Impact
LASTING IMPACT BUILT IN.
We’re committed to making a meaningful impact across every project, with a focus on the environment, our people, and the communities we serve.
At Watts & Hughes, sustainability is a journey we’re walking with purpose. Now in our third year, our focus is on understanding where we can make the biggest difference — using accurate data, honest reporting, and collaboration across our people, projects, and partners.
Our approach is built around three pillars: Planet, People, and Prosperity. Each reflects what we value most — caring for our environment, supporting our people, and creating lasting benefits for the communities we work in.
Planet: Building Responsibly
Caring for the environment starts on our sites.
Our Environmental Management Plans are ISO 14001 and Green Star aligned, ensuring every project considers environmental impacts from day one.
We follow a REBRI-aligned waste management approach, focusing on early separation, recycling, and reuse to keep materials out of landfill.
Our strategy is aimed at diverting between 80–90 % of waste on Auckland sites, where recycling infrastructure is stronger, and 50–60 % in regional areas, where services are more limited.
This reflects our practical approach — one based on what’s achievable rather than aspirational numbers.
Our greenhouse gas emissions have been Toitū Envirocare verified for financial years 2022 to 2024, covering Scopes 1–3 for our offices, yards, and sites. Verification for FY 2025 is underway.
We are developing a comprehensive reporting system that will provide visibility of our environmental performance — from carbon and waste to resource use — and will be accessible to both our external partners and our own people who are part of this journey.
We believe in collaboration within the circular economy — working with clients, staff, and subcontractors to reduce waste, reuse materials, and support local initiatives. Across projects, this has included repurposing materials for tiny homes, caretaker sheds, and community gardens, helping extend the life of resources while giving back to others.
People: Supporting Our People and Communities
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. When our staff feel supported, valued, and have opportunities to grow, the whole organisation thrives.
Guided by manaakitanga (care) and kotahitanga (unity), we foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and teamwork across all sites.
We support our people through:
Wellbeing & Mental Health: Access to the MATES in Construction programme and confidential EAP support for staff and families.
Recognition & Fair Pay: Above-median wages, with regular recognition awards and team events.
Training & Growth: Cadetships in Project Management and Quantity Surveying, apprenticeship pathways, mentoring, and ongoing training (e.g. Site Safe, First Aid, leadership, and technical skills).
Equal Opportunity: Promoting diversity, with women in both site and leadership roles.
Family Culture: Building connection through shared meals, celebrations, and community-focused events.
We also work with schools and community groups to run career days, planting initiatives, and site visits—helping young people explore construction pathways and sustainability.
Prosperity: Creating Shared Value
We define prosperity as progress that benefits everyone.
We prioritise local procurement wherever possible and continue to strengthen partnerships with Amotai-registered and community-based suppliers.
Because availability differs between regions, we take a practical, regionally sensitive approach — ensuring opportunities are inclusive and achievable.
Through our SharePoint reporting system, we track subcontractor engagement, apprenticeships, and broader social outcomes to maintain transparency and encourage accountability across all projects.
We believe prosperity also means giving back.
We support a range of community initiatives — from school fundraisers and Trees for Survival to I Am Hope and other mental-health and wellbeing programmes.
We also donate materials for reuse, supporting local clubs, schools, and community projects that help build capability and connection.
Our Ongoing Commitment
We are proud of what we’ve achieved so far, from verified emissions reporting to expanding waste data and community engagement — but we know there’s more to do.
We remain committed to:
• Using verified data to guide decisions
• Embedding sustainable practices on every site
• Supporting the well-being and growth of our people
• Building shared prosperity across Aotearoa
At Watts & Hughes, we’re building better — together.