The United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly known as the Conference Of Parties (COP27) was held late last year. Governments, charities, community groups, think tanks, businesses, and faith groups from across the globe came together in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt in pursuit of one common goal: turning ambition into effective climate action.
In April last year, M Group Services (MGS) wrote to the UN committing to join the UN Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. Across its Divisions, the company is beginning to embrace this initiative. Membership of the UNGC is an opportunity for the Group to continue to learn, be forward-thinking and consider ways to work with people and protect the environment.
MGS is also a member of the Science Based Targets initiative which is helping the company to design a strategy to reach its targets of 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.
In September 2022, MGS launched its Carbon Reduction Group (CRG), with representation from each Division as well as Group Support. The aim of the CRG is to understand and develop the decarbonisation journey for operations and in service to clients.
Some of the measures the company is taking to tackle the climate crisis include:
Water Division – Morrison Water Services has invested in multiple engineering methods to phase out carbon intensive operations. ePIPE, originally developed in the USA, is an innovative pipe restoration lining technology, an alternative to complete pipe replacement. Developed for pin-hole customer leakage, this technology has been adapted for the UK market to address this but also lead water quality issues.
ePIPE is a sustainable solution with a significantly lower carbon footprint than pipe relay and can extend the lifespan of pipework by up to 50 years. When used in a major pilot study for Wessex Water in Bath earlier last year, the company saw lead levels reduced by 79%.
IWJS has been using dewatering screens and centrifuges to separate water from liquid waste. Most liquid waste contains over 90% water so by separating these, the team can substantially reduce the volume of waste being transported to disposal sites, reducing its carbon footprint.
Dewatering is a process that separates liquid-solid mixtures. Washing and cleaning the waste leads to a minimum of a 70% size reduction. This method offers the opportunity to recover and recycle materials such as fine grits which can be processed to produce grey sand and then recycled to manufacture cement blocks. Additionally, it can be processed further to produce a clean, uncontaminated sand which can be used as aggregate.
IWJS is working closely with leading waste experts and manufacturers to take this further, to find a solution for all wastewater streams delivering the goal of zero waste to landfill.
i&c is building protective electrical equipment kiosks made from 97% recycled materials by reprocessing plastic bottles. Over 5,000 plastic bottles are recycled in each 3 m x 3 m x 2.4 m glass reinforced plastic (GRP) kiosk .The bottles are cut into small pieces, washed down, and processed to be reused as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin and PET foam core.
Energy Division – Morrison Data Services has secured a contract extension to continue rolling out EDF’s smart meters across the UK. This rollout is part of the government’s Smart Meter Implementation Programme (SMIP) which helps consumers in the UK manage their energy consumption. Being able to monitor energy usage means customers can adopt better energy habits, reduce their carbon footprint and have access to more accurate energy bills. These smart meters reduce demand for fossil fuels and lower the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Early last year year, Morrison Energy Services was awarded a place on Be.EV’s electric vehicle (EV) charging framework and has recently carried out another five charger installation projects. Each project covers the site surveys, feasibility studies, civils and electrical designs and electrical infrastructure installations. Be.EV’s approach focuses on concentrated regional roll-outs of public EV charging, with an even spread across communities and this ensures everybody, not just people in affluent areas, can make the switch to electric. The network has recently announced an investment of up to £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation to fund an additional 1,000 charge points.
Other measures are also being undertaken in the company’s Transport Division; Telecom Division and in relation to Plant & Fleet operations.
MGS recognises that climate change does not just affect the environment, it also disproportionately affects those in poverty and experiencing other social inequalities. The company sees COP27 as an opportunity to learn from others and discuss how climate change is having a significant impact on communities across the globe.
MGS will continue to operate as sustainably and responsibly as possible, focusing on the relationship between the environment, social policy and governance in the large and small steps that it takes.
