holcim uk sustaina-billboard aims to feed local wildlife

So, while it looks in perfect condition now, by the end of April, only the frame – which was created using low-carbon concrete and recycled aggregates from building materials and solutions provider Holcim UK – will remain.

It is covered with hundreds of pollinator-loving plants, flowers and seeds, as well as completely edible nut husk bird feeders to entice local wildlife and provide a natural habitat for insects and other species.

The nature-friendly billboard was created to mark Aggregate Industries’ rebrand to Holcim UK, with the business adopting the brand from its parent company, The Holcim Group – a global leader in sustainable construction that operates in 70 countries across the world.

Alongside the billboard, the brand also commissioned research of 2,000 adults to find out the nation’s attitudes towards sustainability.

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The findings revealed a quarter of adults don’t know how to incorporate sustainability into their daily lives, despite knowing its importance.

And while 65 per cent wish they considered it more, 18 per cent find it difficult because they don’t physically see the results of their actions.

Lee Sleight, CEO at Holcim UK said: “It’s clear from our research that while many people recognise the importance of sustainability, there is a still a gap in understanding around how to integrate it into daily life.”

“Making sustainable construction a reality is at the heart of our UK strategy, so as one part of the rebrand we wanted to launch a campaign that highlights our commitment to this goal, and gets more people talking and thinking about sustainability.

“Not only does our Sustaina-billboard use low carbon and recycled materials, it also
helps to encourage biodiversity and wildlife – something which plays a key part in our mission to build greener, more sustainable communities now and for generations to come.

“Advocating for nature and the protection of UK habitats is a crucial part of this work, and we are committed to creating dedicated places for nature across more than 200 of our sites by the end of this year.”

The study found that only 41 per cent of the population think UK towns and cities are currently built sustainably, despite 82 per cent believing there should be more access to green spaces across the country.

Better air quality (87 per cent), attracting nature (77 per cent) and improving mental and physical health (76 per cent) were cited as the top benefits of having more access to green spaces.

While the positives are clear, 39 per cent only ‘sometimes’ actively make sustainable choices in their daily life, with recycling, reducing food waste, and cutting down on plastic the top three practices they follow.

And overall, 48 per cent only rate their knowledge as ‘average’ when it comes to sustainability.

Financial savings (34 per cent) would be the biggest motivator for people to incorporate sustainability into their lives more, followed by environmental impact (33 per cent) and health benefits (23 per cent).

And 53 per cent believe easier access to sustainable options would encourage more to live greener lives, while half feel increased awareness and education would help.

When it comes to who the responsibility lies with for sustainability, 56 per cent believe it’s down to individuals – but 69 per cent think it’s down to the government.

Over half (54 per cent) believe responsibility lies with global or national businesses.

While eight in 10 of those polled, via OnePoll.com, reckon companies should be more transparent about their sustainability policies.

According to the survey, energy, manufacturing, and fashion are believed to be the top three industries people think could be more environmentally friendly. Just under half of those polled (45 per cent) believed the construction industry should be more sustainable.

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Lee Sleight added: “As Holcim we’re on a journey to make sustainable construction a reality across the length and breadth of the UK.

“The research findings prove we need to make sustainability more accessible, practical, and visible for everyone. We’re on course to be a zero emissions company before 2050 and a key aim is that turnover from our sustainable products will continue to grow year on year.

“As well as empowering individuals and businesses to take meaningful steps towards a greener future - because every action, no matter how small, will make a difference."

Holcim UK is a leading provider of sustainable building solutions, supplying the construction industry with a range of low carbon and circular products.

To find out more about Holcim UK, and the Sustaina-billboard, visit www.holcim.co.uk