Sustainability Statement
Arising from our process, we identified verifiable actions. These actions are phased short term, medium term and long term are designed to reduce our carbon use by 50% by 2030 and to be Net Zero carbon by 2034.
Sustainability and Climate.
In late 2023, Anthony O’ Gorman Engineering Ltd, working with Astrum Consulting, undertook a comprehensive survey to identify how we were positioned regarding Carbon and Sustainability.
In summary, our short terms actions are
Phase 1
- Introduction of HVO fuel for our 65% of our fleet in May 2024 as a transition towards full non fossil fuel use by 2030.
- Full implementation of LED Lights in all company units
- Progress phased construction of new office with a high BER rating
- Phased replacement of office equipment to A rated devices
- Electricity supplied from renewable sources
- Phased reduction of zero materials to landfill
- Target of 100 % recycling
- Composting of food waste materials
- Full recycling of waste metals through approved Waste Facilities
- Recycling of timber and plastic that can’t be reused through licensed waste facilities
- Rain harvesting for washing vehicles, equipment and yards
- Parts Washer for cleaning tools and equipment where hazardous chemicals have been used.
- Reduction in office printing
- Waste Oil collection and storage and disposal through licenses external provider
- Waste Filters, batteries and ink cartridges disposal through licensed provider
Murrintown Project:
In 2021 Anthony O’ Gorman Engineering Ltd purchased a poorly managed approx. 20 acre forestry in Murrintown, Co. Wexford. The original plan was to secure the site and apply for permits and licenses to undertake necessary thinning and felling to allow near -mature Sitka Spruce to be harvested by 2028 and to aim to improve drainage and soil condition.
Following a company review in 2022 & 2023, the following actions were agreed.
- Apply for all permits licenses for forestry improvement and planting of over 20, 000 Sitka and Native Irish tress – this was successful and all permits are now secured
- Apply for Planning Permission to import 25, 000 tons of clean soil to build soil improvement in 4 sections – this was successful and is secured.
- As we reach towards the first 25,000 tons, we will submit another application for 25,0000 tons
- Apply to NWCPO (National Waste Collection Permit Office) – this was successful
- In the Phase 1, 25,000 tons of clean soil and stone will be imported into the Murrintown Forestry and Soil Improvement Project. Planning Permission was granted for this purpose and when completed, subject to additional Planning, will see 75,000 tons of soil imported under the Article 27 process.
- The Soil Improvement project will be divided into 4 sections. Each section, once filled with clean soil will receive a coating of topsoil, recovered in Murrintown and will be planted for a period of 5 years with deep rooting crops including rye grass, clover and chicory to help stabilise the soil and a boundary of pollinator friendly native tress (Whitethorn) has been planted and other pollinator plants that will attract and sustain wildlife and improve bio-diversity will be planted as we progress.
- Thinning and felling will begin in 2025 and this will allow space and light for near mature Sitka to grow for harvesting in 2028-2029.
- Once we have thinned and felled poor quality Sitka and Scotch Pine, we will independently identify the Carbon off set of remaining trees and this will fluctuate as we harvest and replant and as we plant in new areas, the overall net Carbon off set will contribute to our Carbon Reduction targets for 2030 and 2040
- All of these forestry related actions are in compliance with permits, licenses and approvals issued by DAFM.
Construction and Demolition materials- recovery, reuse and recycle;
In late 2024, Anthoy O’ Gorman Engineering Ltd was granted Planning Permission to develop a C&D (Construction and Demolition) facility, as part of the overall Murrintown Project. Subject to commencement and enabling works, this will begin operating in the Spring of 2025. The C&D facility will
- Informed by the National Circular Economy Policies, take in materials classified as Construction and Demolition Waste (under EWC) and process them for repurposing and reuse as aggregate in the construction sector.
- A mobile Crushing unit will be used for this purpose.
- New bays will be constructed to manage this process.
- Only C&D materials that are classified under EWC will be accepted and processed and only vehicles that have NWCPO accreditation will be allowed.
- No hazardous materials will be brought in to this facility.
- By 2026, 75,000 tons of soil will have been imported and prepared for the sowing of grasses and plants that will help stabilise the soil.
- All thinning and felling will be completed
- The C&D facility will be operating
Taken together with the use of HVO, quality recycling, rain water harvesting recycling and the actions identified for Murrintown, demonstrates the commitment and investment of Anthony O’ Gorman Engineering Ltd is making to mitigate against Climate Change and to position the company for future growth.
For information on our Sustainability Actions, please contact Martin on 089-4551303
