BAM accelerates net zero target to 2026

Abstract

The target is more ambitious than the Royal BAM Group's aim to reduce its direct emissions intensity by 80% by 2026 from 2015 levels. BAM is ruling out counting electricity from green energy tariffs towards its net zero emissions and said it would not be relying heavily on carbon offsets. We cannot rely on planting trees elsewhere in the world to cover up our own emissions. "I believe BAM is now firmly at the forefront of our industry but it is the sort of arms race we need to collectively bring about change and decarbonise our environment." There is also another crucial difference to most other net zero commitments concerning the scope 2 emissions arising from electricity use. The UK & Ireland operations commitment encompasses not just direct scope 1 and scope 2 emissions associated with fuels and energy use, but also select scope 3 emissions, going further than most net zero carbon targets in the sector. BAM's scope 3 emissions include water consumption, staff transport, emissions arising from using hotels, emissions from third-party fuel and energy use. The firm's Carbon Reduction Lead, Sarah Jolliffe, added:  "We are on a journey here - we have already reduced our emissions intensity by 20% this year compared to the same period last year, mitigating the release of 7 kilotons of carbon."We have worked with the Carbon Trust on measuring scope 3 emissions and our FM business has helped pioneer Scope 3 measurement in the facilities management sector.