Businesses signed up to WorldGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment (the Commitment) take action and advocate for better built environments for everyone, everywhere. These businesses understand that they have a role to play in the decarbonisation of our global built environments and the articles below are a brief snapshot into the impactful work being done by signatories of the Commitment.
Arup has updated its Net Zero Plan and is committed to becoming a science based net zero business by 2040. The new goal is 10 years ahead of its Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) goal. In 2024, Arup had already achieved an 86% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and is on track for a 29.5% cut in Scope 3 emissions from its 2019 baseline, even despite operational growth.
Arup is making the necessary changes to accelerate decarbonisation like sourcing 100% renewable electricity for all its properties, investing in carbon levy funds for projects like rooftop solar installations. The business is also transitioning its offices away from gas heating with plans to retrofit or exit all gas heated buildings by 2030.
Read more about Arup’s work here.
Hibernia’s Harcourt Square is one of the first buildings in Europe to install a 100% recycled aluminium façade. This is a huge step forward in sustainable manufacturing and circularity. Projects like this align with Hibernia’s aspirations of Transforming Dublin Responsibly and with the business’s ESG commitment to net zero carbon and climate resilience.
The recycled aluminium façade used on the building consumes 95% less energy than producing new aluminium. Hibernia is committed to providing spaces that prioritise environment, health and wellbeing.
Read more about Hibernia’s work here.
JLL has achieved operational net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions across 14 offices in Australia and New Zealand. This was achieved six years ahead of its 2030 target!
To achieve this, the business improved its energy efficiency and purchased renewable electricity. Globally, 37% of JLL’s offices use renewable electricity, with a 35% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2018. Additionally, 60% of JLL offices over 10,000 square feet hold green building certifications, with a goal of reaching 100% by 2030. JLL is committed to achieving its sustainability goals.
Read more about JLL’s work here.
Frasers Property’s released its tenth ESG report in 2024 which highlights its notable achievements. The business also raised approximately $6.2 billion through 20 sustainable financing transactions and engaged 47% of their suppliers by spend on their Responsible Sourcing Policy while also developing a comprehensive Climate and Nature Transition Plan.
Additionally, 54% of the business’s owned and asset managed properties are either green-certified or pursuing green certification.
Read more about Fraser Property’s work here.
Buro Happold released its 2024 ESG Report which highlights many of the business’s achievements like being named as one of the top ten building decarbonisation consulting providers in the 2024 decarbonisation consulting report.
The business is continuing with its decarbonisation efforts and aims to reduce absolute GHG emissions by 21% by FY2025 against its FY2020 baseline. Buro Happold will also source 100% renewable electricity by the same year.
Read more about Buro Happold’s work here.
The Crown Estate is working with gs8, igloo Regeneration, and TOWN to explore cutting-edge solutions to better understand the challenges and opportunities of building homes to quality standards in the UK. Together, these businesses will deliver 200 homes across three different sites: Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Cheshire.
The housing demonstration projects aim to address challenges such as the affordability crisis and lack of innovation in housing design. By working with SMEs, The Crown Estate can explore new commercial models and building capacity for smaller developers to deliver sustainable housing at scale across the country, while exploring new building materials, construction methods and technologies. The developments aim for a minimum 15% biodiversity net gain, on-site renewable energy generation, and alignment with the Passivhaus standard, which promotes healthy and energy efficient living.
