Sustainability

Our Approach

Our approach to sustainability has evolved progressively since MPA was formed in 2009. We now represent 14 product groups with 520 members under an umbrella that covers 20 per cent of aggregates production and 100 per cent of GB cement production. This level of activity combined with a substantial total landholding means that MPA can do much to influence the cause of sustainable development across the UK.

Key observations were as follows:

• Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate - The Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate for Direct Employees increased from 3.47 in 2016 to 3.59 in 2017, against the backdrop of an overall 4-year reduction of 30%. The MPA has set a target of reducing Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate by 65% between 2014 and 2019 of 1.80 as part of its efforts to achieve Zero Harm.
• Industry Risk Profile - In 2017, the industry recorded seven fatalities, the highest since 2003. In response MPA has reviewed the industry's high-risk profile and is focussing on six potential high consequence hazards which have the greatest potential to result in workplace fatalities.
• Public Safety - The industry continues to focus on protecting the general public around active operations, on disused sites and in the transportation and use of its products. Working with national drowning prevention stakeholders, MPA seeks to improve public safety through the Stay Safe Campaign. MPA and member companies have continued to act to reduce collisions between industry vehicles and pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users, actively supporting the Construction Logistics and Community Safety initiative (CLOCS).
• People - MPA members directly employ 25,442 people, of which, 86% were male and 14% female. Members undertook 265,779 employee training hours, recorded 6,852 voluntary hours worked by staff during normal working hours, carried out 202 community liaison activities and received 36,357 visitors to Member sites.
• Resource Use - The share of GB aggregates market supplied from recycled sources has increased to 30% placing the UK amongst the highest in Europe.
• Climate Change and Energy - CO2 emissions per tonne of hard rock and sand and gravel saw minor reductions in 2017. Direct emissions of CO2 per tonne PCe from the UK cement industry were 25% lower than in 1998 and 0.4% lower than in 2016. A new Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) based on 2016 data showed a reduction in the Global Warming Potential of cement. The 'Cement Decarbonisation Action Plan' was signed jointly by Government and Industry.
• Transport - 2017 saw an increase in aggregates transported by rail with aggregates and mineral products representing the largest UK rail freight flow by weight. 14.3 million tonnes of marine dredged aggregates were delivered to wharves close to major construction markets.
• Biodiversity - To date MPA members have recorded the creation of 8,192ha of priority habitat and have a further 11,458ha planned.