Deeside based Redrow sets ambitious target to achieve Net Zero

Deeside housebuilder Redrow has announced an ambitious commitment to achieving science-based net-zero emissions by no later than 2050 across its own operations, the homes it builds, and the operations within its supply chain.

The Ewloe based business has signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Corporate Net-Zero Standard, the world’s first framework for corporate net-zero target setting in line with climate science.

SBTi includes the guidance, criteria, and recommendations companies need to set science-based net-zero targets consistent with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

It is a collaboration between the Carbon Disclosure Project, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Redrow has said it has made “solid progress” in reducing its carbon footprint in recent years.

More efficient use of diesel fuel on-site resulted in a 14% reduction in emissions in the past year and from July 2021, all plots, show homes and site compounds have been supplied by 100% Green certificated electricity.

On top of that, together with its supply partners, the business has trials underway to explore the efficacy of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a biodegradable non-toxic fuel that has the potential to replace diesel across all of their construction operations.

Redrow sees committing to limiting warming to 1.5⁰C as a “vital next step in tackling the climate crisis.”

While the goal set at the Paris Agreement was to limit global warming to well below 2⁰C, there is now a consensus that businesses and society need to go much further, and Redrow has committed to a 1.5⁰C target in line with that evidence.

Matthew Pratt, Group Chief Executive at Redrow, said: “Playing our part in tackling the climate emergency is a key priority and Redrow will set ambitious science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions across our whole business.”

“We will set a long-term target to reach net zero emissions no later than 2050 and importantly we will also be setting interim targets for both our direct and indirect emissions, and these will be consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.”

“No one has all the answers today, but it’s vital that we all do everything we can, and making ambitious, far-reaching commitments and holding ourselves to account is an essential part of that. We look forward to collaborating with our partners and supply chain to deliver these goals.”

Dominic Burbridge, Director at Carbon Trust said: “We are pleased to be supporting Redrow as they strengthen their commitment to carbon reduction and plan the next phase of their climate change strategy.”

“It is encouraging to see them making such a bold pledge and building on the progress they’ve made in recent years.”

Redrow is working with its supply chain partners to develop homes that will be ready for the Future Homes Standard in 2025.

Its product innovation program includes a number of low-carbon technology trials including air source heat pumps and a smart home and energy management system, and the development of new working practices to establish which solutions will make a tangible impact as the business progresses towards its Net Zero targets.