The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment now has a total of 172 signatories, which includes 138 businesses and organisations, 28 cities, and six states and regions. The businesses and organisations signed up to the commitment now account for approximately 7.3 million (tCO2e) of portfolio emissions annually, nearly 20,000 assets and more than $427 billion annual turnover.
These businesses are displaying industry leadership in the built environment, committing to reduce and compensate all operational emissions for assets over which they have direct control. As part of the updated commitment, they will also maximise embodied carbon emissions reductions for new developments and major renovations by 2030, compensating for any remaining residual upfront embodied carbon emissions as part of a whole lifecycle approach.
Cristina Gamboa, CEO of the World Green Building Council said the latest group of signatories to WorldGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, includes the first signatory from New Zealand and another business from Australia.
“These companies are displaying industry leadership to decarbonise their building assets further and faster, contributing to industry transformation in the #RaceToZero. It is more crucial than ever that industry leaders step up and take accelerated action within their local markets, paving the way forward and encouraging mainstream uptake of net zero buildings.”
The three companies that have joined the commitment
ICD Brookfield Place sets the benchmark for the modern workplace in the UAE. The company has placed an emphasis on changing lifestyles, wellbeing, and environmental and productivity needs of the workplace. ICD Brookfield Place is the region’s premier lifestyle and business destination with over four acres of highly curated dining, retail and community spaces alongside 92,000 square metres of modern workspace. They have set high standards, committing to reducing all operational carbon emissions by 2030 and maximising embodied carbon reductions where applicable.
Rob Devereux, CEO, ICD Brookfield said signing the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment reinforces the company’s commitment to reaching net zero by 2030.
“This ambitious target will require dedication from not only our team but also our stakeholders across the value chain. We hope to inspire many others across the UAE to boldly take up meaningful action in decarbonising the built environment to ensure a better planet for future generations to come.”
Precinct Properties is the largest owner and developer of premium inner-city real estate in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand, with a portfolio of 18 properties valued at $3.3 billion. Precinct is committed to creating a more sustainable environment. They recognise their role as a long-term owner and developer of real estate and are taking an active approach to climate action. They have committed to achieving net zero operational emissions across their portfolio by 2030 and maximise reductions of embodied carbon in new developments and major renovations.
Richard Hilder, Chief Financial Officer, Precinct Properties said the company recognises its role as a long-term owner and developer of real estate and fully support New Zealand’s transition into a low carbon economy.
“Announcing our commitment further reinforces the importance of improving our operational performance further across our buildings and incorporating sustainable design across our assets.”
Vicinity Centres is one of Australia’s leading retail property groups, reimagining the way Australians live, work and play. They own and manage some of the most recognisable and loved retail destinations across Australia, including 60 assets under management, and are evolving to transform their portfolio into destinations that offer a broad selection of retail, residential, and office spaces.. The business has a strong sustainability focus and has committed to decarbonising its portfolio by implementing energy efficiency measures, electrification, increased on-site renewable generation and embodied carbon reductions.
Grant Kelly, CEO and Managing Director, Vicinity Centres said creating sustainable destinations across their portfolio is a key focus for the business.
“Our team is passionate about creating a sense of connection and belonging for our local communities and delivering precincts that embody sustainable design. Vicinity has been recognised for our sustainability programmes across our assets and within our communities, which is a credit to all the hard work our team has undertaken to date.”
The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment comes from Advancing Net Zero, WorldGBC’s global project to accelerate uptake of net zero carbon buildings to 100% by 2050. The project works with the global Green Building Council network to develop tools and resources, including net zero carbon buildings certification schemes and training programmes.
