Main contractors back framework initiative to cut emissions and raise climate change awareness

The Procure Partnerships Framework has launched a new nationwide sustainability initiative in collaboration with 33 main contractors, aiming to improve environmental outcomes across their supply chain.

Sustainability and social value have long been integral to the framework’s performance indicators, with over £147 million in social value generated by its contractor partners in the last year alone.

The new initiative, Project Green, builds on this foundation by providing a focused platform to reduce carbon emissions, cut construction waste, promote green travel, and deliver environmental education and training.

Contractors signed up to the initiative include Kier, GRAHAM Construction, Tilbury Douglas, BAM Construction, Seddon, and Wates Group. Their collective effort marks a shift from the framework’s previous Collaborative Working Groups, with the new initiative responding directly to government Net Zero targets and internal data that identified environmental themes as the least utilised within Procure Partnerships Frameworks’ reporting tool, Compliance Chain.

Project Green’s scope includes carbon offsetting through activities such as tree planting, education programmes aimed at increasing sustainability awareness among both young people and adults, and initiatives to reduce environmental impact in day-to-day operations. This includes encouraging the use of non-toxic, refillable cleaning products within contractor offices.

Since its launch in May, early results from Project Green have demonstrated a strong level of engagement. Contractors have reported the offsetting of 3,604 tonnes of carbon, the planting of over 16,000 trees, completion of more than 2.3 million green travel miles, and the delivery of upwards of 400 hours of sustainability-focused training. In a further example of commitment to operational change, contractor partner ETEC has adopted the use of Miniml, a zero-waste, eco-friendly cleaning solution, across its office sites.

Importantly, Project Green is a voluntary commitment by framework contractors and operates separately from formal project-level environmental and social value obligations. The programme has been developed in response to a shared industry concern over the pace of change and the recognition that greater collaboration could accelerate tangible outcomes that benefit the environment.

Jack Neath, social value advisor at Procure Partnerships Framework, said that the built environment has a central role to play in addressing climate change, noting that the construction sector is responsible for an estimated 45 per cent of the UK’s total carbon emissions.

“Climate change is accelerating, and last year was the hottest on record. As a framework, we are uniquely positioned to encourage industry collaboration, and the response to Project Green has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s clear from the early outcomes that small, coordinated changes can deliver measurable impact.

“What makes this initiative particularly powerful is that it sits entirely outside of our contractors’ formal framework-level obligations. They are choosing to work alongside us giving their time, resource and expertise because they genuinely share our vision. It’s no coincidence that our contractor partners deliver an average of 62% Social Value Add on their projects, well above national benchmarks. That commitment is what’s driving real change.”

Maggie Hall, environmental & sustainability manager at BAM UK and Ireland, praised the framework for facilitating a collaborative environment: “BAM is delighted to support Procure Partnerships Framework’s environmental initiative. This forum allows us to share knowledge and align our sustainability ambitions with peers across the industry.”

Stuart Darby, framework manager at GRAHAM, added: “We’re proud to be part of this initiative and fully support its goals. At GRAHAM, we’re committed to driving sustainable change and collaborating with partners to deliver lasting impact.”

Lucy Davies, ESG director, Tilbury Douglas, said Project Green reflects the wider construction industry’s growing focus on climate literacy and environmental responsibility. “This is an area of strategic importance for Tilbury Douglas and one we are committed to. Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is a present reality, with profound implications for future generations.

“Project Green provides an opportunity for the industry to collaborate voluntarily and meaningfully outside of formal project obligations. Initiatives like this are critical to advancing environmental literacy, embedding climate responsibility across our value chain, and supporting a transition to a lower carbon future.”

Procure Partnerships Framework has confirmed it will publish quarterly reports on Project Green’s outcomes and hold regular contractor meetings to review progress and plan future activity.

Contractors involved: