Robertson has cut its operational carbon intensity by more than 85% compared with its original 2014/15 reporting baseline, according to the group's 2025–26 environmental, social and governance (ESG) report.
The latest report also shows 8,292 lives enhanced since 2020 through employment, work placements, apprenticeships, qualifications and mentoring, moving towards a target of 10,000 by 2030. In 2025–26 alone, Robertson recorded 1,663 lives enhanced, including support for 772 apprentices on its projects, 229 work experience placements, 92 people from disadvantaged backgrounds moved into new employment, and 360 people who completed formal qualifications.
Operational carbon intensity — measured as tonnes of carbon per £1 million of turnover — fell by 16.7% year on year. The report cites fleet decarbonisation, lower-carbon site set-ups, renewable electricity tariffs and improved energy management as key drivers, alongside a shift towards refurbishment, retrofit and decarbonisation projects. The year-on-year comparison uses the 2020 reporting scope, while the 85% reduction is reported against the original 2014/15 scope.
The business is targeting zero emissions from offices, fleet and construction sites within its operational control by 2030. In parallel, its Carbon Footprint+ programme assesses wider supply chain emissions using spend-based estimates supplemented with supplier- and product-specific data.
Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: "As a family-owned business with a long-term outlook, we believe that success should be measured not only by what we deliver, but by the legacy we leave behind.
"Our Responsible Business strategy provides the framework for that ambition and remains central to how we operate, how we make decisions and how we define success."
The report details growing efforts to help people overcome barriers to employment through partnerships with education providers, employability organisations and community groups. Working with Bradford College and local employability partners, Robertson adapted its Ideal Candidate programme for young adults facing barriers to work; two participants secured roles and 12 progressed into further education, while the programme also created work experience placements on the Airedale Hospital project.
A new partnership with MCR Pathways is providing mentoring, work experience and career insight opportunities for young people experiencing disadvantage. Robertson has also extended Ideal Candidate into prison settings, offering employability workshops, careers advice and training to support a successful transition into work.
The report also highlights work by Robertson Facilities Management (RFM) with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. In addition to maintaining 600 buildings, RFM has supported the installation, repair and maintenance of publicly accessible defibrillators, with 26 units installed or repaired to date.
During 2025–26, Robertson spent £323.4 million within 40 miles of its projects — 66% of reported spend — and £370.7 million with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), representing 76%. It also donated more than £600,000 to local communities through cash contributions, in-kind support and materials.
Since 2020, the business has generated £1.42 billion in equivalent social value through activities such as employment and skills initiatives and spending with local businesses, SMEs and social enterprises. It surpassed its original £1 billion target in 2024–25, five years ahead of schedule.
Looking ahead, priorities include developing skills, improving supply chain carbon data and rolling out Social Impact+, a framework designed to help supply chain partners increase their social impact.
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