Led by the United Nations since 1974, World Environment Day encourages awareness and action to protect the environment and is celebrated in 100 countries around the globe. Today (5 June) marks the announcement that Robertson joins leading companies including DHL, Macmillan and Hiscox as a carbon neutral business and one of the first in the built environment sector.
Robertson has implemented a wide range of carbon reduction initiatives, including offering electric or hybrid electric company cars at every level, undertaking operational reviews and upgrades for our offices building services and embedding energy efficiency measures within our site processes – from eco-cabins to strategic planning to secure earlier grid connections. Each of which is designed to reduce the company’s environmental impact and carbon footprint and cumulatively they have contributed to the 12.4% reduction in carbon intensity in the last year and 26% since we first baselined performance in 2014/15. The decision to become a carbon neutral business sees the company continuing its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by offsetting all of its 2018/19 emissions.
By achieving carbon neutrality Robertson has offset over 10,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by supporting Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard Verified Emission Reduction (GS VER) certified carbon offsetting projects around the world. These initiatives include projects which help to generate clean energy internationally, prevent the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and closer to home working with local schools to plant 250 trees in projects across the UK.
Robertson has been working with Carbon Footprint Ltd to assess and verify the carbon footprint of its business using the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol and ISO 14064:3 methodology as part of our Responsible Business strategy and has set targets to reduce its carbon intensity by a further 10% over the next five years recognising there is always new innovation and more that can still be done.
Derek Shewan, Chief Executive Officer at Robertson, said, “Robertson is committed to being a responsible business, caring for the environment is a critical part of this. By becoming a carbon neutral business, we hope to assure a sustainable future and inspire our employees to continue to think of new ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.
“Organisations play a vital role in combating climate change by reducing and externally verifying their respective carbon footprints. In addition to this, offsetting any remaining carbon emissions by helping to fund environmental, renewable energy and energy efficiency projects can in turn deliver huge social and community benefits both in the UK and around the world.”
Dr Wendy Buckley, Client Director of Carbon Footprint Ltd, said, “I am delighted that Robertson has taken a leading and responsible position in their carbon management. Ahead of any legislative requirement, they have completed a rigorous analysis of their carbon footprint right across the business that has been audited to international standards. Following that they have compensated for their emissions by supporting carbon offset projects including UK Tree Planting, international renewable energy projects and avoiding deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, protecting our climate and also our planet’s biodiversity.”
