Sustainability

Building a more responsible way of working

At Vertical Access, we believe sustainability is about more than reducing carbon. It’s about making responsible decisions across the way we operate, the projects we deliver and the communities we work within.

From the equipment we use and the suppliers we work with, to how we manage waste, protect the environment and support local communities, we look for practical ways to reduce our impact and create a positive contribution.

Our approach is built around continuous improvement. We consider sustainability from the planning and design stages through to project delivery, while working closely with clients and principal contractors to meet project-specific environmental and social value requirements.

Reducing our environmental impact

We are continually looking at ways to reduce the environmental impact of our operations and make more efficient use of resources.

This includes investing in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, vehicle sharing and sustainable travel, and transitioning to battery-powered tools where practical. We have also moved towards digital reporting across our office and site operations, reducing our reliance on paper while making project information more accessible and efficient.

We consider carbon and environmental impact when selecting materials, equipment and working methods, with the aim of finding solutions that are both effective and responsible.

Using resources responsibly

Reducing waste starts with using resources more efficiently.

We work to minimise single-use plastics, increase recycling across our operations and choose reusable or recyclable materials wherever practical. We also prioritise maintaining and repairing equipment, plant and PPE to extend their working life and avoid unnecessary waste.

Where projects require specific environmental or waste management measures, we work within the requirements set by our clients and principal contractors and support the collection of relevant environmental data.

Protecting biodiversity

Many of the environments in which we work are sensitive, and we recognise our responsibility to minimise disruption to habitats and wildlife.

Our teams work within relevant ecological constraints and mitigation measures, taking environmental considerations into account when planning and delivering works.

We also support initiatives that promote environmental awareness and biodiversity. Through our involvement with The Outdoor Collaborative, we support opportunities for young people to engage with wildlife, outdoor learning and digital skills.

Creating social value

Sustainability also means creating a positive impact for people.

As a business based in Greater Manchester, we are committed to supporting the communities around us through local employment, skills development, education, volunteering and charitable initiatives.

We engage with schools, careers events and community organisations to help introduce young people to careers within rope access, construction and technical industries. We also invest in our own people, providing opportunities to develop new skills and build long-term careers within the business.

Where possible, we work with local and regional suppliers, helping to support local economies while reducing unnecessary travel and associated emissions.

Sustainability on every project

Our sustainability responsibilities don't stop at the depot.

When working as part of a client or principal contractor supply chain, we integrate relevant environmental and social requirements into our project delivery. This can include supporting environmental management plans, identifying environmental risks and opportunities, implementing agreed mitigation measures and contributing to project sustainability targets and reporting.

Our teams receive environmental and sustainability awareness through inductions and toolbox talks, helping ensure responsible working practices are understood and applied on site.

Measurable. Responsible. Always improving.

Sustainability is embedded within our wider business strategy and overseen at senior management level. We regularly review our objectives, performance and opportunities for improvement, taking account of changing legislation, client expectations and industry best practice.

We know there is always more we can do. Our focus is on making meaningful, practical improvements that reduce our environmental impact, strengthen our communities and make the way we deliver specialist works more sustainable.

Better ways of working. Better outcomes for people, projects and the environment.

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