Sustainability / CSR

Accelerating carbon reductions to Net Zero by 2026

We have have set an ambitious carbon target to become net zero in our direct operations by 2026.

We are ruling out counting electricity from green energy tariffs towards its net zero emissions. It builds upon Royal BAM Group’s target to reduce its direct emissions intensity by 80% by 2026 from 2015 levels. We are committed to openness and not relying heavily on carbon offsets which it believes can disguise more substantial progress in how a company is acting. Our net zero 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 (across road, rail and air), emissions arising from using hotels, emissions from third party fuel and energy use and all well-to-tank (upstream) emissions associated with scope 1 and scope 2 emissions. The company says it has significant influence over all these emissions sources.

BAM becomes the only company in the sector at present not to count its purchase of renewable (REGO-backed) electricity towards zero emissions.Any remaining emissions from 2026 will be offset using high quality nature-based solutions such as re-forestation, or carbon capture technologies.

BAM has chosen to use location-based emissions (that’s the true emissions of the energy used at the plug) as part of its direct emissions inventory. The vast majority of the company’s direct energy procurement already uses REGO-backed energy contracts (Renewable Energy Guarantee of origin certificates issues by Ofgem on behalf of the UK Government) and whilst it could use these to claim that it is zero carbon, BAM believes that it should seek to reduce the real emissions from grid electricity usage.

BAM is supporting the drive towards building more renewable energy generation through the delivery of schemes such as the SSE substations framework in Scotland which directly links to renewable generation.

BAM’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 working with the SFMI (The Sustainable FM Index). These kinds of collaborations are crucial as we explore more ways to work with our supply chain and clients to decarbonise the built environment. “The data baseline this has created and our investment in data collection and analysis is a key enabler in confidently setting this new demanding 2026 target.”BAM’s track record on emissions includes reducing its direct emissions intensity by just over 40% since 2015. Its Science Based Target requires a 50% reduction by 2030 but it expects to meet this seven years early. The CDP has ranked BAM as an ‘A’ list company for the past 5 years.Sarah added: “Our track record is down to a deep and sustained effort by our teams and commitment from the top of our business to getting carbon out of our environment.”

Some examples of BAM’s work to remove and reduce the impact of carbon include:

Using HVO fuels to replace fossil fuels
Transition to electric vehicles – BAM has also rolled out an EV charging installation service
Using lower carbon concrete as BAM has done for the Dawlish Sea Wall
Conducting first-of-their-kind independent embodied carbon studies in primary schools and offices including the new HQ for Meta
Creating several net zero projects such as Kings Cross Sports Hall.
Delivering the New Children’s Hospital (NCH) in Dublin with a 60-70% lower operational energy use

Sustainability Video 2022

Our approach to sustainability delivers benefits to clients and the communities in which we work.

It is underpinned by a strong focus on innovation and solution-orientated approach to delivering BAM’s projects and exceeding expectations.

BAM once again recognised for leading efforts against climate change in 2021

BAM are proud to once again achieve the CDP A List. BAM was recognised for its actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy, based on the data reported by the company through CDP’s 2021 climate change questionnaire.

To find out more about our CDP position Click here.

BAM are proud to be members of the Irish Green Building Council.