Mace: ‘We’ll be net zero carbon this year’

Construction and consultancy firm Mace claims that it will become a net zero carbon business this year.  The business said it would cut carbon emissions in its development and operations businesses “as far as possible”, and offset emissions to reach net zero. Mace said it will support its partners and supply chain to implement low carbon solutions on schemes under construction, as well as infrastructure projects.  Mark Reynolds, group chief executive at Mace, said: “Our ambition to achieve net zero carbon in 2020 is Mace’s strongest commitment yet to working sustainably and protecting our environment. “Over the last eight years we have invested heavily in reducing our impact on the planet, and we are now ready to take this ambitious step and lead our industry to take bold action.” Mace’s claims come the same month that property and construction company Wates Group announced its target to become a net zero carbon and waste company by 2025. Also earlier this month, UK Green Building Council research revealed that the property industry needs to reduce energy demand in office buildings by 60% if it is to help the UK government hit its net zero carbon targets by 2050. According to United Nations’ estimates, real estate accounts for 40% of the world’s energy consumption and a third of all carbon emissions. In the UK, the operation of buildings accounts for around 30% of the country’s emissions. To send feedback, e-mail lucy.alderson@egi.co.uk or tweet @LucyAJourno or @estatesgazette