The decarbonisation of the built environment is an increasingly prevalent issue for contractors. The construction industry produces a lot of carbon, producing 38% of total global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019. The International Energy Agency has estimated that direct C02 emissions need to fall by 50% by 2030 to reach Net Zero, equating to 6% of the total emissions each year. (Environment Journal Online, 2020)
Contractors are aware of the demands of customers and the government's own Net Zero targets which put pressure on contractors to start making carbon reduction efforts. It is predicted that in the next few years carbon will become a currency, resulting in carbon being allocated a cost. While we are still uncertain on the details regarding the price of carbon production, preparing for this is vital for businesses to set the wheels in motion to reduce carbon and therefore future costs.
Net Zero Heroes
So, what have Seddon done? We know that the reduction of carbon produced by our business is incredibly important, not only is it a legal requirement but, it is also a requirement of many of our customers to prove our dedication in looking after the environment.
We have set up a group, led by Owner and Director Nicola Hodkinson, to look at ways we can reduce emissions over the next 5 years within the business. The Net Zero Heroes (NZH) group consists of people from across the business that are passionate about the environment. Each member also has some involvement in the environmental credentials to the business, whether that is a bid writer seeking to produce evidential case studies for a tender or a data collector who analyses figures around carbon and the potential to limit these.
The group also looks at the barriers in place and potential ways we can overcome these. One barrier is the current high cost of running solar powered cabins and where this extra cost can be allocated to. Another barrier is electric cars and the logistics around charging cars and vans that will travel large distances between sites.
The biggest stakeholders are our own employees, without their involvement and enthusiasm to induce change we will not be able to achieve a reduction in carbon. As a result, we will be running a series of educational sessions to ensure they are educated on the issue of climate change and why fixing this is an emergency.
What we do
We deliver a variety of decarbonisation services to our customers. This includes switching mechanical and electric systems over to more energy efficient systems, some of which are powered using renewable energy. We also offer Passivhaus standard builds which will dramatically reduce the amount of carbon a property will produce over its lifetime when used correctly. Work is also increasing in the retrofit sector to refurbish and improve the energy efficiency of existing housing stock and other properties such as student housing and NHS facilities. Not only will this save the customer money on energy bills in the long term, but it will also improve the look and feel of a property particularly when paired with refurbishment works.
We are on a mission to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions by enhancing the energy efficiency of homes.
Through our dedicated in-house Decarbonisation team, we provide a range of services through every step of the retrofit journey from initial stock assessment, through funding, design, install and monitoring
To find out more about the decarbonisation services we offer please email enquiries@seddon.co.uk