Cutting Carbon in Construction

  Olivia Allen 

Carbon management, Decarbonisation

Client: NetZero Facades

 

 

 

 

The Brief

 

Tomson Consulting worked with NetZero Facades, who specialise in developing innovative building façade systems that help to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in buildings. Their products incorporate cutting-edge technologies and sustainable materials to create high-performance building envelopes that improve the overall energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of buildings. 

 

To help NetZero Facades (NZF) differentiate itself from its peers and fulfil one of its strategic plan objectives, Tomson Consulting supported their leadership team to develop a structured carbon management plan (CMP) which met, and was subsequently validated by, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This involved: 

  • Calculating the companies baseline carbon footprint, including all scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions. 
  • Identifying carbon and cost reduction opportunities across NZF's operations and supply chain. 
  • Developing a structed carbon management plan which has been SBTi validated. 
  • Making Net Zero commitments that align with internationally-recognised SBTi validation requirements. 
  • Holding meetings and workshops with the NZF team to enhance their understanding of environmental issues and carbon management.  

Areas

Carbon management, decarbonisation and SBTi

Key Stakeholders

NetZero Facades, construction sector

 

Opportunities

  • Emissions Reductions: Since developing their carbon management plan, NZF have already introduced several changes to reduce their emissions including: improving building insulation; electrifying their fleet; and reducing the embodied carbon emissions of their products through innovative design and material selection. 
  • Cost Savings: The implementation of carbon reduction measures is not only environmentally responsible, but also financially beneficial. 
  • Competitive Edge: Embracing a CMP helps NZF cement their competitive edge in the business landscape where sustainability is increasingly valued. By gaining SBTi validation, NZF now have global visibility through the SBTi website. This can open doors to new markets and partnerships.  
  • Increase financial security: Reducing energy consumption also reduced financial risks associated with fluctuating and volatile energy costs. 
  • Regulatory Compliance: Proactively addressing carbon emissions prepares the company for potential future regulatory changes and carbon pricing mechanisms. This foresight can reduce compliance-related risks.  

Challenges

  • Initial Investment: Implementing many of the identified carbon reduction initiatives requires upfront investments. Finding initial capital funds and balancing these costs against long-term savings can be a challenge.  
  • Behavioural Changes: Achieving carbon reduction targets may require changes in employee behaviour and practices. Getting buy-in from the workforce and ensuring consistent adherence to new procedures can present challenges.  

                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Outcomes

  • Implementing  the CMP is projected to lead to a reduction of NZF's annual scope 1 and 2 emissions by 49%, and Scope 3 emissions by 25%, compared to the companies baseline annual emissions, as well as significant cost savings. 

 

  • Achieving SBTi validation  provides credibility, enhanced brand reputation and visibility, increased customer and investor confidence, and greater resilience against future carbon management regulation. 

 

  • Increasing innovation in the construction sector as NetZero Facades continue to reduce the embodied carbon emissions of their products through innovative design and material selection. 

 

 Following completion of the project, the client provided the following feedback: 

“Mike and team were professional, knowledgeable and diligent in their approach to our project. The numerous meetings with Tomson Consulting have been key to the engagement and upskilling of our staff.”