Galliford Try has pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions across its own operations by 2030, and across all activities by 2045 at the latest.
The group said it had committed to achieving a verifiable science-based target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In doing so, it has joined the Business Ambition to limit global warming to 1.5°C and the UN-backed campaign Race to Zero.
Galliford Try said it had already reduced carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 62% from 2012 to 2020. The business has voluntarily reported its direct greenhouse gas emissions since 2012 and had them verified to ISO 14064-1, an international standard for the reporting and removal of greenhouse gas emissions that contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for Climate Action.
Its emissions cuts have been as a result of a focus on the areas that contribute to the majority of its own emissions, including:
- Using renewable energy sources, where possible, for permanent offices and supporting electric vehicle use with charging points at its workplaces.
- Encouraging the use of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, which currently represent 36% of the total vehicle fleet.
- Promoting the use of electric and alternatively-fuelled plant on sites.
- Earlier grid connections to minimise diesel use on projects.
- Operating an Agile Working policy since 2018 and maximising the use of technology to reduce travel.
Bill Hocking, chief executive of Galliford Try, said: “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face as a society and we are determined to play our part in minimising our own carbon footprint and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the buildings, infrastructure and services we provide. We are already well-progressed on our carbon journey and are working with clients and suppliers to achieve Net Zero carbon ahead of the UK’s target date. We are leading the way with research projects such as the re-engineering and analysis of our Optimum Schools solution that has allowed us to benchmark and provide solutions that reduce both operational and embodied carbon. This capability enables us to offer our clients carbon advice across the lifecycle of any project in our chosen sectors, working closely with our aligned supply chain partners, innovators and clients.
“We are pleased to have made this latest step on our carbon journey and we look forward to delivering on our ambitions.”
