SUSTAINABILITY
Byggfakta Group’s vision is to leverage our position as the leading software and information company within the construction industry to actively support the sector’s response to the climate emergency. As a business, we also aim to surpass industry expectations in relation to managing our corporate, environmental and social impacts.
About our ESG principals:
As a technology-focused business, the direct environmental impact of our operations is relatively low, particularly when compared to other types of business within the construction sector, such as manufacturing and physical construction. We report annually on our operational emissions and have a goal to become a net zero operational carbon business by 2030. Furthermore, we are focused on our contribution to a climate-neutral construction industry, through providing critical information via our platforms, which encourages improved sustainability outcomes on projects.
As a responsible employer, we place the utmost priority on the well-being of our employees, and work to be a business which provides a level playing field in respect to equal opportunities for all.
Our principals align clearly to both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Global Compact.
Our key ESG focus
We have identified key materiality aspects where, through metrics and careful strategy, we can mitigate risk, both to the environment and all stakeholders which engage with our business. These are:
Environmental materiality aspects:
- Energy consumption.
- Travel and transportation.
- Resource use.
- Environmental data provided through our platforms.
Social materiality aspects:
- Diversity, equality, and inclusion.
- Employee health and well-being.
- Contribution to local communities.
- Attraction and retention of talent.
Governance materiality aspects:
- Anti-bribery and corruption.
- Human rights.
- Supply chain ESG principals.
Byggfakta Group:
looking to the future
The image below shows where Byggfakta Group is today when it comes to ESG-related work, and what we aim to achieve in the future.
Our sustainability report
Our sustainability report is published annually, and our latest report can be found here.
How we align to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. The 17 goals were adopted by all UN member states in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We have identified goals to which our business and operations align and to which we can contribute. These are set out below and identified under the relevant ESG headings.
Environmental alignment
The ‘Responsible consumption and production’ and ‘Climate action’ goals relate to our environmental impact and where our operations have the opportunity to make a positive change. This includes:
- Energy consumption.
- Travel and transportation.
- Resource use.
- Environmental data provided through our platforms.
For each aspect listed above that impact our operations, we will measure and report on current performance. This will allow us to create the relevant plans to reduce our impact across each area. Alongside our ESG strategy, we educate all our employees on the importance of climate action and embed a climate-conscious culture within our operations.
Social alignment
The ‘Gender equality’, ‘Decent work and economic growth’ and ‘Reduced inequalities’ goals relate to our operations and where we can contribute.
Our company values diversity and is committed to provide and promote equal opportunities in all employment matters. The goal is to create and maintain an inclusive corporate culture, where all individuals are valued and have access to similar working conditions, benefits and terms, as well as career opportunities.
Governance alignment
The ‘Peace, justice and strong institutions’ goal is where our organization has the opportunity to contribute and make a difference.
Byggfakta Group operates a zero-tolerance approach to:
- Any form of forced and/or child labour
- Bribery and corruption
This zero-tolerance approach also extends to all stakeholders in our value chain, specifically suppliers of goods and services to Byggfakta Group.
How we align to the
UN Global Compact
The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. The UN Global Compact is made up of ten core principles that, if followed, allow organizations to practice sustainable outcomes in respect to the environment, labour, human rights, and anti-corruption. We acknowledge this and align our ESG risks and principals to this initiative.
Sections 1–6 and section 10 of the UN Global Compact cover aspects in relation to conducting business and the due diligence required surrounding governance, alongside core principles that aim to eliminate injustice. Those core policies are summarized below, as well as how our company aligns to them:
- Companies should support and respect international human rights in their sphere of influence.
- Companies should ensure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
- Companies should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
- Companies should eliminate all forms of forced and compulsory labour.
- Companies should support the abolition of child labour.
- Companies should eliminate discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
- Companies should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
Byggfakta Group complies with:
- The UN guiding principles on business and human rights.
- The core International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions, which is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
Byggfakta Group practices:
- A zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption.
Sections 7, 8 of 9 of the UN Global Compact focus on environmental issues. Below is a list of these principals, and how our company is aligned with them:
- Companies should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
- Companies should undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
- Companies should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Byggfakta Group current practices:
- Annual measurement of emissions generated from owned and/ or controlled sources.
- Travel policy, implementing a digital-first approach to meetings in order to reduce travel.
- Fleet policy, promoting electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Energy policy, requesting all business units to utilize 100% renewable electricity where possible.
- Development of technology solutions to support the industry’s shift towards improved, sustainable end-products.