A major housebuilder is pushing to become the first carbon positive developer, aiming to deliver a reduction in emissions while improving biodiversity
Developer Berkeley has revealed a new target to become carbon positive. The housebuilder is hoping to become the first major housebuilder to do so.
The construction industry produces a significant amount of emissions and has worked hard to reduce these levels. Berkeley hopes to do its part by delivering a 10 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per person, as well as setting an internal carbon price.
The carbon positive goal forms part of the developer’s business strategy. The ‘One Vision’ plan aims to increase the firm’s sustainability credentials and will see a number of measures enacted to ensure this.
This includes smart home technology, putting some 1,500 people into apprenticeship, and a commitment to improve biodiversity on sites.
Commercial sense
Berkeley’s managing director Rob Perrins said: “There is a strong commercial case for making a business more lean, green and accountable. And in my opinion it’s simply the right thing to do.”
The housebuilder also said it would encourage the use of green energy tariffs and would target investment on projects that were focused on carbon reduction.
“This will include investing in renewable energy or the retrofit of existing homes, to go beyond offsetting our remaining emissions,” Perrins added.
“Berkeley already equips all new homes with fibre optic infrastructure. We now want to be the leaders in providing high-quality, smart-enabled, future-proof homes that make the everyday lives of our customers easier.”
