A Sustainable Future — Elite Landscapes

At Elite, we recognise the importance of actively working towards a sustainable future and the impact our company can have as members of the built environment. Ensuring ethical standards are important to us, as we work towards becoming the leading sustainable hard and soft landscaper in the UK.

Download Elite Landscapes Official Guide to Key Sustainable Landscape Design

Nicole Murray, Sustainability Officer

“A sustainable world is a better world, one where not only some benefit from its rewards but all. Sustainability is about future proofing, and to reap those rewards we must all take action no matter how big or small that action may be.”

Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015 the United Nations published 17 Sustainable Development Goals to act as a blueprint to achieve a more sustainable future across all nations. As a UK based company within the construction industry, we recognise the impact we can make across the sector by championing sustainability. Based off of this, Elite have reviewed our own work practices and have set goals relevant to our business and industry which will be reviewed throughout the year.

How can Elite make a difference?

Good Health & Well Being

Elite promote a safe space to work on site through site inductions and providing relevant and up to date information. We adhere to the highest health and safety standards, being checked and verified against the SSIP core criteria and awarded the Smas Worksafe Accreditation. Our partnership with Perennial means Elite staff have access to mental health support through our mental health trained first aiders. Elite can proudly state that in over 315, 900 hours worked in total across 2022 no accidents or environmental problems were reported. To read more about our health and safety accreditations click here.

Decent Work & Economic Growth

The construction industry contributes to a big part of economic growth within a nation. No matter how big or small a company, it is important that we utilise our knowledge and experience to work towards a greener future. As employers, we generate jobs both on site and at our head office, as well as supporting our suppliers. We recognise that knowledge of green building has become a barrier within the construction sector with gaps in skills to implement such practices. Elite combats this by committing to upskilling our team, whether this is through accessible knowledge by UKGBC or Supply Chain Sustainability School, or generating apprenticeships for the next generation within the construction industry.

Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure

Elite have moved all machinery to HVO fuels to lower our carbon footprint, as well as investing in, and intending to expand on, electrical tools to lower emissions via battery or no fuel tools. We are completely self-sufficient with regards to plant and tools which allows us to keep expenditure streamlined so it can be monitored, managed and efficient.

Sustainable Cities & Communities

At Elite we are very lucky to work with a range of clients that prioritise the creation of developments that are not only sustainable but also inspire long lasting communities. As a result many of our sites are brownfield regeneration, in which creating green walkable spaces significantly improves the environmental health of the area. Such spaces also encourage engagement within the community, creating places in which families can come together and enjoy. Direct community engagement is also important to us at Elite. To read more about our charity work please click here.

Climate Action

Making sustainable choices is important whether these decisions are big or small. Not only do we re-use our materials but we make conscious decisions with regards to our supply chain to reduce waste. For example, prioritising suppliers that we can return plant pots to for reuse once delivered and planted on site. We encourage the elimination of unnecessary travel to and from sites with the use of walking or public transport where possible, and try to do so by locally sourcing our labour and materials.

Life on Land

Protecting, promoting and restoring ecosystems is extremely important to the sites we work on, and for Elite is always a priority. Whether this is installing bird and bat boxes on site, or relocating endangered newts before starting construction, we will always go the extra mile to encourage and protect biodiversity.

Partnerships for the Goals

Elite have partnered with various companies to ensure we are on track to meet our sustainability goals. Creating strong partner relations is essential to keeping the entire construction industry responsible for creating a better and more biodiverse future. To read more about the work Elite Landscapes do with our partners click here.