farm yet – given that she only joined the company this month.

Welcome to Kirstin McCarthy, who joins ExCo team as our Sustainability Director, an exciting role to help deliver our ambition of becoming a leading sustainable business. Find out more about her career: https://t.co/xC95ylJoe5 #Construction #PeopleMoves pic.twitter.com/wIy84wSUTw

— Aggregate Industries (@AggregateUK) June 7, 2021

Commenting on the appointment, Dragan Maksimovic, Chief Executive Officer at Aggregate Industries, who has only been in post for a matter of weeks himself, said:

As part of our strategic commitment to reduce the carbon footprint across our business we have appointed a new Sustainability Director who joins our Executive Committee. I’m delighted to welcome Kirstin to the team and I look forward to her playing an integral part in achieving our ambitions.” 

“This appointment is placing us in a unique position at the forefront of our industry and we must continue challenging ourselves to continuously reduce our carbon footprint through innovation, commitment and personal accountability.”  etc etc 

Ms McCarthy looks forward to "contributing to building a greener, smarter world for all":

Bringing more than 20 years’ experience in environmental management to the role, Kirstin will be responsible for accelerating the company’s journey to net-zero and for driving improvements across all aspects of sustainability. Prior to joining the business, Kirstin was Head of Sustainability at Birmingham Airport... etc etc 

And we all look forward to seeing how that translates... in the real world.