Arup has committed to achieving net zero emissions across its entire operations by 2030, covering everything from the energy used in offices to goods and services purchased. To achieve this, the firm has set a target to reduce its scope 1, 2 and 3 global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 per cent within the next five years from a 2018 baseline.
The target, validated by the Science Based Target initiative, has been classified as ambitious as it exceeds the minimum requirements for keeping global temperature rise under 1.5oC. In addition, Arup is also committing to purchasing Gold Standard certified offsets for all domestic and international flights and to compensate for other residual hard to decarbonise emissions with high quality, certified GHG removal from 2030.
As one of 16 signatory companies of the IGBC Environmental Product Declarations Commitment, Arup is helping to drive the demand for better environmental data from manufacturers and enable new approaches to decarbonise the construction sector. Working with organisations including the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, The Resilience Shift and the Global Resilient Cities Network, Arup is taking steps to enhance the resilience of cities and communities to increasing shocks and stresses resulting from climate change, including drought, water scarcity and food supply disruption.
Cynthia Cummis, Director of Private Sector Climate Mitigation at World Resources Institute said: “We congratulate Arup for setting emissions reduction targets that are in line with keeping global warming to 1.5oC. By setting targets that are grounded in climate science, Arup is ensuring they are getting on the right track now to meeting their net-zero goal and are showing that ambitious climate action and good, resilient business go hand in hand.”
Clodagh O’Donovan, Ireland Planning Team Lead at Arup, commented: “Flattening the climate change curve is vital to create a more sustainable future. We are taking steps to reduce carbon emissions in our own operations and through our project work. From advising cities on resilient infrastructure and renewable energy solutions to helping companies with climate change impact and risk assessments, we recognise that the greatest difference we can make is by working with our clients and communities.”
Read Arup’s Net Zero Carbon Strategy, including plans across the four action areas of energy, waste, purchasing and travel here.
