Classic Builders (Southwest) Limited is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050

Introduction

At Classic Builders (South West) Limited, our commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 is more than a regulatory obligation—it is a core pillar of our long-term vision and corporate responsibility. As one of the South West’s leading construction companies, we recognise the critical role our industry plays in shaping a sustainable built environment. Our Net Zero strategy reflects a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and leadership in low-carbon construction.

We are actively transforming the way we operate—reducing emissions across our projects, supply chain, and operations; investing in renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure; and designing buildings that exceed performance expectations in energy efficiency and carbon reduction. Backed by ISO 14001 accreditation and driven by a dedicated Zero Carbon Steering Group, our approach is strategic, science-based, and collaborative. By aligning with national targets and industry best practices, Classic Builders is not only preparing for the future—we are helping to build it.

Signed	Electronic signature
Name	Adam Brimacombe
Position	Director
Date	01.08.25
Summary of progress	“Good 2022 baseline but opportunities for improvement have been identified and we have commenced actioning these” 2022 to 2023 has generated a saving of 105.2 tCO2e (an 8.4% reduction in emissions compared to 2021 – 2022). 2023 to 2024 showed further reductions over an already promising previous 12 months (7.26%). There are still opportunities for further reductions in emissions but progress continues in the right direction. 2024 to 2025 further progress has been made, a reduction of 6.47% is positive progress. However, greater attention to Scope 3 emissions and migration to additional sustainable ways of working offer further quick wins.

Industry Overview and Regional Context

The UK construction industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligned with national legislation under the Climate Change Act and guided by government policy such as the Construction Playbook, PPN 06/21, and the Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener.

Construction currently accounts for approximately 25% of UK carbon emissions, with embodied carbon in materials and operational energy use being key contributors. The wider Built Environment contributes an additional 34% of UK carbon emissions, illustrating the pivotal role constructing energy efficient and low embodied carbon buildings can play in driving the ability to achieve net zero emissions.

The sector’s strategy centres on four core pillars:

1. Embodied Carbon Reduction – Encouraging the use of low-carbon materials (e.g. timber, recycled steel, cement alternatives), supported by tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard.
2. Operational Efficiency – Improving building performance through retrofitting, airtightness, heat pumps, and renewable energy integration (solar, wind).
3. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) – Modular and offsite construction methods to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
4. Supply Chain Engagement – Requiring Tier 1 contractors to report emissions and push net zero standards down the chain.

Industry collaboration with LETI, UKGBC, RIBA and the Construction Leadership Council is driving momentum, but challenges remain: data availability, upskilling the workforce, and upfront investment in clean tech.

The South West construction industry demonstrates compelling strengths in collaboration, increasing climate literacy, and alignment with national net-zero frameworks. Yet it must navigate material supply constraints, workforce gaps, and evolving regulation. Opportunities lie in decarbonising materials, retrofit-led development, and leveraging regional guidance infrastructure. Without coordinated upskilling, policy stability, and capacity planning, the region risks lagging in the journey toward net zero by 2050.

Method Statement

Classic Builders (South West) Limited is charting a credible, data‑driven path to Net Zero by 2050. By building on existing strengths—ISO credentials, strong leadership, LCA‑based design, supply‑chain engagement, and showcased low‑carbon builds (such as the Seaton Beach Passivhaus Plus project)—the company is well‑positioned to lead sustainable construction in the South West. This plan sets clear targets, embraces innovation and collaboration, and embeds environmental performance as part of corporate excellence.

 

Commitment to achieving Net Zero

Classic Builders (Southwest) Limited is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050

 

Baseline Emissions Footprint

Baseline emissions are a record of the greenhouse gases that have been produced in the past and were produced prior to the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions. Baseline emissions are the reference point against which emissions reduction can be measured.

Summary of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 Emissions

Scope 1 – Direct Emissions

Scope 1 emissions are those released directly by a company from sources it owns or controls. In construction, this typically includes fuel combustion from company vehicles, plant machinery, generators, and on-site heating systems. These are emissions the business has direct influence over and are usually the first target in carbon reduction strategies.

