Grimshaw, as a signatory of the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), is committed to net zero carbon business operations by 2030. In line with this, in 2021 the practice’s science-based targets were independently approved and Grimshaw set a target of a 50% reduction of scope 1 and 2 baseline 2019 emissions by 2030 . Surpassing this, the practice reduced emissions from 645 tonnes of CO2e in 2019, to 45 tonnes in 2021. In partnership with Climate Impact Partners, the practice has also operated as a carbon neutral company since 2020.
Supporting our trajectory towards net zero operations is the practice’s sustainable and regenerative design policy. This policy aligns Grimshaw to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and specifically SDG13: Climate Action which urges action to be taken to combat climate change and its impacts. For Grimshaw this includes reducing emissions to align with global commitments and the latest science.
Maintaining net zero emissions from its business operations the practice will:
- Continue to implement office emission reduction action plans as part of an overall environmental management system, as well as procuring 100% certified renewable energy where possible.
- Continue to disclose annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounts. For residual hard-to-decarbonise emissions we will purchase gold standard certified offsets, particularly to offset business travel and home-working.
- Set science-based targets for scope 3 GHG emissions in line with 1.50 C projections.
- A global GHG Management Plan and regional GHG Management Plans will be developed to identify regional targets for SBTI scope 3 emissions, priorities for action, investment, governance and disclosure.
- GHG reduction plans will be integrated through the application of our Environment Policy and our Environmental Management Systems.
- The proportion of renewable energy consumed in the practice’s offices will be increased and appropriate energy transition pathways will be advocated in locations where purchasing renewable energy is limited.
- Procurement practices to reduce consumption and minimise waste, will be reviewed.
- Partnerships and funding mechanisms to support GHG removal both through nature-based systems and technology to accelerate the practice and others’ efforts to decarbonise will be explored.
- Alternative working practices, and a review of office locations will be considered, and information to support employees on sustainable transport options and how best to work remotely will be shared.
- The practice will communicate progress to its clients and stakeholders via disclosure to the World Green Building Council and on our website.
- The practice will continue to help clients deliver whole life carbon reductions through our designs.
- Grimshaw will also invest in employee training with existing tools, including our NZC framework and decarbonisation pathway tool, so that the practice is in the best position to support client net zero carbon goals.
This statement is made on behalf of the partners of Grimshaw and is implemented across all Grimshaw operations. The Sustainability Practice Leader will monitor performance and provide bi-annual updates to Grimshaw partners. This statement will be reviewed and approved annually.
April 2023
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