Robertson Group awarded Sustainable Markets Initiative 2023 Terra Carta Seal

Robertson, one of the largest family-owned construction, infrastructure and support services businesses in the UK, has become the first company founded in Scotland to achieve this prestigious recognition, and is one of 17 global companies to be recognised in 2023. 

It is awarded to companies which have demonstrated the success of a high-impact, large scale company-wide project, initiative or strategy which aligns with one or more of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s (SMI) ten Terra Carta Articles. The Articles underpin the Terra Carta, the SMI’s guiding mandate which provides a roadmap and framework to accelerate the transition to an ambitious and sustainable future, placing Nature, People and Planet at the heart of global value creation. Robertson became a founding signatory when the Terra Catra was launched in 2021.

Becoming one of the first UK businesses in the built environment to achieve carbon neutrality in 2018, Robertson has demonstrated strong carbon reduction leadership within its sector, reducing emissions intensity by 63% before achieving ‘climate positive’ status through offsetting, well ahead of its 2030 target of achieving Net Zero.

As a responsible business, Robertson is recognised by UN (United Nations) Climate Neutral Now for carbon initiatives and holds Platinum status from Zero Waste Scotland for the steps it has taken to use energy, water and raw materials more efficiently throughout operations. The business is also a signatory of the Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS) Plant Charter, with gold level membership, embedding minimum standards to ensure it hires the most efficient plant available to continuously reduce operational emissions across the UK. 

Robertson  submitted work that promoted the breadth and scope of its different initiatives and projects. These projects include the hosting of Carbon Literacy training for its employees, educating them to make better environmental decisions within the context of their role, as well as its company car fleet being 60%+ EV, along with all future orders as part of its Net Zero Fleet approach.  

Robertson joins 16 other companies spanning multiple geographies and industries to be awarded the 2023 Terra Carta Seal. They include:

•             Airbus

•             Carbon Clean

•             CDPQ

•             DLA Piper

•             EY 

•             Haier Smart Home

•             Hitachi

•             Lanza Tech

•             Novartis

•             Orange

•             Ping An Bank

•             Pollination

•             ReNew

•             Siemens Energy

•             Soneva

•             Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO, Sustainable Markets Initiative, said: “The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Seal recognises those companies which are taking great strides in delivering real-world outcomes. As we stand on the eve of COP28, public, private sector and philanthropic actors will come together at the inaugural Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum to bridge the gap between ambition and action.  It is examples exemplified by the 2023 Terra Carta Seal winners that are helping to inspire and lead the way.”  

Elliot Robertson, CEO, Robertson Group, said: “Being recognised by the SMI as actively leading the charge to create a climate and nature-positive future is an honour. As a climate positive company, we have an instrumental role in championing the principles set out in the Terra Carta whilst continuing to embed sustainable practices within our industry. 

“Since its founding, Robertson has been committed to being socially, economically and environmentally responsible. Becoming the first company in Scotland to be awarded the Terra Carta Seal reinforces the commitment we have made as we progress safely towards assuring a sustainable future.”

Launched at COP26 by His Majesty King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, and designed by Sir John Ive, the Terra Carta Seal embodies the vision and ambition of HM King Charles III and the Terra Carta, as a recovery plan for Nature, People and Planet. Since its inception, the SMI has awarded its coveted Seal to just 83 companies globally. 

For the first time this year, the judging process involved independent, external partners Verdantixand the Expert Review Panel, who worked together to assess the eligibility and impact of each nominated project against recognised global sustainability criteria. 

David Metcalfe, CEO, Verdantix, said: “We are privileged to work with the Sustainable Markets Initiative, contributing our expertise in independent evaluation to the judging process. We take great pride in being an integral part of this esteemed global initiative, alongside a distinguished and diverse panel of experts. Together, we are dedicated to acknowledging and applauding the companies who lead the way in demonstrating their commitment to creating a sustainable future.”