Sir Robert McAlpine has today (19 February) unveiled a new sustainability strategy with an overarching aim to transition to net-zero emissions between 2020 and 2024. While the details of the carbon reduction strategy are yet to be fleshed out, and whether offsets will be utilised, the new commitment will focus on carbon reduction initiatives and year-on-year progress that will be validated by the Carbon Trust.
The strategy also commits to a year-on-year reduction of construction waste by applying closed-loop principles, collaboration and offsite construction to the delivery of projects.
Sir Robert McAlpine has also committed to increasing the transparency of its supply chains to ensure ethical and responsible sourcing practices that minimise the impact on the environment.
In addition, the company will form a partnership with the Social Profit Calculator to measure a year-on-year increase of positive social value on local communities across the company’s operations.
Sir Robert McAlpine’s head of sustainability Simon Richards said: “As individuals, we are passionate about the work that we do and delivering quality projects for our clients, yet the impact that our industry has on the environment and society cannot be ignored, Climate Change being a prime example.
“It is collectively our responsibility to address this, and this strategy gives our people and projects a framework to do so proactively and collaboratively with our supply chain partners and the wider construction industry. We all have a role to play, our strategy emphasises our skills and expertise to take up the challenge and lead on embedding change, making a meaningful, lasting difference.”
As of 2016, almost 85% of the company’s key building materials were responsibly sourced, while more than 96% of construction waste was diverted from landfill.
The company was previously targeting a 10% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions per £m managed turnover against 2008 baseline and recorded a 16% reduction in 2016.
The company notably worked on Bloomberg’s headquarters in London, which, at the time, achieved the highest BREEAM design-stage score by a major office development. Read a case study of the building here.
Sir Robert McAlpine’s sustainability manager Tom King is a member of edie’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2019 – a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Read Tom’s profile here.
Matt Mace