How is GRAHAM striving to achieve Net Zero?

GRAHAM, a construction partner on the SCAPE framework, recently launched an ambitious Climate Action Strategy, as part its continued work in driving Net Zero and creating meaningful change.

Having already made pledges to the “Contractors Declare” movement and the “Pledge to Net Zero”, GRAHAM rolled out its own Climate Action Strategy to help tackle the “biggest challenge of our generation”.

At SCAPE, we are delighted to see the work GRAHAM is doing to help achieve Net Zero. We’re committed to protecting the environment through sustainable best practice and through working with partners that share the same ethos, we can unite to deliver sustainable projects and create healthier, safer and more resilient communities.

The Climate Action Strategy

Incorporating a detailed Net Zero Action Plan, GRAHAM has adopted a science-based approach to the targets set within its strategy.

The headline targets are:

• Phase 1: Net zero carbon emissions by 2030 (direct emissions)
• Phase 2: Net zero carbon emissions by 2040 (across the full value chain)

These targets have been developed in line with the “Science Based Targets Initiative” criteria. In parallel, a commitment has been made to the SBTi Business Ambition for 1.5C campaign.

Going above and beyond

Meanwhile, GRAHAM’s determination to deliver meaningful change is also reflected in a 30% reduction in emissions from a 2014/15 benchmark.

Further initiatives include the delivery of Carbon Literacy Training for all staff, the use of renewable electricity across all offices and sites, and the decarbonisation of plant and fleet. GRAHAM also achieved Achilles “Carbon Reduce” certification – independent validation of its commitment to “managing and reducing” emissions resulting from its operational activities.

Lianne Taylor, Head of Environment at GRAHAM said that the introduction of the new Climate Action Strategy signals a bold new chapter in the contractor’s efforts

“Given that almost 40% of carbon emissions derive from the built environment, we understand that, as a responsible contractor, we need to act now and make the necessary changes to become a Net Zero carbon business. It is the biggest challenge of our generation.

“The development of the GRAHAM Climate Action Strategy provides us with a credible and deliverable platform to realise lasting impact. It sets out our key areas of focus and includes short- and longer-term actions which will enable us to achieve significant carbon savings. Of course, we do not underestimate the enormity of the challenge ahead of us, but working collaboratively with our clients, supply chain partners and peers, we can collectively make rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and avoid the worst effects of climate change.”

The GRAHAM Climate Action Strategy supplements the contractor’s overarching Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy and builds on the contractor’s ongoing commitment to deliver “lasting impact”, with key targets established to measure its success.

In addition, GRAHAM has been accepted for 'Champion' level of compliance within CO2nstructZero, the Construction Leadership Council’s Zero Carbon Change Programme and has recently subscribed to our Construction Waste Portal to enable better forecasting and management of project waste and deliver carbon savings.