At Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC, trust is an integral part of our core values and an underlying component of our IRIS core values; (INTEGRITY, RESPECT, INNOVATION, and SUSTAINABILITY), which shapes each aspect of our operations. We believe that delivering on our promises, backed by accurate key performance indicators (KPIs) and independent verification, is the foundation of long-term relationships with our customers, stakeholders, and the wider construction industry.
Independent Assurance: A Commitment to Transparency
Michelmersh is proud to announce that its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy Report, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions data, and key performance indicator (KPI) data and methodologies have received independent assurance from SGS United Kingdom Ltd (SGS). As a globally recognised leader in inspection, testing, and certification services, SGS conducted a rigorous assessment of our ESG disclosures from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024. Michelmersh also underwent a readiness assessment of its first Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report.
The assurance process followed internationally recognised standards—ISAE 3000 (Revised) for assurance engagements and ISAE 3410 for greenhouse gas statements at a limited level—ensuring a thorough assessment. This independent validation underscores our dedication to accountability, reliability, and sustainability leadership within the construction sector.
Key Performance Indicators: Measuring Real Progress
Our KPIs within the verified ESG report highlight measurable progress in crucial sustainability areas, including but not limited to:
- + Reductions in energy and carbon
- + Transition to hybrid/electric vehicle fleets
- + Reductions in packaging, potable water and waste to landfill
- + Increases in product and financial charitable contributions
- + Increases to employee training and mental health awareness training
These KPIs are more than just targets; they reflect the tangible impact of our sustainability initiatives. By committing to accurate, transparent reporting, we ensure that our customers and partners can trust that we are achieving what we set out to do.
Laying The Foundations for A Sustainable Future
Michelmersh is at the forefront of sustainable innovation, continuously exploring ways to reduce our environmental impact. One of our latest initiatives tackles plastic packaging waste by introducing sugarcane-based plastic alternatives. We are adopting bioplastic packaging made from 70% sugarcane polymer and 30% recycled plastic—fully recyclable and carbon-negative.
For every tonne of sugarcane-based polymer produced, we prevent 2.27 net tonnes of carbon emissions, a stark contrast to fossil fuel polymers, which generate 3.1 net tonnes per tonne of plastic. This forward-thinking approach is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Industry Recognition for Decarbonisation Leadership
Michelmersh’s dedication to sustainability has been recognised with the “Decarbonisation Trailblazer” award at the Delivering Net Zero for British Ceramics conference. Our pioneering HyBrick project, which successfully trialled 100% green hydrogen to fire bricks, has set a new industry benchmark for reducing embodied carbon and showcasing a future process for the sector to decarbonise.
This world-first hydrogen trial demonstrated the feasibility of using green hydrogen within a clay brick kiln, marking a significant step forward in decarbonising brick manufacturing. By leading the way in industry transformation, we reinforce our promise to create sustainable, responsible products for the built environment.
Certified Excellence: A Guarantee of Quality
Trust is built on consistency, and our customers can rely on Michelmersh’s products to meet high industry standards.
The Michelmersh Group is dedicated to supplying UK-manufactured products from factories that are certified to high industry standards. These include BES 6001 for Responsible Sourcing, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, ISO 50001 for Energy Management, and ISO 9001 for Quality Management. Currently, Blockleys, Carlton, Freshfield Lane, Michelmersh, and Hathern Terra Cotta all meet these rigorous standards. FabSpeed is already certified to ISO 9001 and is on track to achieve ISO 50001 certification in May. Additionally, all FabSpeed Cladding Systems, including the Cladmate CMS40, hold BBA certification, while FabSpeed Brick Specials are certified by KIWA.
All Floren.be products are certified to the Belgian BENOR standard, offering reassurance that each product has passed strict in-house quality controls, verified and overseen by an independent external inspection body. In addition, Floren holds the BSB environmental certificate, demonstrating compliance with environmental standards. Floren also holds a UK BBA certificate for factory production control, enabling the use of the CE mark.
Michelmersh is also a three-star member of the Brick Development Association (BDA)’s Brick Quality Charter, with applicants required to demonstrate compliance with, and adherence to, a range of internationally recognised CAPs, including Responsible Sourcing Systems (BES 6001), Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) and modern anti-slavery policy and procedures.
Delivering on Our Promises
At Michelmersh, we understand that trust must be earned. By ensuring our ESG strategy and data are independently verified, our sustainability KPIs performance is accurate, and our innovations aim to lead to real-world impact, we are delivering on our commitment to customers, partners, and the industry. Through transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, Michelmersh is setting the benchmark for responsible manufacturing—proving that we not only say what we aim to achieve, but we truly achieve it.
