McAvoy advances circular economy goals through partnership with A Good Thing

At McAvoy, sustainability is embedded throughout our entire operations, from design and manufacturing through to the reusability of fleet and recyclability of materials. As part of our commitment to reducing waste and maximising resource efficiency, we have partnered with A Good Thing to ensure surplus materials are reused where they can create lasting value within local communities.

Since becoming a supporter of A Good Thing in November 2025, McAvoy has successfully redistributed a wide range of surplus construction materials from projects across South Wales, Northern Ireland, Peterborough and Northumbria. Donations have included plastic wrapping, metal cladding, wooden pallets, windows, doors and glass panels, helping to extend the life of valuable resources while reducing waste.

Supporting circular economy principles

Our partnership with A Good Thing supports McAvoy’s ambition to move further up the waste hierarchy by prioritising reuse and embracing circular economy principles. By finding new applications for surplus materials, we are maximising their value and reducing the environmental impact associated with disposal.

Today, 99% of waste generated across McAvoy’s operations is diverted from landfill, reflecting our ongoing commitment to responsible resource management and our long-term goal of eliminating waste altogether.

Ryan Gillett, Head of Safety, Health and Environment at McAvoy, said:

“A Good Thing aligns closely with our sustainability objectives, providing a practical and effective route for material reuse while supporting our wider ESG commitments. It enables us to ensure surplus materials continue to deliver value beyond the project lifecycle, benefiting communities while reducing waste.”

Supporting a broader sustainability strategy

The partnership forms part of a wider programme of environmental and social initiatives that underpin McAvoy’s sustainability strategy.

Now in our fifth year of carbon reporting, we continue to measure and monitor Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions and are working towards our target of achieving a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

Key initiatives supporting this journey include:

• Sourcing 100% renewable electricity for head office operations.
• Transitioning our onsite generators to lower-carbon fuel alternatives, including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and biodiesel.
• Continuously reviewing waste management processes and exploring industrial symbiosis opportunities.
• Supporting charities, community groups and Men’s Sheds organisations through the donation of surplus materials.
• Developing of our ESG Strategy to guide long-term sustainability objectives and performance.

Our commitment to responsible construction has also been recognised through the Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Awards, where McAvoy received Bronze Awards in both 2024 and 2025.

Designing for reuse

A key advantage of offsite manufacturing is its ability to support circular economy principles from the outset. Buildings can be designed for disassembly, relocation and adaptation, enabling them to be reused across multiple projects and extending their operational lifespan.

Ryan Gillett added:

“Modular construction naturally supports waste minimisation and resource efficiency. Our buildings are designed with adaptability and reuse in mind, allowing them to be relocated, reconfigured and repurposed throughout their lifecycle. One of our modular buildings is currently in its eighth deployment, having originally been used during the London 2012 Olympic Games.”

Driving industry-wide change

The growing focus on sustainability across the construction sector is creating new opportunities to accelerate circular economy practices and improve environmental performance.

Sarah Bradley, Head of Marketing and Communications at McAvoy, commented:

“Our rental model is built around reuse. Buildings can be removed, reconfigured and relocated, allowing the same asset to serve multiple clients, projects and sectors throughout its lifetime. At the same time, public sector procurement is increasingly prioritising whole-life value, carbon reduction and circular economy principles, encouraging greater innovation and collaboration across the industry.”

While construction has historically faced challenges around sustainability, significant progress is being made across the sector.

Ryan concluded:

“There is a strong industry-wide focus on ESG performance and sustainability. We are seeing greater standardisation of components, improved material tracking and an increased emphasis on designing for adaptability and future reuse. Sustainability is integral to how we operate and central to delivering long-term value for our clients, communities and the environment.”