In March 2023, JP Corry transitioned to STARK Building Materials UK, embracing a new purpose: ‘Building our future by helping others build theirs.’ This change brought to life its core values of ‘decency,’ ‘passion,’ and ‘pride’ through its dedicated colleagues. JP Corry’s business success hinges on fostering a workplace culture centered around sustainability across three pillars: people, place, and planet, driving profitable growth through employee satisfaction, motivation, and loyalty.

What JP Corry did

JP Corry’s commitment to responsible business practices is evident in its strategic roadmap, which encompasses People, Place, and Planet objectives from 2021 to 2025 and extends to 2030. This roadmap emphasises a collaborative and integrated approach, guiding its sustainability efforts and ensuring a positive impact on the environment, society, and its business operations.

JP Corry’s comprehensive approach to sustainability and responsible business practices has benefited the environment and society and has driven significant improvements within the company, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

The company has made sustainability a core strategic priority, dating back to 2012. Committed to reaching Net Carbon Zero by 2050, JP Corry has signed up for the BITC Climate Action Pledge. The company’s dedication to sustainability and responsible business as a whole has earned JP Corry numerous accolades, including: Gold level in CORE – The Standard for Responsible Businesses: Platinum level in the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey; and the Diversity Mark NI’s Bronze mark of progress.

Since its baseline year in 2019, JP Corry has achieved a 22% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, engaging stakeholders in various carbon reduction initiatives. It has implemented software to capture ESG data, enhancing transparency and tracking progress towards ambitious targets.

Environmentally focused initiatives have included transitioning 44 company cars from diesel to electric or low-emission hybrid models and investing in EV charging infrastructure across four branches. Additionally, 70% of its forklift fleet has moved away from diesel to electric or LPG, and the company plans to build a modern, energy-efficient facility on the Springfield Road site.

To share and advocate for its sustainability journey, JP Corry participates in various forums and events including the annual JP Corry-organised Supplier TEC event, now in its third year, which connects colleagues, suppliers, and customers to discuss industry challenges and opportunities, and spread valuable information and best practices.

In 2023, JP Corry’s responsible business efforts aligned with 13 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focused effort on five key SDGs for 2024: Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Affordable and Clean Energy, Good Jobs and Economic Growth, and Responsible Consumption.

Within the company, employee development is a significant focus. JP Corry has set ambitious training targets and engaged colleagues in various courses and workshops, such as Lean Project Management. These have led to efficiency improvements. The company’s health and wellbeing initiatives, guided by employee surveys, have included visits from the Cancer Focus Wellbeing Vans, which provided valuable health screenings to employees.

To support their employees’ financial wellbeing and environmental impact, JP Corry introduced a heavily discounted insulation initiative, aiding 22 colleagues.

JP Corry’s commitment to community involvement includes being patron of the Construction Employers Federation for eight years and supporting the Royal Society of Ulster Architects’ Early Years Architects Competition. Its charity partnerships with Barnardos, Simon Community and Cancer Fund for Children demonstrate a tangible impact over several years. JP Corry also collaborates with Women’s Tec, NOW Group, Disability Action, Women in Business, Diversity Mark, and PIPs and the partnership with The Now Group has been so effective and impactful that JP Corry has been invited to share its experiences at events like the Equality Commission and Diversity Mark’s ‘EDI as part of ESG’ event. As #NotJustForBoys Champions with Women’s TEC, JP Corry has provided site tours and product talks, encouraging young women to consider non-traditional roles.

Impacts and Outcomes

• Achieved a 22% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since the 2019 baseline year
• Reduced waste volumes by 12% compared to the previous year
• Transitioned 44 company cars from diesel to electric or low-emission hybrid models; invested in EV charging infrastructure across four branches and in the homes of colleagues using electric cars; and moved 70% of the forklift fleet from diesel to electric or LPG
• Gained multiple sustainability and diversity recognitions, including CORE – The Standard for Responsible Business (Gold level); NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey (Platinum level); and Diversity Mark NI’s Bronze mark of progress
• Engaged in longstanding charity partnerships with Barnardos, Simon Community, and starting in 2024, Cancer Fund for Children
• Supported groups such as WomensTec, NOW Group, Disability Action and Women in Business
• Conducted employee surveys to tailor health and wellbeing initiatives, resulting in high engagement
• Provided sustenance and heavily discounted insulation to colleagues, aiding with health and cost of living
• Hosted the Supplier TEC event, highly rated by attendees with a 4.8/5 quality of information score.
• Employed 50% of JobStart trainees in 2022/23 and currently facilitating five trainees, with one colleague completing an apprenticeship and another a postgraduate diploma
• Financially supported the BITC Good Food Fund, enabling primary schools to provide breakfast clubs, increasing student attendance and concentration
• Facilitated work placements and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through partnerships with organisations like the NOW Group and Disability Action, resulting in the employment of four staff members

What the Judges said

“JP Corry showed great leadership in all aspects of being a responsible business, reaching out beyond its own industry to influence and make change. The company is honest in its activities and willing to adapt for a greater positive impact.”