Sustainability & Net Zero
Building the Future, Responsibly
Building a Sustainable Future, Responsibly
At Vanir UHS, we’re not just laying roads – we’re paving the way to a net zero future. From recycled tarmac and plastic-mixed asphalt to electric vehicle integration and circular economy practices, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that innovative infrastructure and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand, forging a path toward greener communities and a stronger, cleaner economy.
Mission Statement
We’re committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, fully aligning with the UK’s climate goals.
Every project we undertake is an opportunity to reduce emissions, minimize waste, and drive green innovation in infrastructure.
From planning and design to construction and maintenance, we integrate sustainable practices at each step to ensure our growth contributes to a cleaner, climate-resilient future.
What We’re Doing
Our sustainability initiatives span materials, technology, and processes. Here are some of the key actions we’re taking to build low-carbon, resilient infrastructure:
100% Recycled Asphalt Trials
Using near-100% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) combined with waste rubber/plastic additives to create new road surfaces. These trials aim to eliminate virgin materials by reusing old road asphalt and repurposing waste (like end-of-life tires and plastics) into our mixes.
Cold-Lay & Warm-Mix Asphalt
Deploying cold-lay asphalt and half-warm mix solutions to cut carbon during road repairs and resurfacing nationalhighways.co.uk.
By reducing the temperatures needed for asphalt production and laying, we significantly lower fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions while also speeding up project completion times.
Electric Fleet & EV Charging
Planning the transition of our construction fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles, and integrating on-site EV charging infrastructure.
This includes trialing electric plant machinery and installing charging stations at depots and work sites, in line with the UK’s push for zero-emission heavy vehicles by 2040 reuters.com.
By adopting an EV fleet, we aim to cut diesel use and local air pollution on our projects.
Dynamic Charging Roads
Testing inductive charging technologies (magnetized asphalt and embedded coils) in roads and bus depots.
These dynamic charging systems can wirelessly charge electric vehicles as they drive or when stationary, an innovation already being piloted in the UK (e.g. the “Dynacov” project in Coventry) cenex.co.uk.
By exploring electrified roadways, we’re preparing for an EV future where infrastructure itself helps power vehicles.
Graphene-Enhanced Surfaces
Collaborating with advanced materials firms to incorporate graphene into asphalt for more durable, energy-efficient surfaces.
Graphene-infused asphalt can greatly increase pavement lifespan and strength while allowing a higher content of recycled material highways.today.
For example, industry trials have shown graphene-enhanced mixes containing 40% reclaimed asphalt with improved resistance to wear highways.today.
These high-tech surfaces reduce maintenance needs and support sustainability through longer life and resource reuse.
Waste-to-Material Conversion
Expanding our recycling programs to convert construction and demolition waste into usable materials.
Rather than sending rubble or old concrete to landfill, we crush and screen these materials for use as aggregates in new projects (for sub-bases, fill, etc.).
This closed-loop approach diverts waste from landfills and reduces the demand for virgin quarry materials, embodying circular economy principles in our operations.
Environmental Certifications
Actively working towards PAS 2080 (the global standard for managing infrastructure carbon carbontrust.com) and ISO 14001 certification (the leading international environmental management system standard).
Achieving these will formalize our carbon reduction and environmental management practices, demonstrating our commitment to industry best practices and continuous improvement.
Net Zero Roadmap
Developing a comprehensive Net Zero Roadmap to 2050, with interim targets to chart our course to carbon neutrality.
This roadmap will outline key milestones (such as electrifying our fleet, increasing recycled material percentages, and improving energy efficiency on sites) and will be regularly updated as we progress.
By transparently tracking our journey, we align our business strategy with the UK’s 2050 net zero mandate gov.uk and ensure we contribute to national climate objectives.
Local Partnerships & Circular Economy
Partnering with local councils and suppliers to create closed-loop systems for materials and waste. We collaborate with municipal authorities and recycling partners to reuse asphalt planings, excavated aggregates, and other by-products from projects in new construction, establishing regional circular supply chains.
This not only reduces transport emissions and disposal costs, but also strengthens local economies and sustainability initiatives.
By working hand-in-hand with the community, we ensure our infrastructure projects leave a positive legacy and minimal environmental footprint.
Let’s Build Greener Roads — Together
Put sustainability in motion. Talk to our specialists about recycled materials, EV-ready surfaces and low-carbon road solutions for your next project.