A Greener Tomorrow, Powered by Technology
As one of the world’s least digitised industries, construction faces a unique challenge—and opportunity—when it comes to sustainability. At Seddon, we’ve embraced this challenge head-on. Over the past five years, we’ve made significant strides in reducing our carbon footprint by embedding sustainability into our IT and digital strategies.
From slashing business travel emissions to rethinking how we use paper, Seddon’s digital transformation isn’t just about innovation—it’s about protecting the planet
1. Reducing Travel: Embracing Remote Work & Virtual Collaboration
One of the most immediate impacts of our digital strategy has been the shift to remote working and virtual meetings. With tools like Office 365, Microsoft Teams, and a cloud-based Common Data Environment (CDE), we’ve minimised the need for inter-office and site-to-site travel across our 50+ active projects.
Business Travel Carbon Emissions
- 2021: 447 tCO₂e
- 2025: 361 tCO₂e
Result: A 19.24% reduction in travel-related emissions.
2. Going Paperless: Sustainable Software in Action
We’ve moved away from outdated paper-based systems to smarter, more sustainable software solutions. These include:
- Digital Timesheets & Forms
- Online Inductions and Sign-ins
- Digital Management Systems
- Cloud-based Project Collaboration
These tools have streamlined workflows and significantly reduced the volume of printing and paper use across our sites. While the precise CO₂ savings are hard to quantify, the environmental impact is clear—and growing.
3. Hosting in the Cloud, Powered by Green Energy
Seddon’s private cloud is hosted at a state-of-the-art Manchester-based data centre that runs on 100% renewable energy. The facility features:
- Free-cooling chillers
- Smart energy battery storage
- Hydrogen-ready fuel cell microgrid
- High-efficiency photovoltaic systems
Our cloud partner, Datum, brings top-tier environmental credentials:
- ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 50001:2018 certified
- EU Code of Conduct for Energy Efficient Data Centres
- GRESB sustainability framework compliant
All of this means less energy wasted, less carbon emitted, and fewer visits needed by our IT teams thanks to remote support capabilities.
4. Smarter Tech: Intelligent Conferencing & Energy-Efficient Devices
We’ve invested in NEAT smart conferencing systems that activate only when rooms are in use, reducing idle power consumption. Site-based communication has shifted from paper notices to digital screens, and where printing is still required, we use energy-efficient printers with lower emissions.
5. Giving Old Tech New Life: IT Recycling & Refurbishment
Instead of disposing of devices with minor damage, we now refurbish and reuse them—cutting IT waste by 20%. Our recycling partner, Absolute IT Asset Disposals, ensures a zero-landfill policy and full compliance with the WEEE Regulations 2013.
Coming in 2025:
We plan to offer refurbished devices to employees, with proceeds donated to support local community charities.
6. Cutting Down on Printing: Cleaner, Smarter Paper Use
Since 2022, Seddon has reduced paper-related carbon emissions by 33% by:
- Reducing our printer fleet
- Switching to low-emission devices
- Partnering with sustainable paper provider UKOS Plc
Our paper is PEFC-certified and EU Ecolabel approved, made using less water, wood, and energy. UKOS supports this effort with:
- A 100% electric delivery fleet
- Low-carbon warehousing
- Planet Mark Certification, committing to a 5% annual emissions reduction
Looking Ahead
Seddon’s IT-led sustainability strategy demonstrates how digital transformation can be both innovative and impactful. Every initiative, whether measurable in tonnes of CO₂ or simply in paper saved, contributes to our broader goal: building a greener future for construction and beyond.
We’re proud of the progress so far—and even more excited about what’s next.