Multiplex Europe has emissions reduction goal approved by SBTi

The firm will also encourage its supply chain partners to set their own carbon targets and create reduction strategies

Multiplex Europe, the construction firm behind huge London developments including 100 Bishopsgate, has today (25 February) announced that its submission to the SBTi has been approved.

In August 2018, Multiplex Europe committed to reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. As well as having this goal approved by the SBTi, the construction firm will also target 100% renewable electricity use in Europe by 2020.

The SBTi, which consists of representatives from CDP, UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and WWF, review the targets externally before approving.

“Congratulations to Multiplex Construction on having their emissions reduction targets validated by the SBTi,” CDP’s director of science-based targets and renewable energy Alberto Carrillo Pineda said.

“By setting targets that align with global efforts to prevent the most dangerous effects of global warming, Multiplex are future-proofing their operations and priming themselves to thrive during the transition to a zero-carbon future.”

Multiplex Europe has become one of the first UK contractors to have emissions targets recognized by the SBTi. The firm will also encourage its supply chain partners to set their own carbon targets and create reduction strategies.

1.5C trajectory

Approval of Multiplex’s target comes just days after the SBTi unveiled new measures designed to help more businesses align their emissions targets with the Paris Agreement’s most ambitious trajectory of 1.5C.

In the wake of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) landmark report on climate change, the body announced it will publish an update to its target validation criteria in April, in a bid to encourage more businesses to set ambitious carbon reduction aims in line with a 1.5C pathway.

Since its formation in 2015, the SBTi has approved the carbon reduction targets of more than 160 companies, with the likes of home improvement retailer Kingfisher and sportswear brand Asics among the latest firms to have their 2C goals rubber-stamped.  

A further 350 companies have pledged to set approved targets within the next two years, including confectionary giant Hershey Company, which announced this commitment last month. In total, more than 800 firms have publicly voiced their support for the SBTi.

edie’s sustainable built environment webinar

Sustainability experts from Willmott Dixon and Mace Group are set to take part in an one-hour webinar on Wednesday 6 March which will explore the various business drivers, challenges and opportunities facing low-carbon, resource-efficient construction.

The one-hour webinar session, taking place at 2pm (UK time) on Wednesday 6 March, will cover some of the exclusive findings and best-practice case studies contained within edie’s upcoming Mission Possible sector insight report, which will explore the future of sustainability in construction. 

—REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR HERE —

Matt Mace