Scope 2 – Indirect Energy Emissions
Scope 2 emissions result from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the organisation. Although these emissions occur at the energy supplier’s facilities, they are counted against the company’s carbon footprint because the energy is used in its operations (e.g., offices, depots, or temporary site setups).

Scope 3 – Indirect Value Chain Emissions

Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions that occur as a consequence of a company’s activities but are not owned or directly controlled by the business. These include emissions from the supply chain (e.g., production and transport of materials), business travel, employee commuting, waste disposal, and subcontracted activities. For construction firms like Classic Builders, Scope 3 often represents the largest and most complex part of their carbon footprint, requiring close collaboration with suppliers and partners to monitor and reduce.

Baseline Emissions Footprint

Baseline emissions are a record of the greenhouse gases that have been produced in the past and were produced prior to the introduction of any strategies to reduce emissions. Baseline emissions are the reference point against which emissions reduction can be measured.

Baseline Year: 2021
Additional Details relating to the Baseline Emissions calculations.
Please note, 2021 is to be classed as ‘Baseline’ with Scope 3 emissions still to be confirmed (Classic Builders used circa 600 individual suppliers during the period of 2021 – 2022, with these all yet to confirm relevant emissions data).
Baseline year emissions:
EMISSIONS	TOTAL (tCO2e)
Scope 1	13.6
Scope 2	986.1
Scope 3 (Included Sources)	246.5
Total Emissions	1246.2

 

Current Emissions Reporting

Reporting Year: 2024 – 2025
EMISSIONS	TOTAL (tCO2e)
Scope 1	41.8
Scope 2	340.3
Scope 3 (Included Sources)	602.1
Total Emissions	984.27

 

Emissions Reduction Targets

In order to continue our progress to achieving Net Zero, we have adopted the following carbon reduction targets.

Emissions reduction targets include –

• Continued reduction in the use of fossil fuel and finite resources, such as –
  • Petroleum powered vehicles and machinery
  • Gas powered heating
  • Materials containing or using fossil fuels for manufacture (such as plastics, tars, waxes, chemicals, etc.).
  • Continued education on the secondary uses and presences of hydrocarbons etc.

NB – overall achievable hydrocarbon target unknown at this time due to technological  advances regarding machinery and on site plant. However, total remaining carbons / hydrocarbon emissions after implemented mitigation practices will be offset to achieve Net Zero target.

• Installation and adoption of renewable energy sources at administrative centres (Redruth, Plymouth and Exeter) – currently at 66.6% of a 100% target.
• Migration to renewable energy sources administrative centres (current migration levels at 66.6% of a 100% target)
• Increasing the adoption and use of EVs through progressive migration of fleet (currently at 3% of total fleet).
• Further promotion of the use of public transport
• Continuation of Scope 3 analysis and promotion to supply chain partners.

 

We predict that carbon emissions will decrease over the next five years to 900 tCO₂e by 2027. This is a reduction of 21%. Progress against these targets can be seen in the graph below:

Carbon Reduction Projects

The following reduction measures and projects have been implemented since the establishment of the 2021 baseline. Although the full extent of the emission reductions achieved by these projects is yet to be determined, their impacts are clearly contributing to a greater understanding of recorded data and a clear lowering in emissions. Implemented reduction measures include –

Measure Embodied Carbon Emissions

We have begun measuring the embodied carbon emissions across the lifecycle of our business and projects. This provides us with greater knowledge, understanding and authority to develop further reduction plans. Scopes 1 and 2 are manageable and monitorable, however, further consideration and analysis needs to be paid to Scope 3 emissions due to lack of information from supply chain partners.

Establish and Maintain an Informed Baseline

Once we establish and maintain a clear and continually informed baseline, we can establish reduction targets and, ultimately, a pathway towards net zero.

Lead by Example

Achieving net zero status is a strategic objective driven by our Senior Management Team (SMT).

