Ontario Construction News staff writer
EllisDon says it will set science-based emission reduction targets to reduce the company’s impact on climate change.
“EllisDon is responsible for protecting and improving the communities in which we work and to respond to the changing environment,” the company said in a news release. “The science is clear – we must reduce the impacts of climate change. Business as usual is no longer an option and it is critical to dramatically reduce global emissions by 2030.”
Together with the United Nations and other business leaders, EllisDon is responding to the urgent call-to-action for all companies to set emissions reduction targets in line with a 1.5°C future.
“By committing to science-based emissions targets, we are aligning ourselves with the right side of the future,” said Jody Becker, chief strategy officer and executive vice president of infrastructure services & technology at EllisDon.
“As leaders in sustainability, we are committed to driving a low carbon economy and providing innovative solutions for our industry.”
EllisDon will be setting verifiable science-based targets through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This organization independently assesses corporate emissions reduction targets in line with the goals identified in the Paris Agreement and current climate science. EllisDon has committed to set targets across the entire value chain that will be consistent with keeping global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. These goals put the company on the pathway to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Driving to zero emissions across business operations
- Minimizing emissions from construction sites, assets, and products and services. This will include implementing efficiency measures and/or switching fuels to renewable resources for fleet vehicles, heavy equipment and buildings.
Driving to zero emissions in materials procured
- Leveraging supply chain, trade partners and industry organizations to reduce the embodied carbon of the materials that go into the buildings and infrastructure that EllisDon builds, with a focus on structural materials, including concrete, steel and timber.
Driving to zero emissions in the operation of the projects built
- Help EllisDon clients to target and deliver near zero emissions buildings by employing the full building services value chain to provide innovative, achievable and cost-effective solutions.
EllisDon says in the statement that it is committed to publicly sharing progress by reporting their emissions on an annual basis and sharing lessons learned to drive innovation and change across the industry.