Watkins Payne are delighted to be announced as the latest signatory of the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. This recognises and promotes advanced climate leadership in decarbonising the built environment (link), aligning closely with Watkins Payne’s values.
To deliver the Paris Agreement, all sectors of the economy must achieve significant emissions reductions to limit global warming to well below 2°C (preferably 1.5°C) above pre-industrial levels. The global building sector must transition to and operate at net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and given that the construction and operation of buildings accounts for approximately 40% of all energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, this is a significant and essential challenge.
Through the World GBC Commitment, Watkins Payne has pledged to only occupying assets under our direct control and influence that are net zero carbon in operation by 2030. This ambition, as well as continuing to deliver sustainability expertise and solutions for our clients, ensures Watkins Payne is doing our part to accelerate the transition to a decarbonised built environment. Energy efficiency is a core component of the commitment and we will be implementing an action roadmap that prioritises energy demand reduction across all our occupied buildings. The practice will then work towards sourcing 100% certified renewable energy and offset any remaining carbon emissions through high quality projects.
Watkins Payne are now also a member of the Climate Group’s global EP100 initiative (link), bringing together a growing group of energy-smart companies improving their energy productivity to lower their emissions and improve their competitiveness. The mission of the initiative is to lower global energy demand and accelerate the clean energy transition.
These announcements build upon our existing work with clients, putting sustainability at the forefront of building services solutions. The practice is a registered Delivery Partner with the Better Buildings Partnership for the Design for Performance initiative and NABERS UK scheme (link), whilst also championing and delivering whole life carbon assessments on projects. These consultancy service offerings support our commitment and enable a collaborative approach together with our clients and partners to decarbonise the built environment.
This exciting announcement is only the start of our net zero carbon journey. We are working hard to develop a comprehensive, data-based roadmap, and as the industry gears up for COP26, we look forward to sharing our net zero carbon strategy with you as it develops over the coming months.
