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Construction and engineering giant hails milestones as 'step forward' in its commitment to reducing absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90 per cent by 2045
Sir Robert McAlpine has slashed its core business emissions by more than 70 per cent over the past four years, in addition to cutting its value chain emissions in half over the same period, the construction and engineering company announced last week.
The firm said it achieved a 71 per cent reduction in its operational Scopes 1 and 2 emissions last year, compared to a 2020 baseline, while also cutting its Scope 3 value chain emissions by 54 per cent over the same time frame.
The company revealed the results last week in its 2023 sustainability report, adding that these achievements mean it is on track to reduce its absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90 per cent by 2045 – a goal validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) last year. The firm claims it is one of the first in the UK's construction and infrastructure sector to have secured validation from the SBTi for its net zero targets.
It company said it had slashed its internal business emissions largely by investing in Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) backed tariffs, as well as the replacement of carbon-intensive diesel with transition fuel Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for various forms of transport and on-site construction machinery.
For its supply chain, the company said it also achieved a "significant reduction" in emissions associated with purchased goods and services, which account for 91 per cent of its overall emissions, it said.
To ensure it remains on track to meet its net zero target – which encompasses all material emission sources, including the emissions in its supply chain - Sir Robert McAlpine said it "remains committed" to reducing absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90 per cent by 2045.
Elsewhere, the report highlights that the firm achieved a 9.5 per cent reduction in absolute construction waste last year, including a 99 per cent diversion of resources from landfill. That came alongside 95 per cent "responsible sourcing" of materials, supported by more than 40 supply chain framework agreements, according Sir Robert McAlpine.
"I am pleased to report encouraging progress against our sustainability strategy as we continue to focus on ensuring sustainability is built into our everyday decision making," said Simon Richards, sustainability director at Sir Robert McAlpine.
"We have made great progress this year, embedding the necessary controls, assurance, and expertise organisation-wide to drive improved performance. As we look ahead, we need to acknowledge the challenges we face in areas like waste reduction, but alongside our supply chain partner, we look forward to building upon the momentum that we've generated so far."
You can now sign up to attend the fifth annual Net Zero Festival, which will be hosted by BusinessGreen on October 22-23 at the Business Design Centre in London.
