ESG

We put sustainable and responsible practices at the heart of what we do.

This helps us ensure that we are accountable for our actions and responsible for the impact our development projects have on individuals, communities and the environment.

Looking at our work across the pillars of Environment, Social and Governance shows how we are are building resilience and sustainability in Africa, as we continue #BuildingBrighterFutures in Zambia:

We are committed to continually improving our environmental performance and reducing our environmental impact. This is a fundamental part of our business strategy.

It is a priority to encourage our contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and partners to do the same. Not only is this sound commercial sense for all, it is our duty of care for future generations and sustainability across Zambia and Africa. 

We incorporate many principles of bioclimatic design into our construction projects. Where possible we limit the use of high-energy materials, and use locally sourced materials to reduce environment and financial costs – find out more about our approach to Sustainable Design.

 

We create opportunities for young people and their communities in Zambia through skills training and essential community development projects.

Skills training reduces poverty by giving our trainees the potential to earn a better living, enjoy greater economic resilience and provide practical skills to their community. This is borne out by our annual impact studiesOur community build projects helps to bring essential services to disadvantaged communities.

Our work aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals to build a more sustainable future for all:

SDG 1: No poverty

SDG 4: Quality education

SDG 5: Gender equality

SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

We recognise our duty of care for the welfare and safety of the young people and vulnerable communities we work with. We take our responsibility very seriously in promoting safeguarding practices.

As active members of the Zambian construction sector, we are committed to promoting the highest standards of Health and Safety through our training and our community build projects.

Our staff are passionate about creating new opportunities for young people, their families and their communities. We actively encourage diversity amongst our workforce and our volunteers recognising the value each individual can bring. We operate a zero tolerance policy to any form of discrimination.

We are driven by our values of Empowerment, Excellence, Courage and Collaboration.

Build It is led by experienced Boards in Zambia and in the UK. The relationship between the two Boards is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding. Some duties are Zambia or UK specific, but we work together on strategy and policy matters. We are committed to conducting all of our business in an honest and ethical manner, and have a zero-tolerance approach to bribery.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented level of disruption across the world. Organisations with agile and transparent systems have been able to adapt and reshape.

Our income has been impacted by the pandemic but as a prudently managed charity, we have maintained financial stability.

We have been able to adapt our work to respond to the crisis, with innovations including our distance-learning programme and our Safe Hands initiative.