Travis Perkins announces science based targets initiative
Travis Perkins plc, the largest supplier of building materials, has announced that it has been accredited by the Science Based Targets initiative (‘SBTi’).
The SBTi has formally recognised Travis Perkins’ plans to reduce its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% before 2035 from a 2020 base year. The SBTi have also accredited the Group’s plans to reduce its total scope 3 emissions by 63% within the same timeframe. This means SBTi has determined that all targets are in line with a 1.5°C trajectory.
Travis Perkins has committed to investing in its buildings to continually improve energy efficiency, using low carbon, renewable energy systems where possible, while also installing energy saving solutions such as utilising LED lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points across the Group’s estate. Measures have also been put in place to optimise the Group’s 4,000-strong transport fleet by utilising fleet management systems, transitioning to alternative fuels and adopting low carbon technology.
Travis Perkins will also work with suppliers and customers to reduce supply chain emissions, in particular in-use emissions from products sold and the embodied carbon in products, as part of the broader Scope 3 emissions commitment.
The Group also announced that it has moved to a 100% renewable electricity tariff for all of its UK based operations. The tariff, supplied by Drax, will see all Travis Perkins businesses in the UK supplied with 100% renewable source electricity across the total UK portfolio of almost 1,700 stores, branches and offices nationwide.
The renewable sources used to generate this electricity would typically consist of a mixture of biomass, wind and solar power, and over the four-year duration of the contract, this would save an estimated 54,600 tonnes of carbon compared to current levels; enough to power 80,000 homes.
Commenting on the news, CEO Nick Roberts said: “Achieving SBTi recognition for our emissions targets is an important step forwards as part of our broader sustainability plans. This adds great endorsement and credibility to the work we will lead with both suppliers and customers to decarbonise our industry. The measures we have put in place with regards to our fleet, the use of low-carbon technologies and our estate are already having a tangible impact on our emissions, and I look forward to building on this positive momentum. As such, I am delighted to announce that we have moved to a 100% renewable energy tariff for all of our UK operations, another key step forward as part of our long-term sustainability plans.”
Further good news is that Travis Perkins plc has been selected to take a leading role at COP26, where the Group’s CEO Nick Roberts will chair a Construction Leadership Council panel debate on 11th November at 9.30am on Construction: The Built Environment. Also taking part in the panel to discuss the industry’s Construct Zero change programme will be the CEOs and / or Sustainability leaders from Atkins, Costain, Mace and Keltbray.
