In its first year, the Supply Chain Sustainability School has gained 2,400 registered members, exceeding the original target of 800.
Members come from more than 1,300 companies that have demonstrated a commitment to improving their sustainability credentials by being part of the school.
Building on an impressive line up of partners, two more major contractors – Balfour Beatty and Wates – have just announced their decision to support the school. They join Skanska, Kier, Lend Lease, Morgan Sindall, Sir Robert McAlpine, Willmott Dixon and Aggregate Industries in creating a more sustainable, responsible industry.
Peter Hansford, Chief Construction Adviser to UK Government, said: “With more than 2,400 members since launching just 12 months ago, the Supply Chain Sustainability School is an excellent example of the industry working together to tackle shared challenges.
“The environmental and social sustainability issues the industry faces can only be effectively dealt with by the value chain working as one; from client to contractor through to suppliers and subcontractors.
“With the active support of 10 major contractors and the UK Contractors Group, suppliers are presented with a common assessment and range of resources. This allows them to upskill to meet the demands of their clients and put themselves in a position to take advantage of emerging green markets.”
Launched in June 2012, the Supply Chain Sustainability School is a virtual learning environment that aims to help construction suppliers and subcontractors develop their sustainability knowledge and competence.
The school not only provides education, but an opportunity to understand their clients’ sustainability agendas and drivers. The school is being delivered by an independent third party, Action Sustainability, and has been backed by the CITB Growth Fund.
Quality, environment and health and safety manager Chris Bate from Lee Brothers said: “The school allows Lee Brothers to work at our own pace in a systematic way, with the confidenc e of knowing that the recommendations in the action plans are in line with our clients’ priorities.”
Leading contractors and hundreds of SMEs will gather in London to mark one year on for the Supply Chain Sustainability School on 19 June.
Supply chain speakers from B&K Structures, O'Neil and Brennan and Crown Paints will share their experiences of the school at the event.
In addition, Action Sustainability will unveil new features of the learning platform and present the school’s future plans.
Notes to editors
The Supply Chain Sustainability School is a virtual learning environment that aims to help construction suppliers and subcontractors devel op their sustainability knowledge and competence. It was designed to help address the challenges faced by the construction industry and to help the supply chain benefit from the many new opportunities that are emerging through sustainable business.
The school was founded by Skanska with support from Kier, Lend Lease, Morgan Sindall, Sir Robert McAlpine, Will mott Dixon and Aggregate Industri es and represents a common approach to addressing sustainability within our supply chains. It is being delivered by an independent third party, Action Sustainability. Our newest partners are Balfour Beatty and Wates.
The school provides suppliers with practical and free support. A new self help assessment will allow suppliers to assess current sustainability strengths, as well as identify any areas in need of development. A prioritised action plan, an excellent range of tools, e-learning and sustainability training are all provided free of charge.