Paving and building products firm AG has announced a 47% reduction of its carbon footprint.

With manufacturing sites in Fivemiletown, Toome, and Carryduff, the firm as part of its Climate Action Pledge has committed to cutting its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by at least 30%, as well as reducing its Scope 3 emissions by 2030, irrespective of business growth.

Surpassing its science-based targets for the second year running, AG’s most recent carbon emissions analysis showed a significant 47.8% reduction from its 2019 baseline. A notable achievement for the firm, given the introduction of extended operational hours and construction of a new £3 million factory to meet product demand.

Over one-third of AG’s car fleet is now electric, complementing the company’s transition to manufacturing with 100% renewable energy and 100% recycled water.

AG has recently invested over £5.4 million into its operations, enabling the firm to modernise its plant, equipment and technology further improving efficiencies and productivity, enabling the firm to lower its fuel consumption.

As an engaged member of the Responsible Plastic Management Programme, AG has also pledged to send zero plastic to landfill.

Under the leadership of CEO Stephen Acheson and supported by its CSR team, the company’s CSR strategy focuses on producing low-carbon products while reducing the firm’s overall carbon footprint.

The firm has continued to thoroughly analyse the composition and core ingredients of its products, enabling Scope 3 carbon reductions through the introduction of supplementary cementitious materials to reduce cement content, while maintaining and improving on quality.

In addition, AG has made two key appointments to further drive and support its decarbonisation journery. Michael Davies has been promoted to Head of Innovation and Carbon Reduction, while Barry Scott has been promoted to Senior Quality & Sustainability Technician.

In recognition of its sustainability efforts, the specialist building products business is among the first to achieve recertification to the latest version of the BES 6001 Standard at its Toome site for its flag products.

AG has also earned Platinum status, the highest accolade available, in the 2023 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey. The award recognises companies that drive change through integrating sustainable practices into corporate strategies.

In addition, AG’s dedication to sustainable practices saw it shortlisted earlier this year for Outstanding Commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) at the Business Telegraph Awards, while it was awarded Sustainable Manufacturing Business of the Year at the Business Eye Sustainability Awards.

CEO Stephen Acheson commented on the firm’s sustainability strides, stating: “Each of our sites brings our corporate environmental philosophy to life, the latest carbon emissions analysis reinforces our dedication to environmental stewardship and continuous improvement throughout the business. We are delighted to have exceeded our BITC pledge target and look forward to maintaining or improving upon this figure as we pursue our ambitious growth plans throughout 2024 and beyond.”