Sustainability at ACS
Our mission is to support the construction of the UK’s best, safest and most sustainable buildings.
The ACS Mission
Our mission is to support the construction of the UK’s best, safest and most sustainable buildings. Whether it be investing in renewable energy, driving skills development, recruiting apprentices, or donating to local causes – we’re determined to lead with purpose as we prioritise tangible actions that benefit everyday life.
Data-Driven Transparency
We believe real sustainability relies on verified data, not broad accreditation. We are moving toward providing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for our products, with our first EPDs due in Spring 2026. Informed by Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), this approach will provide a clear, evidence-based view of environmental impact.
Net Zero Target
In 2022 we measured our baseline operational carbon footprint, and we are working tirelessly to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050, with our targets officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
A key finding of our comprehensive carbon assessment was that 98.8% of our carbon footprint comes from Scope 3 emissions, primarily within our supply chain. Our primary decarbonisation efforts are concentrated here. We are actively engaging with our steel suppliers, excited about the industry’s transition to innovations like electric arc furnaces and low-carbon “Circle Green” steel, which will significantly reduce our footprint.
Our Managing Director, David Flannery, emphasises, “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.”
50% Reduction by 2030
Our immediate target for operational and value-chain emissions, following the 1.5°C pathway.
Net Zero by 2050
A long-term, legally binding commitment to neutralise our residual carbon footprint.
1.2% Operational Footprint
Due to our high-efficiency Leeds facility, Scope 1 & 2 emissions account for just 1.2% of our total footprint.
100% Recyclable
All ACS stainless steel features high recycled content and is 100% recyclable at the building’s end-of-life.
Supply Chain Competence & Circularity
We’re proud members of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, a collaborative industry initiative dedicated to building a sustainable environment. Our commitment to continuous improvement has been recognised with Bronze status, demonstrating our dedication to embedding sustainable practices throughout our operations and supply chain.
We make every effort to purchase raw materials with high recycled content. Our average stainless steel recycled content in 2023 was around 74%, and all our stainless-steel products are 100% recyclable at the end of a building’s life, supporting the move towards circularity.
Supporting Communities: Steel Soldiers & MND Awareness
Since 2022, we have partnered with DX Group, and the Army Benevolent Fund to raise awareness and funds for the Armed Forces. As part of this initiative, we have produced free steel soldiers for communities across the country, to be displayed during Remembrance Sunday services and events. Our efforts have grown significantly each year, with over 850 soldiers created at date, contributing almost £20,000 for charity.
We are proud sponsors of the ‘Extra Mile Challenge,’ backing rugby league legends Kevin Sinfield OBE and the late Rob Burrow CBE in their mission to raise much-needed funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research. Since 2021, our contributions have exceeded £50,000, demonstrating our commitment to this vital cause.
Our State-of-the-Art Facilities
It’s not just our people that we are investing in, our facilities are top notch too.
- Renewable Energy: In 2019 we moved into our purpose-built manufacturing facility in Leeds, home to over 1,000 photovoltaic solar panels that ensure a third of the energy we consume is generated on site through renewable sources.
- Operational Efficiency: We have installed Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points and a fully electric mechanical handling fleet. Furthermore, LED lighting and maximum levels of insulation have ensured that our factory achieves an EPC rating of A, helping to reduce our energy demand all year round.
- Management Systems: We operate certified management systems for both quality (ISO 9001) and environment (ISO 14001), providing a framework to continually improve performance and minimise impact.
- Resource Efficiency: We use laser nesting techniques and our ISO 14001 environmental management system to optimise material usage and minimise waste in production.
Our Voluntary Commitment
We don’t just build products responsibly; we build them in a responsible environment. While not a regulatory requirement, we have invested in an advanced extraction system for our welding bays.
By incorporating integrated carbon scrubbers we have achieved an overall extraction capacity of 11,553 m3/hr. This voluntary investment reflects our commitment to being a responsible manufacturer by actively scrubbing emissions and maintaining a clean environment for our team and the Leeds community.
Get in touch with our team to find out more
Contact our team for further information about sustainability at ACS.
CPD Series
Introducing Certus™: The Advanced Modular Brick Slip Façade System
Live
60 minutes
CERTUS is a fully mechanical brick slip system, designed and manufactured off-site, in a factory controlled environment. It reduces site defects, and ensures consistent quality, time efficiency and is cost effective.
Azure II™ Brick Slip Systems: Soffits and Lintels
Live
60 mins
Brick Slip systems offer a range of benefits that make them a great choice for construction projects. From their aesthetic appeal to their energy efficiency and sustainability, these systems provide a durable and attractive finish that can stand the test of time.
CPD Certified: Restraint Ties and Fixings
Live
60mins
Join this CPD certified session on Restraint Ties and Fixings, to enhance your understanding on the options available, best practice and the correct materials to specify, to ensure your projects stand the test of time.
TALK TO US ABOUT HOW WE CAN HELP
