The Government set out its strategy for sustainable development in 1999, with four key aims:

• Social progress, which recognises the needs of everyone
• Effective protection of the environment
• The prudent use of natural resources
• The maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.
  

As a provider of services primarily to the private sector, Urban Vision has taken the key aims, as outlined by the Government, and have made great progress in applying them to every aspect of our work.

We understand the impact that progress can have on the environment and society, and have taken steps to embed sustainable principles into our management frameworks and internal operations. At the same time, we are committed to meeting the needs of our clients without compromising the quality of life for future generations and it is because of this philosophy that we have adopted a sustainable ‘cradle to grave’ approach across all of our service divisions.

From the initial concept, to planning, then on to design and build - even through to demolition - we promote the integration of sustainable business practices to harness energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of projects. We also partner with other industry stakeholders to ensure programmes are sustainable and provide client groups with the latest information concerning the implications of environmental sustainability and legislation, in order for them to make informed decisions.

In particular we set out a number of core objectives:

• To work with local communities to deliver lasting economic and social benefits
• To develop designs that promote healthy living and working environments to enhance communities’ quality of life and allow businesses to thrive
• To adopt construction practices that make maximum possible use of local businesses including the supply of building materials, whilst having minimum impact on the environment and the people who live, work and travel in the community.
• To provide regulatory services, which facilitate and promote sustainable patterns of urban and rural development
• To ensure that all projects are undertaken sensitively with an awareness of the adverse effects they may have on the natural world.
  

By establishing clear objectives we have made strong progress in achieving our aims for sustainability across our construction, highways and regulatory support services:

• Building and Landscape Construction – maximising the reuse/recycling of waste materials, adherence to BREEAM standards where possible and the training of BREEAM Assessors
• Environment – The protection of existing trees and planting of native species to improve the environment by creating healthy and varied ecosystems
• Design – Walkways and cycle paths introduced to promote healthier and safer forms of transport. Two BREEAM assessors trained
• Highways – Avoidance of tipping and waste with around 90% of recycling of all waste, use of volumetric concrete supply
• Regulatory services – Promotion of the redevelopment of Brownfield sites and sites within public transportation corridors where possible. Travel plans produced for local communities and staff for every scheme
  

For further information on our approach to sustainability click here