We are delighted to announce that we have become the first in our sector to achieve Planet Mark business certification, following an intensive four-month period of data collection and analysis.
The accreditation underscores our commitment to energy efficiency and social value, with an impressive £123,281 generated through investment in apprenticeships, and T-Levels. Additionally, we’ve also invested in training existing colleagues via our inhouse ACS Academy.
“Sustainability is a top priority for us”
We are shifting our focus from Carbon Neutral certification, a process focused on carbon offsetting, and instead opting for Planet Mark. Our director of design and innovation Dean Keeble explains: “This accreditation focuses on real, measurable reductions in carbon emissions.
“Sustainability is a top priority for us, and we are continually exploring innovative ways to take meaningful action. Until recently, our approach focused on offsetting, but we recognised that this alone is not the full solution. To achieve net zero, we must prioritise 90% decarbonisation, with only the remaining emissions offset.
“Planet Mark enables us to do that, taking real, tangible steps towards achieving our goals – whether our commitment to the environment or to investing in people. Our focus on social value reflects our dedication to supporting both our workforce and the wider community, ensuring that sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our business.”
“Strong energy efficiency and robust carbon footprint management”
The assessment process confirmed that we operate with strong energy efficiency and robust carbon footprint management, positioning us to fully decarbonise our operations. A key finding was that 98.7% of our carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 emissions – those generated outside our direct operations, primarily through our supply chain.
To address this, we are undertaking a full supply chain survey to ensure accurate data collection and refine our reduction strategies. Crucially, the wider steel industry is undergoing a major transformation, with innovations such as electric arc furnaces and the development of low-carbon ‘Circle Green’ steel set to significantly reduce emissions. As these advancements take effect, they will have a direct impact on our carbon footprint here at ACS, and the sustainability credentials of our products. We continue to actively engage with steel suppliers to explore these developments further, ensuring that as the industry decarbonises, our supply chain evolves to align with the highest sustainability standards.
Embracing innovation
Our managing director David Flannery explained: “We are taking decisive action to reduce our impact, but we also recognise that sustainability is a collective effort. By working closely with our supply chain, embracing innovation in steel manufacturing, and continuously investing in our people, we are ensuring ACS remains a leader in sustainable manufacturing.”
Our sustainability commitment extends beyond carbon reduction. We’ve placed people at the heart of our sustainability strategy, ensuring that environmental targets are balanced with meaningful social impact. Through apprenticeships, T-Levels, and comprehensive training programmes, we’re equipping our workforce with the skills needed for a sustainable future.
