SUSTAINABILITY DRIVE TO
DECARBONISATION
The built environment being responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions, it’s more important than ever that companies reduce their impact. Kevin Stanley talks to AG about its approach.
BMJ: What is AG currently doing to push the sustainability agenda?
Dan Smith, AG merchant sales manager: AG is driving the decarbonisation of the construction industry, embedding sustainability at the core of its operations, supply chain, and product innovation. By integrating renewable energy, low-carbon materials, and advanced sustainability reporting, AG is not only reducing its own environmental footprint but also enabling architects, developers, and contractors to make greener choices. A key initiative in AG’s sustainability strategy is its biomethane energy partnership with Tullyweel Farm, located next door to the company’s head office. Through anaerobic digestion, organic farm waste is converted into carbon-neutral biomethane, which now powers AG’s wash plant and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This transition has cut electricity costs by 23% while eliminating emissions associated with fossil fuel energy. Beyond energy innovation, AG is a leader in carbon transparency, providing Environmental Product Declarations that offer third-party verified data on embodied carbon levels.
BMJ: How is AG changing its processes to improve sustainability? DS: AG is implementing a fundamental shift in its manufacturing, resource management, and operational practices to create a more sustainable, low-carbon business model. Recognising that process innovation is as critical as product innovation, AG has focused on reducing emissions, optimising resource use, and embracing digital transformation to improve sustainability across its entire supply chain. Through its Quarry Restoration Project, AG is replanting native vegetation, rehabilitating
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natural habitats, and repurposing waste materials to ensure a lasting positive environmental impact. This initiative also focuses on waste reduction, with AG converting waste silt into eco-friendly clay rather than sending it to landfill. AG has successfully transitioned to 100% renewable electricity across all its sites, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable operations. This shift also includes the installation of on-site electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, further decarbonising its transport operations and contributing to a significant reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
BMJ: What has AG done to become more sustainable? DS: A key pillar of AG’s sustainability strategy is biodiversity restoration and ecosystem protection. Through its partnership with Ulster Wildlife, AG is actively restoring natural habitats affected by quarrying and industrial activity.
The company has committed to enhancing biodiversity across its sites, supporting the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, and implementing wildlife conservation initiatives. These efforts go beyond rehabilitation - AG is creating green corridors, increasing native vegetation coverage, and protecting wetland areas within its Quarry Restoration Project. We have also made significant progress in reducing corporate carbon footprint, cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 47.8% since 2019 while achieving a 4.67% reduction in Scope 3 emissions.
By combining biodiversity conservation, workforce wellbeing, carbon reduction, and social responsibility, AG is proving that
sustainability is not just about regulatory compliance—it’s about shaping a better future for people, businesses, and the environment.
BMJ: What has AG been doing that will benefit customers? DS: As demand for verified, responsibly sourced products grows, AG is ensuring that its materials not only meet performance expectations but also contribute to the wider decarbonisation of the construction sector. A key advantage for customers is AG’s EPD-certified product range, which provides third-party verified carbon footprint data. This transparency allows customers to make informed choices, ensuring that they meet strict regulatory and sustainability requirements.
AG has taken significant steps to ensure that its manufacturing processes align with circular economy principles. The transition to biomethane-powered operations means that AG’s materials are produced using renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions at source. AG provides technical expertise, CPD sessions, and digital tools that offer insight into the environmental impact of material choices. Customers can access detailed carbon data, sustainability reports, and interactive resources.
By focusing on product sustainability, responsible sourcing, and energy efficiency, AG is ensuring that its customers can access high-quality, low-carbon materials that contribute to a more sustainable built environment. These efforts are not just about reducing environmental impact - they are about ensuring that every project built with AG products is future-ready, resilient, and aligned with evolving industry standards. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2025
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