'Making our ambitions a reality': Northern Ireland construction firm wins top UK award for environmental commitment

Northern Ireland construction company Gilbert-Ash has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to sustainability after winning the Environmental Impact Award at the prestigious Building Awards 2026.

The company picked up the accolade at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London earlier this month, recognising its ambitious environmental strategy and significant progress in reducing its impact on the planet.

The multi-award-winning firm was also shortlisted for the Net-Zero Award for its work at Paradise SE11 in London, the capital’s lowest-carbon mass-timber office development, while its managing director, Ray Hutchinson, was a finalist in the CEO of the Year category.

The Environmental Impact Award recognises Gilbert-Ash’s holistic approach to sustainability, underpinned by its ESG Strategy to 2030, which places environmental responsibility, people and communities at the heart of its operations.

The judges praised the company’s measurable progress across carbon reduction, waste, biodiversity, resource efficiency and sustainable procurement, highlighting its ability to turn environmental ambitions into meaningful action.

They also commended the way sustainability has been embedded throughout the business, supported by strong accountability, staff engagement and robust performance data.

Gilbert-Ash achieved 85% of its ESG targets in 2025, with its progress supported by detailed performance data. The judges praised the firm for demonstrating “a genuine organisational commitment to driving environmental progress”.

Among its key ESG achievements, the company has reduced carbon emissions by 35% against its 2022 baseline, while water consumption fell by 7% during 2025. HVO biofuel is now used on 95% of Gilbert-Ash projects, further demonstrating its commitment to reducing environmental impacts across its operations.

Managing director Ray Hutchinson said the award was a proud moment for everyone across the business: “This is a tremendous achievement for Gilbert-Ash and a fantastic endorsement of the hard work and commitment of our people, who have embraced our sustainability ambitions and are helping to deliver real change.

“We have always believed that the success of Gilbert-Ash should be measured not just by the quality of the buildings we deliver, but also by the positive difference we make to people, places and the planet.

“Our ESG Strategy to 2030 is not simply about setting ambitious targets – it is about taking responsibility, challenging ourselves to do better and making sustainability part of every decision we take.

“To receive this recognition is incredibly rewarding but we also recognise that there is so much more to do. We will continue to build on this progress alongside our people, our clients and our supply chain partners.”

The award-winning entry also highlighted how the company completed seven BREEAM-assessed projects in 2025, achieving one Outstanding, four Excellent and two Very Good ratings.

Meanwhile, Gilbert-Ash has been working with its suppliers to help raise environmental standards. Around 180 supply chain partners now hold ISO 14001 accreditation, while 40% provide Environmental Product Declarations, giving project teams access to verified carbon data at the point of specification.

Michael Heron, ESG lead at Gilbert-Ash, added: “What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is that it is based on measurable progress and the actions we are taking right across the business.

“Our ESG Strategy gives us a clear direction, but it also provides the accountability needed to deliver against our ambitions.

“One of the most important aspects of our approach is how we work with our supply chain.

“We recognise that we cannot achieve our environmental ambitions alone, which is why we are focused on building knowledge, capability and shared responsibilities among our partners. We thank our suppliers for their support in making our ambitions a reality.”