Laing O'Rourke partners with commercial on mission to net zero

Following the launch of its new global sustainability targets, Laing O’Rourke has renewed its contract with carbon neutral stationery supplier, Commercial.

Laing O’Rourke has been working with Commercial since 2018, this week renewing its UK contract following the agreement of added environmental and social sustainability benefits.

The new contract will see Laing O’Rourke using items from the Products with Purpose range, a dedicated collection of products specifically chosen for their environmentally-responsible practices, social impact, ethical manufacturing, commitment to workers’ rights and recyclable content. It will also benefit from Commercial’s fleet of hydrogen-based delivery vehicles for deliveries in and around London.

In line with Laing O’Rourke’s sustainability targets, Commercial are a carbon neutral supplier, an accreditation they have held since 2006, which will have a beneficial impact on Scope 3 emissions.

The renewed contract will continue to support the Commercial Foundation, a social enterprise which helps young people who have encountered barriers to work and, or education through a structured programme while producing not-for-profit items such as water bottles, mouse mats etc. Over the last two years Laing O’Rourke has generated more than £1.1 million in social value by working with Commercial.

Carol Williams, Europe head of procurement at Laing O’Rourke said: “Recently, we launched our new global sustainability targets setting out our ambition to reach operational net zero by 2030 and become a net zero company before 2050. The majority of our business’ emissions relate to purchased materials. Therefore, to accelerate progress in reducing Scope 3 we want to work with suppliers who share our vision and can contribute to our plans. The renewal of our contract with established partner, Commercial, is one step on that journey and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them.”

Founded in 1991, Commercial is a £68m organisation which aims to make business a force for good. It has expert-led divisions offering everything to help businesses run smoothly.

Commercial co-founder and managing director Simone Hindmarch said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Laing O’Rourke and helping them on their journey to achieving carbon net zero. Laing O’Rourke’s use of our Products with Purpose range, coupled with their continued support of the Commercial Foundation, highlights how a relationship can go beyond supplier and client into one where, together, we can show that business can be a force for good in the world. I look forward to our relationship continuing and growing.