To develop its culture and lead by example, the organisation has committed to the following leadership and management processes –

• Obtaining and maintaining ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems compliance certification.
• Creating a dedicated Zero Carbon Steering Group
• Strategically targeting and delivering highly suitable building projects
• Aligning the organisation to work with likeminded clients, agents, supply chain members and peers.

Promote Quick Wins

(New for reporting period of 2025 – 2026)

Making long lasting environmental changes starts by making and practicing impactful decisions. For this reason, Classic Builders promotes a number of carbon reduction quick wins within its organisation. By demonstrating to its clients, employees, partners and suppliers, Classic Builders can nurture and promote a proactive and environmentally accountable culture. These quick wins help acclimatise those practicing them to a new way of operating whilst also demonstrating that change is easily achievable, examples include –

Project	Methodology	Current Emissions	Target % Reduction	Target Date
Reducing resource needs	Reducing volume of raw / finite resources purchased, review resource needs, propose value engineering options to reduce resource needs.	TBC (recording during 25-26 to establish baseline)	3% for 2026-2027	2026 – 2027 Period
Reusing generated waste	From paper in the offices to timber on sites, any resource that is about to be disposed of should be considered for any additional uses (such as scrap paper for not taking, timber for temporary works, etc.)	TBC (recording during 25-26 to establish baseline)	3% for 2026-2027	2026 – 2027 Period
Recycling what can’t be directly reused	Ensuring all site waste is segregated and recycled through licenced waste disposal providers. Hard to recycle waste is sent to either specialist recycling providers or regional energy from waste centres.	TBC (recording during 25-26 to establish baseline)	3% for 2026-2027	2026 – 2027 Period
Vehicle sharing / combined deliveries.	Staff Vehicle Sharing Where staff journeys align for more than 60% of the route, vehicle sharing is to be encouraged and utilised.   Combined Deliveries Controlled combined deliveries include the use of Classic Builders’ tippers and HGVs. Our fleet migration and consolidation of carrying capacity options means a greater load carrying capacity, and a reduction of associated transportation emissions.	TBC (recording during 25-26 to establish baseline))       Estimated Saving From Combined Deliveries (based on 32,000 miles per reporting period) = 31,888 Kgs of CO2	3% for 2026-2027	2026 – 2027 Period
Using hybrid vehicles and EVs	Current EV / hybrid fleet stock sits at 8.23%. Fleet migration to alternative green fuel alternatives to continue where possible.	TBC (recording during 25-26 to establish baseline)	3% for 2026-2027	2026 – 2027 Period
Using public transport / miles travelled by staff using public transport that otherwise would have used company vehicles/	Office Based Staff Current public transport routes make access to Classic Builders’ administrative centres via public transport difficult. Until network improves or offices relocate, public transport to offices will remain with a low uptake.   Site Operatives Public transport use / uptake for Site Operatives will vary due to differing site locations and frequency of available routes. Project specific Traffic and Transport Plans detail applicable staff options and highlight.	TBC (recording during 25-26 to establish baseline))   Recorded Emissions 827.39 Kgs of CO2 already saved during 25-26 reporting period.	3% for 2026-2027	2026 – 2027 Period
Adopting the use of video calling	Target migration of 35% over the next reporting period will be achievable based on 13 members of the SMT utilising video conferencing technology. This would result in a reduction of necessary / associated travel by circa 35%.	Based on 35% of meetings being migrated over to video conferencing, we anticipate those applicable will contribute to a saving of 20,652.45 Kgs of CO2	35% for 2026-2027	2026 – 2027 Period
Lowering emissions associated to printing.	Reducing the use of finite resources is a core objective for Classic Builders, this includes printing on paper. The reduction of associated emissions will be achieved using two principal methods –   1)       The migration to Eco-efficient paper (such as Discovery 75g.m2 paper). 2)       A reduction in the volume of printing taking place each reporting year.   The later methodology will be achieved by –   · Assessing current printing habits · Setting clear reduction goals · Implementing digital alternatives · Adjusting printing policies / settings · Educating and engaging staff · Monitoring progress · Reinvest generated savings	TBC (recording during 25-26 to establish baseline)	3% for 2026-2027	2026 – 2027 Period

Adopt Best Practices

By using ISO certified management processes to work alongside likeminded industry contributors to jointly deliver environmentally sustainable projects, Classic Builders has positioned itself to have exposure to and to the ability to adopt a multitude of emerging best practices. Owing to the industry’s complex and interconnected nature, progression towards net zero is still (in certain aspects) within the pioneering  phase of its lifespan. Critical reflective thinking (CRT) is therefore necessary (and continually practiced at Classic Builders) to review, learn from and develop improved ways of working.

