Grimshaw has been carbon neutral in its business operations since 2020 by minimising emissions annually and offsetting residuals through verified carbon allowances. As a signatory of the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Grimshaw is committed to net zero carbon business operations by 2050. 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 scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, against a 2019 baseline. Between 2019 and 2023, Grimshaw has surpassed this target, achieving an 85% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions.
Building on this progress, we have set new targets to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and at least 67% of our scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030, using a 2023 baseline. These targets align with efforts to limit global warming to well below 2°C. We will drive progress through behavioural changes as well as supplier engagement and aim to exceed our reduction target where possible to align with a 1.5°C scenario.
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.
To maintain carbon neutrality and continue driving reductions in its business operations, the practice will:
— Continue to implement studio specific carbon reduction 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 and make progress towards our science-based targets for GHG emissions reduction in line with 2° C projections.
— A Group Carbon Reduction Plan and regional Carbon Reduction Plans have been developed to identify regional targets for scope 3 emissions, priorities for action, investment, governance and disclosure.
— These carbon 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.
February 2025
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