Environmental Policy

Build Clean, Lead Green

ARC Projects’ inaugural Sustainability Strategy, “Build Clean; Lead Green,” embodies our commitment to addressing sustainability in an industry plagued by historical inaction. Fueled by the growing demand for eco-conscious practices from our clients, ARC Projects takes this responsibility seriously. Our approach is rooted in innovation, mirroring the pioneering spirit evident in all our operations.

The Strategy

The strategy is underpinned by three core sustainability values: Accountability, Responsible Profit, and Commitment to the Planet. This strategy was formulated collaboratively, with active involvement from their dedicated team, fostering a sense of ownership and enthusiasm among our staff. ARC Projects intends to translate this approach into tangible actions, not only for our own benefit but as a catalyst for industry wide transformation.

Social Learning

Social learning is integral to embedding real change and integrating sustainability into standard operations. The Sustainability Leadership Team, comprising 15 members representing various divisions, meets regularly to drive the strategy’s development and implementation. This strategy isn’t confined to paper; it lives within our people, reflecting a grassroots initiative that has welcomed the approval of the Directors. “Build Clean; Lead Green” outlines actionable items to be completed every year, each equipped with at least four SMART indicators for accountability, and categorised into three distinct pillars: Waste, Fleet Management, Energy Efficiency & Optimisation.

See link to our Year 1 BCLG Report HERE

Internal Business Practices

Human Resources Management

Incorporate strong environmental component into ARC Projects:

• Recruitment processes: attract and retain employees who have a sustainability focus and ethos
• Job Descriptions: include sustainability focus in employee responsibilities
• Training: induction, OH&S and periodical training modules.

Measured by:

• Document management: employee files must include job description and completed training modules
• Performance reviews: a key performance metric is the measured outcomes of meeting job and company sustainability practices.

Vehicle / Fleet Management

• Buying and leasing:
• Annual review of ARC Projects vehicle fleet to ensure each vehicle meets a genuine business need and has not become surplus to requirements
• Buy or lease fuel-efficient vehicles that are fit for a particular business purpose
• Garner advice from online resources like www.greenvehiclesguide.gov.au to pinpoint which vehicle types reduce financial outlay and environmental impact
• Fuel consumption:
• Use E10 fuel type wherever possible or the best alternative to optimise environmentally friendly emissions
• Practice efficient driving to save on fuel expenses and environmental emissions. Methods include limiting brake usage, avoiding areas of congestion where possible and not leaving the motor running unnecessarily.

Office Waste Management

• Opt for electronic document management rather than printing wherever possible
• Recycle and reuse: use recycled paper for internal document printing
• Recycle waste materials where appropriate.

Measured by:

• Regular efficiency review conducted by management.

Energy Efficiency

• Turn off computers when not in use
• Use energy efficient light fixtures and turn off lights when not required
• Opt for fresh air instead of air conditioning wherever possible.

Measured by:

• Reduction in electrical and heating bills.

External Business Practices

Construction Waste Management

Externally:

• Demolition waste: disposal executed conscientiously and in adherence with Australian legislation
• Asbestos demolition waste: dispose carried out in accordance with Australian legislative requirements
• Supplier selection: use only those suppliers that satisfy our environmental policy of sustainable waste management. As an example, use of “green” skip bins is an important process to ensure minimisation of ARC Projects waste disposal and environmental footprint.

Measured by:

• Quality assurance and OH&S reporting.

Suppliers

You can tell a lot about a business by the company it keeps. At ARC Projects we work only with suppliers who share our environmental focus and have an internal sustainability program that is aligned to our own. When selecting supplier networks, we look for:

• Adoption of environmentally-friendly raw construction products
• Promotion of sustainable production methods including material selection, energy and water efficient products
• Proactive pursuit of information regarding sustainable building and construction supplies.

Measured by:

• Inventory / purchase order information

Clients / Customers

• Encourage construction clients to consider sustainable products and solutions for their project. ARC Projects will proactively provide alternative sustainable options
• Build joint venture programs with clients to promote environmentally sustainable business solutions, products and services.

Measured by:

• Internal review of customer liaison project documentation
• Inventory / purchase order information
• Joint venture success as per agreed objectives of each individual venture.