UK's largest housebuilder announces new science-based carbon reduction targets
The country's largest housebuilder, Barratt Developments, says it has become the first housebuilder to announce new science-based targets for reducing carbon emissions. It claims the targets are in line with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5oC, needed to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.
Barratt has committed to reduce its direct carbon emissions from its business operations (such as offices, sites, and show homes) by 29% by 2025. It will cut its indirect carbon emissions (such as those coming from its homes over their lifetime and from across its supply chain) by 11% by 2030.
Barratt points out it has already worked hard to reduce its carbon emissions – since 2015 it has achieved a 22% fall in emissions. Initiatives such as improving plant efficiency and rolling out energy efficient lighting have all driven carbon emissions savings.
Barratt will cut direct emissions through initiatives such as reducing diesel use across its vehicles and plant.
In addition, by building more energy efficient homes, using modern building methods with lower levels of embodied carbon and working with the government on the upcoming Future Homes Standard, Barratt will cut its indirect carbon emissions. Its supply chain is critical to the delivery of a low carbon future and Barratt will be working with them to deliver on its ambitions.
Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive of the UK Green Building Council, said: "As the country's largest housebuilder Barratt is taking a very positive step by being the first major housebuilder to publicly set science-based targets for reducing carbon emissions. It's vital that companies take responsibility for their impacts and how they operate as businesses. We would like to see many more do it, building on the 30% of FTSE companies that have some form of science-based target."
David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments, said: "Setting ambitious emission reduction targets is vital if we are going to reduce our impact and safeguard our environment. We believe every business needs to take responsibility to tackle climate change which is why we are the first UK housebuilder to announce science-based targets in line with our commitment to be the country's leading national sustainable housebuilder."
·Further information on Barratt Developments' future facing goals, ambitions and priority United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are available to download by clicking Sustainability Framework 2020+
