CSR Strategy : 2022

We support local communities in which we operate, whether through volunteerism, fundraising or creating awareness on local social issues, for example mental health, homelessness and environmental issues. In 2019, we introduced a paid volunteer day for all employees to engage with their local communities. Previous volunteer days have seen staff refurbishing the play area of the Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin and refurbishing a park in Swords.

Ardmac’s nominated charities for 2022 are Pieta House, The Lighthouse Construction Charity and Manchester Mind . All charities provide essential mental health support. Mental health is of massive importance to Ardmac. With mental health being a persistent issue within the construction industry, our aim is to educate and raise awareness of mental health issues to our employees and our connections within the industry.

• Fundraised over €73k for our charity partners.
• World mental health day – Cycle for Hope in aid of Pieta house raised €54,890 with 220 cyclists.
• Sponsored gear for Maisie the Boxer.
• Gimme 1000 challenge.
• 23 trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Supporting Manchester Mind’s Time to Talk campaign.
• Pieta House, Darkness into Light Sunrise Appeal.
• DCs for Bees Orchards initiative – planted 8 orchards/40 trees in the local community
• Mental Health Awareness Week.
• “It’s time to talk” campaign.
• “It’s good to talk” whatsapp group for support for those suffering.
• Lunchtime Wellness talks across a variety of wellness topics.

We implement a best practice approach to reduce our impact on the environment and work in a responsible way. We have committed to working towards eliminating plastics across our business, on and off site, reducing emissions and following our Safety First value at all times. We ensure that environmental protection and the prevention of pollution are part of our business decisions. Our supply chain team audit our suppliers to ensure that they operate in line with our code of conduct and operate in a responsible way. Our SHEQ team work to review energy consumption and reduce our carbon footprint.

Our site teams focus on reusing and recycling several elements of our construction materials where possible. As part of our design process we review and encourage the use of energy efficient light and heat solutions across our projects. For a second year now, Ardmac have partnered with Host in Ireland, which works to inform global decision-makers within the technology and data industries about Ireland’s data hosting calibre and capabilities. They have launched “DCs for Bees” as a sub-initiative, which Ardmac are proud to be part of. “DCs For Bees” goal is to help save Ireland’s declining bee population. As part of this initiative Ardmac have committed to planting 8 orchards this February. This gives us the opportunity to not only make an individual difference but the tools to educate, advocate, create awareness and take action. Host In Ireland and its data centre industry partners are uniting to make a difference by pledging to deliver on actions to make Ireland more pollinator friendly and ensure the survival of our pollinators for future generations.

• Promote and protect individual safety and health.
• Provide employment, education, and training.
• Minimise impact on the world’s natural resources.
• Reduce emissions.
• Create a positive impact on communities.

As part of our CSR and employee engagement strategy, we work to encourage employees to maintain an active lifestyle and encourage positive mental health. Statistics indicate the horrifying fact that the number of people suffering mental health issues in the construction industry is twice the national average. Wellness talks are held throughout the year to discuss a range of topics from mental health to healthy recipes. Our people also play a key role in supporting one another. Over 30 members of our team received training by Mental Health First Aid Ireland & MHFA UK to become Mental Health First Aiders. Their role sees them supporting their colleagues in seeking professional support with mental health challenges.

At Ardmac, our aim is to be leaders in the management and promotion of responsible business within our industry. How we manage our relationship with our customers, suppliers and business partners is a core part of our business. We ensure that we work in an ethical and sustainable manner to support our clients. This is key to Ardmac’s reputation and long-term viability. As a marketplace advocate of LEAN practices and Last Planner within the construction industry, we work to reduce waste and work in the most efficient way, with minimum impact on the environment wherever possible. We are focused on encouraging partners and the industry to support LEAN practices.

• Supporting CIF Building Equality Campaign– supporting equality in the workplace.
• Supporting CIF Construction Safety week – including Mind Your Head day.
• We have signed the 2019 CIF Diversity and Inclusion charter.
• Shortlisted in Fingal Chamber CSR and Business Excellence awards for our employee engagement initiatives.

Ardmac were awarded the LEAN Business Ireland ‘Leadership in LEAN’ and Irish construction industry ‘Innovation in Construction’ awards for our work in implementing lean processes across our business.