In 2023, Colas JV developed a strategic framework and implementation plan to manage the journey to net zero and to ensure that we continue to lead the market. This framework is built on four key pillars:

Our agenda is driving energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint as we work towards carbon neutrality and better air quality. We’ve set ambitious goals because we believe in the power of decisive action.

Goals;

• 75% reduction in our carbon emissions by 2025
• Achieve net zero emissions by 2050
• 100% of our fleet to run on alternative fuel sources by 2025
• Heavy vehicles transitioned to Green Hydrogen by 2050

Our carbon reduction numbers:

How we did it: 3 priority areas:

1. Fleet:
   • Commenced Switching our winter fleet and Supervisor vans on HVO
   • Switched our company cars to Electric vehicles and provided EV charging at depots for staff
   • Trained our fleet Drivers for fuel efficient driving

2. Buildings

• Conducted Energy Audits and Solar surveys on our Depots
• Replaced kerosene boilers with heat pumps
• Installed LED lighting across all depots
• Installation of solar panels in one of the four depots 

3. Operations

• Pavement recycling
• Trialled new technologies for efficient asset maintenance. See these technologies here (Colas Go Green Website Link for Pentack, in situ recycling etc)

Our goal is to become leaders in delivering sustainability, not just through how we operate, but in the goods and services we use. We are committed to using products and technologies that can enable savings in terms of material efficiency and with lower embedded carbon than traditional material, and which are resilient to future climate changes.

Participation:

1. Galway Hydrogen Hub (GH2) Project

Experiments:

1. PenTack Active Seal to extend life of pavements
2. Warm-mix asphalt technologies to reduce energy used in Asphalt production
3. Valorcol ( Youtube link)
4. Carbon bio-based binding product ‘Vegecol’ ( Youtube link)
   

Colas JV are not only responsible for the roads we manage, but the surrounding 1100 hectares of open grass, trees, scrubland, flora and fauna that inhabit there. We have a responsibility to not only ensure that our ecological footprint is as small as possible, but to restore and enhance Ireland’s natural capital wherever possible.

Actions:

• Became a business supporter of All Ireland Pollinator Plan (Find out more here)
• Commissioned ecological assessments of our motorway network (MMaRC Network B) ( Find report here)
• Building awareness of native and endangered species among staff, ( link to the Colas campus environment section : Mes formations (elmg.net), communities and the public (AIPP signboard picture).
• Completed GIS mapping of landscaping treatments across MMaRC Network B
• Extensive trials and studies on using non herbicide weed control treatments

• Foamstream – a system which uses steam as a herbicide free alternative for controlling weed growth on the Network. This system was trialled across the Network during May ‘22. The trial was carried out on a number of junctions on the M6, M7 and M18. CJV has prepared a detailed report on the trial. 
• Pelorganic Acid – Katoun Gold is an herbicide free treatment for controlling weed growth on the Network. Its active ingredient is pelargonic acid, which is naturally occurring and is found in plants. Once applied, it quickly degrades into natural elements, and has no residual action. Colas JV have trialled this product from our Ennis depot. 

CJV is committed to generating lasting, positive impacts for the communities where we work, the people we work with, and our staff. Across our depots we are engaging with our staff to generate new ways of working that will promote more sustainable behaviour.

Actions:

• Climate Fresk Programme

• Staff training for efficient driver behaviour
• Biodiversity awareness programmes ( Link COLAS Camous)
• Waste management awareness programmes 

Transparent Communication

Sharing Our Progress

We are committed to transparency. Regular updates about our CO₂ footprint and reduction efforts help us stay accountable and inform our stakeholders.

Read Our Latest CO₂ Report (SKAO ladder report)

Discover Our Initiatives (COLAS Go Green Website and YouTube channel)

CO₂ Performance Ladder:

Ireland’s climate targets aim to reduce carbon emissions by 51% by 2030 and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Through its scale and spending, green procurement in the construction sector has the potential to positively aid Ireland in reaching these vital targets. 

COLAS joint venture is tracking carbon footprint via CO₂ Performance Ladder. It is a tool that can help organisations embed green procurement into their organisation in an accessible and structured way.

It consists of 5 levels and an organisation that is certified on a certain level adheres to the requirements of the CO₂ Performance Ladder. These requirements are based on four angles, namely:

• Insight: To determine different streams of energy and the carbon footprint of the organisation.
• Reduction: To develop ambitious goals for the reduction of CO₂ emissions.
• Transparency: To structurally communicate about organisation policies of CO₂ reduction.
• Participation: To take part of business sector initiatives with regards to the reduction of carbon emissions

Find our more here about our CO₂ Performance ladder Initiative (SKAO report)

Additional Enhancements

To further engage and inform our stakeholders:

• Interactive Dashboard: Our real-time dashboard allows you to track our CO₂ reduction progress ( work in progress)
• Future Goals Section: Learn about our long-term sustainability goals beyond 2030, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement. 

Contact Us

For more information on our sustainability initiatives and how you can get involved, please reach out to us at info@colas.ie