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SCAPE achieves highest level of compliance to the Carbon Reduction Code

Thu, 26th May, 2022 Updated: Thu, 7th Sept, 2023

We are proud to announce that SCAPE, alongside framework partner Morgan Sindall Construction, has achieved CHAMPION level of compliance to the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment. This is the highest level of compliance issued by the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction.

We recognise that carbon reduction is more likely to happen when all organisations within a value chain are committed to reducing their footprint and saving costs. This Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment forms part of the Construction Leadership Council’s Construct Zero initiative.

The Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment is designed for clients, contractors, and supply chain members working in the built environment. While the Code’s reporting mechanism provides a point of difference, it is designed to work alongside a number of excellent existing initiatives and resources including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Carbon Project, Construction Innovation Hub Value Toolkit, Infrastructure Carbon Review Seven Years On report, PAS 2080, Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD).

Compliance with the Code is a first step to facilitate action and collaboration by relevant parties towards reducing carbon emissions (CO2eq) related to design, construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning of built assets. It is not intended to replace standards such as PAS 2080 (or equivalent), but it provides a framework for organisations to make a public commitment to and report on progress towards achieving Net Zero by 2045.

This framework aligns with the UK Government’s Procurement Policy Note PPN 06/21 for taking account of carbon reduction plans in public procurement.

The Code has three parts:

Core commitments for all organisations
Core commitments for client organisations and further commitments to facilitate the transition to Net Zero by 2045
Core commitments for supply chain organisations and further commitments to facilitate the transition to Net Zero.

There are three levels of compliance to the Code, PLEDGER, SIGNATORY, and CHAMPION. To comply with the criteria required to achieve CHAMPION level, an organisation must sign up to all the Further Commitments of the Code in addition to the core commitments.

Addressing the climate emergency with practical action is a national imperative, and it is one we take very seriously at SCAPE. The Carbon Reduction Code is a hugely important initiative, and so I am absolutely thrilled that our team has achieved Champion status. The Code is vital to driving the systemic and behavioural change needed within construction and will serve as a barometer against our ambitious plans to enable a direct response to the climate challenge through procurement, design and delivery innovation. With the support of our passionate delivery partners, our talented teams and the robust governance that has been laid out in the Carbon Reduction Code, we are committed to working hand in glove with industry to chart a course that will improve the environmental performance of the public estate.

Mark Robinson

Chief Executive of SCAPE

We are delighted that Morgan Sindall Construction and SCAPE have achieved CHAMPON level of the Code. They join fellow CHAMPION organisations HS2 and Skanska UK, and PLEDGER level organisations – the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF), City Building Engineering Services (CBES), Interclass and SCF Construct. There are already a number of additional organisations in the Code pipeline which is promising because carbon reduction is more likely to happen when all organisations within a value chain are committed to reducing their footprint and saving costs. The Code provides a framework for organisations to make a public commitment to and report on progress towards achieving Net Zero.

Dr Jennifer Schooling OBE

Director of CSIC

We are delighted to have been recognised as a Champion according to the Carbon Reduction Code, which raises the bar for organisational carbon management standards. Our commitment to be a Champion of the Code highlights the relevance of our Decarbonising Communities approach and underlines our ongoing efforts to work openly and collaboratively with stakeholders across the value chain to deeply decarbonise our own operations and the assets we deliver for our customers.

Pat Boyle

Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Construction

Read the CSIC news article

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