The firm aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and be the first major housebuilder to do so. Barrat aims to have its new home design to be net-zero carbon from 2030 and to purchase 100% of its operational electricity from renewable sources by 2025
Earlier this year it became the first national housebuilder to publish science-based targets for reducing carbon emissions, and the new net-zero goal extends this sustainability road map further as it works across the industry to combat climate change.
In a statement, the firm said: “Identifying and implementing what is needed to achieve these reductions will be an ongoing process across the entire Barratt business. For instance, reducing diesel use will involve new technology such as solar assisted generators, whilst driving down plant emissions on site and improving the energy credentials of its buildings will all help Barratt to achieve the 2040 net-zero target.”
Beyond its own footprint, Barratt says it is also committed to delivering low carbon homes for its customers and has set a new target to ensure its new standard house types will be net-zero carbon by 2030. Barratt is set to achieve this by a “fabric first” approach over the next ten years covering such elements as better insulation, more efficient services and new green technology.
The third new target is for Barratt to purchase 100% of its operational electricity from renewable sources by 2025. The firm says that just under half of the electricity it already purchases is from renewables and achieving the new 100% target will help it to reduce emissions by a further 3,300 tonnes of carbon.
The targets continue Barratt’s drive to reduce carbon emissions - since 2015 it has achieved a 22% reduction through initiatives such as improving plant efficiency and rolling out energy efficient show home lighting.
David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments, comments: “We are committed to adapting our business to support the low carbon economy which the UK is building. These new targets further demonstrate our commitment to take responsibility for our share of carbon emissions and to play our part in combatting climate change.”
