Berkeley Group has published a 20-year net zero transition plan outlining how it intends to cut emissions across its operations, developments and supply chain by 2045, ahead of national targets.
The plan addresses the scale of emissions linked to the built environment – estimated at around a quarter of the UK total and sets out the housebuilder’s focus on brownfield development close to existing infrastructure as part of its approach.
It covers emissions across scopes 1, 2 and 3 and is structured around three areas: operations, homes and embodied carbon. The company said it has already reduced emissions from its direct activities by 77% since 2019, largely through changes to fuel use.
New developments are being built to higher energy efficiency standards and designed to align with upcoming regulations, while the company has expanded its use of embodied carbon assessments across projects.
The plan sets out further steps across construction, housing design and supply chain engagement, with an emphasis on industry collaboration and the role of technology and policy in meeting long-term targets.
Richard Stearn, chief executive of Berkeley Group, said: “We are committed to tackling climate change and are the only major UK homebuilder to focus on brownfield regeneration sites, which means our homes and neighbourhoods are in connected urban locations alongside existing infrastructure, amenities and jobs. This is the most inherently sustainable form of development, and this Transition Plan builds on that approach to detail the actions that are required across our business and supply chain over the next 20-years.
“This is a significant and complex challenge, and it is essential that the solutions industry pursues are deliverable in practice, fully costed, and that their full impacts are understood. Berkeley will continue to play a lead role and to work in partnership to support a just transition that delivers the postive outcomes we all want to see.”
Louise Clarke, group head of sustainability at Berkeley Group, added: “This Transition Plan sets out a clear and practical pathway to net zero across our entire value chain, from how we build to how our homes perform once occupied.
“It builds on the progress we have already made in minimising the impact of our construction activities, delivering low carbon homes and reducing embodied carbon, while detailing further action across our operations and supply chain.
“Successful delivery will require close collaboration with the supply chain, policymakers and the wider sector. There is a long way to go, and we must ensure that policies provide flexibility and scope for innovation during a period of rapid technological change. This will be key to supporting solutions that are efficient, scalable and work in practice.”
