The Southampton division of Barratt Homes has announced three new carbon emissions targets as part of its drive to become the country’s leading national sustainable housebuilder.
By 2040, Barratt will become a net zero emissions business covering all of its direct operations. Earlier this year it became the first national housebuilder to publish science-based targets for reducing carbon emissions, and the new net zero goal extends this sustainability roadmap further as it works across the industry to combat climate change.
Identifying and implementing what is needed to achieve these reductions will be an ongoing process across the entire Barratt business. For instance, reducing diesel use will involve new technology such as solar assisted generators, whilst driving down plant emissions on site and improving the energy credentials of its buildings will all help Barratt to achieve the 2040 net zero target.
Beyond its own footprint, Barratt is also committed to delivering low carbon homes for its customers and has set a new target to ensure its new standard house types will be net zero carbon by 2030. This will be achieved by continuing with a ‘fabric first’ approach over the next 10 years covering such elements as better insulation, more efficient services and new green technology.
The third new target that Barratt has committed to is to purchase 100% of its operational electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Just under half of the electricity it already purchases is from renewables and achieving the new 100% target will help it to reduce emissions by a further 3,300 tonnes of carbon.
Barratt has already worked hard to reduce its carbon emissions – since 2015 it has achieved a 22% reduction. Initiatives such as improving plant efficiency and rolling out energy efficient show home lighting have all driven carbon emissions savings.
Jon Green, managing director of Barratt Homes’ Southampton division, said:
“We are committed to adapting our business to support the low carbon economy which the UK is building. These new targets further demonstrate our commitment to take responsibility for our share of carbon emissions and to play our part in combatting climate change.”
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Barratt Homes is currently bringing new homes to the area through its development St George’s Gate in Newport.
