Berkeley's pioneering approach to tackling climate change was officially recognised at last night's Better Society Awards, where the Group picked up the accolade for Carbon Reduction or Offset Programme of the Year.
The Better Society Awards shine a light on private companies that are "helping create a better, more equal, ethical and sustainable world for all." The judges congratulated Berkeley on its significant reduction in operational carbon emissions intensity; which fell by 22% between 2016 and 2018.
They commended the Group's industry-leading approach, which saw Berkeley become the country's first carbon positive homebuilder in July 2018.
Rob Perrins, Chief Executive of Berkeley Group, said: "This award reflects just how much we've achieved in the past couple of years. We are committed to tackling climate change and we've set ourselves high standards on the way.
"Our Carbon Management and Action Plans have seen us drive down carbon emissions and we will continue to challenge ourselves and set the standard for the homebuilding sector."
The Group achieved its carbon positive status by implementing a host of energy-saving initiatives across both offices and sites, and offsetting any remaining emissions through funding internationally recognised carbon reduction projects.
Reductions resulted from introducing:
- Minimum recommendations for site set up and operation;
- Guidance on identifying and reducing unnecessary energy consumption, particularly out of hours; and
- A best practice directory of energy efficient technologies and initiatives.
Examples of our project level changes include:
- Replacement of fluorescent ceiling lights with ultra-efficient LED ones at our Chelsea Bridge Wharf office, providing a 50% energy saving.
- Installation of solar photovoltaic panels on the welfare facility at our London Dock site.
Retrofitting facilities on our Kidbrooke Village and Royal Arsenal Riverside sites to include dehumidifiers in drying rooms, master switches and time clocks on equipment, LED lighting, and more efficient heaters and hand driers.
Image: Solar panels at London Dock