The All-Energy event, held annually in Glasgow, Scotland, is the UK’s largest renewable and low-carbon energy exhibition and conference. Taking place on May 14th and 15th, 2025, at the SEC in Glasgow, brings together thousands of professionals, academics and innovators from over 80 countries. This year’s event showcased Scotland’s role as a clean energy leader and offers a platform to engage with the latest advancements in the sector.
George Leslie were in attendance, addressing an audience on our ambitious course towards Net Zero emissions by 2040, placing a strong emphasis on collaborative partnerships across its supply chain. Gavin Pick, Sustainability and Innovation Manager, speaking at the event outlined George Leslies’ journey and its proactive approach to tackling its significant Scope 3 emissions, which account for a staggering 96% of its total carbon footprint.
Founded in 1964, George Leslie has grown from humble beginnings to a business with over £100 million in annual turnover. This growth is now being coupled with a deep commitment to sustainability, evidenced by a 60% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions between 2010 and 2020. However, we recognise that achieving Net Zero targets necessitates a far broader approach, extending beyond its direct operations.
Central to George Leslie’s strategy is a culture of “togetherness”, fostering close collaboration with both internal teams and external partners. This begins at the pre-construction phase, where the firm has established a framework of designers committed to its net zero ambitions. Utilising the PAS 2080 hierarchy (Avoid, Switch, Improve) and our own “Design Proforma,” sustainability considerations are embedded from the outset, ensuring a consistent approach throughout the project lifecycle.
Recognising the potential for “greenwashing,” we undertake rigorous due diligence on new products to verify their environmental benefits before adoption. This cautious yet open-minded approach extends to engagement with the supply chain, a critical area for Scope 3 emissions reduction.
Monthly meetings are held with our key suppliers to discuss a range of issues, including sustainability and innovation. These suppliers are now being asked to provide annual carbon emission figures for relevant items, allowing us to track progress in key emission areas. Furthermore, we actively participate in external ecosystems such as Sustainable Glasgow, broadening knowledge and exploring cross-industry solutions.
A notable example of this togetherness spirit is George Leslie’s involvement in Scotland’s Low Carbon Concrete Collective. Partnering with major infrastructure clients and other contractors, the initiative aims to make low-carbon concrete the default choice, addressing the significant carbon footprint associated with traditional cement production. George Leslie has already gained practical experience in using low-carbon concrete and recycled aggregates, achieving carbon savings of around 75% by repurposing excavated materials.
Efforts to decarbonise steel, another major Scope 3 contributor, are also underway. While initial investigations into alternatives like basalt rebar proved limited, the company is working with its existing supply chain to utilise low-carbon steel produced using Electric Arc Furnaces, potentially achieving carbon reductions of 96% or even higher when coupled with renewable energy sources.
Beyond materials, George Leslie are embracing digital technologies for surveying, machine control, and digital modelling. This not only enhances efficiency and accuracy but also contributes to carbon reduction by optimising design and reducing time on site.
Gavin Pick highlighted the often-overlooked area of site set-ups as a source of significant and relatively easy carbon wins. In 2022, the company began transitioning to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) across its projects, where feasible, achieving an 80% usage rate and saving 1,800 tons of carbon emissions in a single year. Furthermore, a hierarchy of energy use is being implemented on sites, prioritising grid connections, followed by hybrid power solutions using HVO-fuelled generators and battery packs. Collaborations with welfare providers have also led to the adoption of A+ rated “eco cabins” to reduce energy consumption. These initiatives have culminated in the design of standardised, low-carbon site set-up options for delivery teams.
To further drive innovation and collaboration, George Leslie launched its annual Innovation Day in 2023. This event provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase sustainable and novel products to a wide audience, fostering connections and the exchange of ideas across the industry.
George Leslie’s journey underscores the critical role of supply chain engagement in achieving ambitious Net Zero targets. By fostering a culture of collaboration, actively seeking sustainable alternatives, and embracing innovation, demonstrating a tangible pathway for the construction industry to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Our commitment to transparency and knowledge-sharing serves as a valuable blueprint for others striving to decarbonise their operations.
