CIOB chartered company Henry Brothers takes seriously its responsibility to both people and planet. Nicky Roger talks to CR director Ian Henry MBE about keeping business, sustainability and community at its core.
Nearly five decades after it built its foundations in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, Henry Brothers has grown into one of the UK’s leading construction contractors.
The family-owned business now works from five offices across Northern Ireland, England and Scotland, with a reputation for delivering excellence in controlled operational environments including education, blue light, industrial, government, healthcare and defence industries.
Despite its wide geographic reach, one principle knits the company together – building together responsibly for people and planet.
“Our ethos has always been to work hard and get the job done, but underneath that determination are our core values, guiding us through every business decision we make,” corporate responsibility (CR) director Ian Henry says.
“Good building shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment, and we’re committed to conducting our business responsibly whilst making a positive impact within our communities.
Sustainability isn’t just a slogan – it’s a measurable and attainable goal that our projects are founded on
“Sustainability isn’t just a slogan – it’s a measurable and attainable goal that our projects are founded on.”
This dedication was recognised when Henry Brothers became one of only two companies in Northern Ireland to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2024.
“Our sustainable approach to construction sets us apart, acting as a benchmark for how we can create buildings that are future-proofed and suitable for generations to come,” Henry continues.
“Sustainable practices have been at the heart of our operations for nearly three decades now – long before they were a mandatory requirement – and we continue to make a conscious effort to minimise our environmental impact while maximising positive social and business outcomes.”
The journey to net zero
At the heart of Henry Brothers’ sustainable approach is its Journey to Net Zero strategy, in which it aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) by 2% every year for nine years, effectively halving its GHG emissions by 2030 and eradicating them by 2050.
“Through investment into a number of innovative solutions, such as sourcing 100% renewable energy, utilising LED lighting and upgrading our company car fleet to fully electric or hybrid vehicles, we were able to cut our footprint in 2024 by 85 t CO₂e – 20 tonnes ahead of target,” Henry says.
“Of course, we know we can’t do it alone.
“We have taken a partnership approach that involves working with not only our subcontractors and suppliers but our main competitors in Northern Ireland, putting our company slogan – Altogether Stronger – into practice.”
Building for the future
Henry Brothers delivered its first net zero project in 2022, a £4.4m nursery and forest school at Staffordshire University.
The single-storey timber-frame building is highly energy-efficient and airtight, using REHAU earth tubes – the first of its kind for a Henry Brothers build – and air source heat pumps, in addition to roof-mounted solar PV to offset carbon emissions.
“Our first net-zero project had its challenges, but we were able to overcome them to create a truly spectacular building that combines the very best in innovation, expertise and quality,” Henry adds.
“Building on our learnings and successes, we then achieved Passivhaus Classic accreditation for SportPark Pavilion 4 at Loughborough University, a rare example of this being awarded to a commercial project.”
Perhaps its most technically ambitious project, the four-storey extension demands up to 70% less energy than a conventional equivalent, thanks to a fabric-first approach, meticulous air sealing, triple glazing and a full-roof PV array.
“Passivhaus forces you to rethink everything,” says Henry. “It’s not about adding on green tech at the end – it’s about designing out waste and inefficiency from the first line of the brief. It took an incredible team effort to hit those standards, and it’s a real blueprint for what net-zero-ready buildings should look like.”
Most recently, Henry Brothers completed The Soldiers’ Centre at Alexander Barracks, Pirbright, Surrey – an £11m glulam-framed wellbeing hub built on a live Ministry of Defence (MoD) training base.
The build, which was the first of its kind for the MoD, combines passive solar design with roof-mounted PV and enhanced airtightness – all contributing to an Excellent rating under the Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM).
A safety-first mindset
Alongside its green ambitions, the health, safety, and welfare of Henry Brothers’ people is priority.
“Ongoing training, active engagement in industry safety forums and a culture of shared responsibility underpins our approach,” claims Henry.
Henry Bros fact file
Number of employees: Henry Brothers has over 200 direct employees based across Northern Ireland, England and Scotland.
Turnover: £92.2m
Date company established: Jim Henry first set up the small construction business in 1976. Later in 1986, it then became known as the Henry Brothers.
Its Health & Safety Committee reports directly to the board, while membership of Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Construction Employers Federation (CEF), Considerate Constructors Scheme and Safety Schemes in Procurement keeps the company aligned with best practice.
It’s this approach that has earned the company 10 consecutive RoSPA Gold Awards, which celebrate organisations that demonstrate unwavering dedication to protecting lives and promoting a culture of safety across their operations.
“This is a significant achievement and reflects the continued commitment, diligence and professionalism of our staff and supply chain in maintaining a safe working environment.”
Strength in professionalism
Henry Brothers also became a CIOB company member – a move Henry believes adds real value across the board.
“Being a CIOB chartered company gives our clients confidence. They know we are committed to professional standards, that we understand the implications of new legislation such as the Building Safety Act and that we’re always pushing to improve.”
It’s also a major asset when it comes to talent development.
“We want to attract and retain the best people – especially early-career professionals. CIOB membership gives them a recognised pathway to chartership and helps us build a workforce with the right values and skills for the future.”
