Why now is the right time to review sustainability goals

Our world is changing rapidly. Technological innovation, an abundance of data, and changing market conditions and demands mean that moments of pause and reflection are an important part of making progress.

2024 saw us do just that, resulting in our decision to commit to new – and ultimately more challenging - carbon reduction targets, as described in our 2024 sustainability report.

We updated our carbon reduction targets, superseding those we set in 2021 with new, science-based targets which have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and align with the most up-to-date climate science. This follows a period during which we have focused on data improvement across all our operating territories and all three scopes of greenhouse gas emissions. We have also developed a clearer picture of the levers we have at our disposal.

Carbon and nature are inextricably linked, and we acknowledge that in revising our carbon targets we were only addressing one part of the puzzle. We have therefore also formalised our commitment to nature-related reporting and pledged to voluntarily report against the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework. We were one of only 17 construction and engineering companies globally to do so at the time of commitment in October 2024. This is a big step forward, and as part of an industry that has a significant impact on the natural world – including how we protect species, manage natural resources and source our materials – it’s one that is necessary.

We are long-term participants in CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), voluntarily reporting and benchmarking our sustainability progress. This rigorous framework is one example where we’re seeing climate and nature reporting starting to come together, and the work we’ve undertaken through CDP helped give us confidence to commit to TNFD adoption.

We know that achieving our ambitions will be challenging, and that we cannot make the changes needed by operating in isolation. But it’s undeniably the right move. As a company determined to push the boundaries of what is possible in service of humanity, one that is built on engineering excellence, innovation and harnessing the brightest minds, we’re resolute in rising to that challenge.

I believe that making both commitments in parallel sets us up for success in the long-term. By addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and nature-related issues together, we are positioning our business for a more resilient future.

Progress so far

Since setting our 2021 carbon targets we've made real progress in reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions. We’ve achieved this through a variety of initiatives which allow us to cut carbon in our day-to-day operations.

We’ve transitioned to renewable electricity and have site-specific energy reduction plans. We’ve switched from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel in the UK, which has proven successful in making a significant impact in a short period, and in Australia each project has deployed a number of solutions to avoid and reduce emissions associated with fuel usage.

However, there are also barriers. For example, although we are leading HVO trials in Australia and advocating for its wider adoption, it is not yet widely available, and electric plant is not yet accessible at the scale needed in either operating jurisdiction.

While we have made significant strides in reducing operational emissions, and will continue that work, Scope 3 emissions – those that we are indirectly responsible for – represent over 98% of our footprint, and taking action to reduce Scope 3, whilst more challenging, will deliver the biggest impact.

Our science-based targets saw us introduce a new near-term Scope 3 target, to reduce emissions associated with purchased goods and services by 25% by 2030. Initiatives such as our low carbon concrete mandate in both the UK and Australia have proven to be a good first step on a much more transformative journey.

We're pushing the boundaries of innovation to drive decarbonisation. Our R&D programmes are focused on developing cutting-edge solutions, focusing on low-carbon materials, carbon-efficient designs, and innovative production processes. We're committed to minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency by exploring circular economy opportunities. We're also integrating carbon forecasting into our core business operations, so we have visibility of carbon ‘risks’ at the earliest opportunity.

Collaboration is critical to bring about the kind of change that is needed to improve sustainability across our whole industry. By actively working with industry leaders, supply chain partners, peers and customers, we're driving the development of new industry standards and advocating for bold policy changes to accelerate the transition to net zero.

We have been bringing nature into focus too. In 2022, we completed an in-depth assessment of the nature-related impacts and dependencies of our project sites, facilities and depots in all three of our operating territories: UK, Australia and the Middle East. This included an extensive supply chain mapping exercise for our key commodities. This insight supports our understanding of nature-related risks, impacts, opportunities and dependencies, supporting our upcoming TNFD disclosure.

Looking ahead

While the task ahead is challenging, I believe we’re well-positioned to drive positive change. By acting upon improved data, working closely with our partners across the full value chain, and advocating a whole systems-thinking approach, we can make informed decisions that will help shape our future and promote resilience. As the sustainability landscape rapidly evolves, we must remain agile and adapt our strategy to seize opportunities and mitigate risks.

Ultimately, our goal is to deliver sustainable solutions for our customers, leveraging our innovative capabilities and collaborative approach. Working together is fundamental to transformative change – we will not achieve net zero by working in isolation. By making long-term, strategic decisions in areas such as design, material sourcing, and nature conservation, we can build a more sustainable future.

It’s an exciting challenge, borne by everyone across our organisation – not just sustainability specialists – and channelling our innovation and curiosity will enable us to make a meaningful difference.

To learn more about how we’re evolving to deliver for our clients, society, the environment and our people, read our 2024 sustainability report: Pushing the Boundaries.

We are proud to be an official partner of World Engineering Day 2025, an International Day proclaimed by UNESCO. The theme, ‘Shaping our sustainable future through engineering’, celebrates the important role engineering plays in achieving sustainability goals. See how we’re putting this into practice in our World Engineering Day video.