Design With a Low Carbon Approach

Classic Builders is taking a fully integrated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to its relevant projects and responsibilities. Where able, LCAs are completed to model the embodied and operational carbons associated to a particular project. Analysis of the project’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOTs) is undertaken to identify effective improvement and carbon reduction opportunities. As well as project specific analysis, an overarching view is taken based on lessons learnt and findings from obtained LCA data. Strategic changes can then be implemented to adapt to findings and emerging needs.

Collaboration

As a prominent Southwest construction company, Classic Builders appreciates the importance and value collaborating with likeminded organisations can bring. By working with others, risks are reduced, opportunities are maximised, and carbon reduction processes can be maximised. A key part of collaboration is knowledge sharing and learning from the experience of others. With this in mind, Classic Builders has worked with, to, and or collaborated with the following organisations –

• Exeter City Council
• LETI standards
• The Active Building Centre
• Passivhaus Certifiers
• Passivhaus Plus standards
• University of Plymouth Sustainability Team

Consider The Long-term

As well as the above processes and practices, attention will also be paid to long-term considerations and ensuring the effectiveness of proposed additional reduction strategies These could include –

• Completing solar PV installation and low‑carbon heating in offices and depots.
• Implementing energy monitoring dashboards to track real‑time consumption.
• Accelerating migration to EVs and hybrids.
• Encouraging further car‑sharing, employee use of public transport, and remote meeting tools.
• Promoting virtual site inductions and digital drawdowns to reduce travel emissions.
• Adopt Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for embodied carbon in new build and retrofit works.
• Partner with suppliers to quantify and reduce carbon embedded in materials.
• Implement circular waste‑management: reuse, segregation, recycling, reduction.
• Quarterly SWOT reviews via CRT (Critical Reflective Thinking sessions) to refine the plan dynamically.
• Engage early design phases with LCA and low carbon construction scenarios.
• Leverage Passivhaus Plus standards and best‑practice partners.
• Work with supply‑chain partners to collect Scope 3 data and commit to decarbonisation.
• Share best practice with peer organisations and engage in industry forums.
• Enhance training on carbon literacy and practical mitigation approaches.
• Incorporate carbon targets into employee KPIs at all levels.
• Share monthly emissions dashboards internally and via newsletter.
• Quarterly public reporting of emissions, progress and challenges.
• Use government‑approved emission conversion factors and GHG‑Corporate Value Chain Standard compliance.
• Invest in certified offset projects (e.g. UK reforestation or community renewable schemes) for unavoidable emissions.
• Pilot emerging technologies: e‑chip retrofits, carbon‑capture coatings, etc.
• Evaluate feasibility of carbon negative materials and modular low‑carbon construction.
• Maintain horizon scanning for regulatory changes in UK building and environmental legislation.

Declaration and Sign Off

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 06/21 and associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans. Emissions have been reported and recorded in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the GHG Reporting Protocol corporate standard[1] and uses the appropriate Government emission conversion factors for greenhouse gas company reporting[2].Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been reported in accordance with SECR requirements, and the required subset of Scope 3 emissions have been reported in accordance with the published reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans and the Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard[3].This Carbon Reduction Plan has been reviewed and signed off by the board of directors (or equivalent management body).

Signed on behalf of Classic Builders (Southwest) Limited

Name…………Adam Brimacombe….………………………………

Signature………Electronic Signature.……………………………….

Position………Director…………………………………………….….

Date: …………1^st August 2025……………………………………….