Being part of controversial industry.
The awareness
On a global level, the building and construction industries account for approximately 39% of carbon dioxide emissions annually (80% of total GHG – Green House Gas – emissions are a product of CO2).
Within the construction ecosystem, the two main contributors to the rise in GHG emissions are the raw materials used in infrastructure and building, and the lifetime operation of the building itself.
Our industry, dealing with the manufacturing and processing of construction materials, is estimated to account for around 30% of the industry’s total annual carbon emission, predominantly coming from cement and steel production. Building operations, due to the poor insulation and energy inefficiencies of existing buildings, account for the other 70%.
Early-stage design with sustainability in mind is the best way to reduce a building’s lifetime GHG contribution and safeguard the value of the investment through time.
A philosophy put into practice:
At Attard Bros Group, we've embarked on a years-long journey to adopt the most effective practices that reduce the environmental footprint of our production. Concurrently, we've also introduced a range of products designed to make constructions sustainable throughout their entire life cycle and beyond.
- Aware of the fact that concrete production is an energy-intensive industry, we implemented a photovoltaic system to produce zero-kilometre energy.
- We have implemented a circular water management system; we recycle water, filter it and use it for production after strict chemical and physical controls.
- We produce and market environmentally friendly building materials, based on raw materials of organic or otherwise environmentally sustainable origin. We have selected specific products on the international market that can extend the life cycle of the existing buildings to support conservation as a virtuous model.
- Through marketing strategies, we steer our customers towards environmentally sustainable building materials to convey a model of sustainable housing.
- We promote energy-saving awareness among our employees because adopting such practices at work often leads to similar behaviour in their personal lives.
Our commitment to contribute to the overall effort toward sustainable construction.
Through ongoing research and development, product innovation, international partnerships, the upcoming adoption of ISO14001:2015 and the pursuit of ambitious targets on our carbon footprint reduction, we are committed to increase our offering towards products and solutions that will contribute to address the climate’s state of urgency.
To implement these intentions, we have formulated a Company Policy encompassing all measures we are undertaking to invest in a greener future. This Policy actively engages both the operational aspects of the company and all employees on a personal level, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility across society:
- Integrate environmental concerns an integral part of our planning and decision-making processes.
- Commit sufficient resources to implement effective environmental programs.
- Practise good environmental management at all construction sites, company-owned facilities, and properties under our management.
- Educate employees to be accountable for environmental stewardship and encourage them to seek innovative ways to improve the environmental aspects of our operations and continually improve our environmental program.
- Avoid, minimize, and mitigate any adverse environmental impacts caused by our operations where possible.
- In our product development, to prioritize sustainable design, the use of eco-friendly materials, and resource efficiency, ensuring that our products minimize environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, while promoting reuse, recycling, and the circular economy.
- Promote the efficient use of energy and natural resources through cost effective conservation and energy management programs.
- Ensure the proper handling and disposal of all waste and minimize their creation while pursuing opportunities to prevent pollution and recycle and reuse waste materials.
- Evaluate our environmental performance through periodic reviews and audits to ensure that our conduct is consistent with these principles.
- Continually improve the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the environmental management system to enhance the environmental performance.
- Support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to environmental sustainability, by integrating responsible practices that contribute to climate action, resource efficiency, and ecosystem protection.
