A survey among Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchant (WCoBM) members has revealed the importance that leading figures within the building materials industry places on caring for the environment and tackling climate change.
The latest survey, carried out among WCoBM members by the Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Committee to understand its members’ attitudes to climate and the environment, revealed a staggering 94.7% of those who responded either agree, or strongly agree, that caring for the environment is important.
A similar 96.5% strongly agree/agree that we should be taking action now to reduce our impact on the environment.
This awareness of the importance of ESG issues is clearly echoed by the wider building materials industry, as 70% of those who responded said either their companies, or the companies they are employed by, have an ESG policy in place or are including ESG policies in their ways of working.
Furthermore, 80.6% strongly agree/agree that they are prepared to modify the way they do business or travel to reduce our carbon footprint, with 90% believing that a mix of face-to-face and virtual meetings are the right way for the industry to interact going forward.
This is exemplified by the 64% of WCoBM members who travel to the Livery Company’s events by train – one of the most effective and environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
WCoBM has had its own ESG policy in place for a number of years, as well as being active members of the Livery Climate Action Group (LCAG), which was formed in 2021 to assist London Livery Companies and Guilds to manage their impact on climate change and the environment. A total of 105 Livery Companies are now signed up to LCAG to share initiatives and gain new ideas.
Part of WCoBM’s remit is to also help support charities that benefit and improve the wider community. Pollinating London Together (PLT) is one such charity, dedicated to the welfare of all pollinators in London. Without a healthy population of Bees, Bumble bees and other pollinators the environment as a whole cannot survive and thrive.
The ESG committee applied to WCoBM’s Charity committee for financial support for PLT and the request was granted.
Steve Dunkley, Chair of the WCoBM ESG Committee, said: “Pollinating London Together is a fantastic organisation that is doing great work to help support the environment in London. We have donated this year and plan to give financial assistance in future years, as well as getting involved in their events so that we can communicate information on their activities to WCoBM members.”
Visit www.pollinatinglondontogether.com for more information.
