NG Bailey commits to Global Reporting Initiative

NG Bailey has committed to report in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), which means the company will now publically disclose its economic, environmental and social performance on an annual basis.

Many organisations worldwide are now guided by the Initiatives’ G3 sustainability reporting principles, but its uptake within the UK is still relatively slow – with very few privately-owned businesses choosing to report against the standard.

NG Bailey’s commitment, as detailed in its third annual Sustainability Report, is based on a pledge that focuses on six key areas of impact:

• delivering sustainable building solutions for its clients
• its approach to working with suppliers
• creating opportunity for its people
• providing a safe working environment
• supporting communities
• lowering its carbon footprint.

Key successes highlighted by the company include the opening of its new Scottish HQ, which achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC Grade ‘A’ rating, a reduction in its carbon footprint, including the installation of energy efficient technologies across its 25-strong office estate and a reduction in its transport emissions. For the fourth consecutive year, the company has also reported a decrease in reportable on-site accidents.

In addition, NG Bailey has made considerable headway in understanding the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) and what impact the carbon-trading scheme will have on its clients. As part of this, the company is taking part in the only trial of the scheme through Carbon Action Yorkshire.

Cal Bailey, marketing and sustainability director, is responsible for ensuring that sustainability has the highest level of support and is cascaded throughout the business. He comments: “Buildings account for almost half of the UK’s carbon emissions, so it is only right that we, as a company operating in the sector that builds them, should be responsible for our actions when it comes to the future of our planet.

“We took the decision to report against the robust GRI framework and associated sustainability reporting guidelines, as it sets out distinct principles that we should use to measure and report our performance – one that is used by companies all over the world.”

Mark Andrews, chief executive of NG Bailey, adds: “Sustainability makes good business sense. Low energy buildings cost less to run over their lifetime, are worth more as an asset and offer occupants a better environment in which to work.

“The economic downturn should not get in the way of investment in this area. Without it we will be nowhere near the Government’s ambitious carbon reduction targets, nor will we be ready for the impact that schemes such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) will have on our businesses.”