9 November 2022, London– Climate Group’s Industry initiatives grow today as four new businesses join, demonstrating the commitment to industrial decarbonisation. AKT II and Landsec join ConcreteZero while Robert Bird Group and Trane Technologies join SteelZero. Robert Bird Group also became a ConcreteZero member recently in October.
ConcreteZero members commit to using 30% low emission concrete by 2025 and 50% by 2030, with a long-term target of using 100% net zero concrete by 2050. SteelZero members pledge to use 50% low emission steel by 2030, which sets a clear pathway to using 100% net zero steel by 2050.
The two commitments bring together businesses to speed up the net zero transition of concrete and steel, two highly polluting industries. These businesses are building a strong signal to producers, policymakers, and investors that there’s a demand for net zero materials. The growth of the ConcreteZero and SteelZero membership, which now have almost fifty members between them, signals a step change in the global industrial decarbonisation efforts.
Jen Carson, Head of Industry, Climate Group, said: “Our ConcreteZero and SteelZero members are pioneers. They’re leading the charge to support decarbonisation of two of the most energy intensive industries. With steel and concrete production contributing to 15% of global annual carbon emissions, it’s hard to over emphasise the importance of these industries reaching net zero - fast.”
Each business will play a key role in accelerating the use of sustainable materials within its sector. Engineering firms, AKT II and Robert Bird Group, will be able to influence the design and use of concrete and steel across a wide range of built environment projects. Landsec, a major player in the real estate sector will be able to influence the use of sustainable concrete across its growing $12 billion real estate portfolio.
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator that produces sustainable heating, ventilation and cooling products and services for buildings and transport. Through its SteelZero commitment, it’ll be able to work with its suppliers and networks to find ways to cut the carbon emissions linked to the steel it uses. It’s SteelZero’s first member in the heating and cooling industry.
Landsec has been a member of SteelZero since 2020 and Robert Bird Group a member of ConcreteZero since October 2022.
David Watson, Technical Director, AKT II said: “We need to fundamentally transform the way we make and use concrete to meet the goals set out within the Paris Agreement. This is going to take a massive effort across the entire industry. At AKT II we are proud to be joining ConcreteZero, who are now striving to create a global market for net-zero concrete. As a collective, we are looking forward to working together in rising to this significant challenge.”
Jennie Colville, Head of ESG and Sustainability, Landsec said: “Building on our SteelZero commitment, we’re proud to announce that we’ve also joined ConcreteZero, committing to using 30% low emission concrete by 2025, 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. In order to meet our ambitious embodied carbon targets and transition to net zero, we know that collective action is needed to send a strong signal to the market for the sustainable production and sourcing of concrete.”
Dave Seel, Managing Director, Robert Bird Group, said: “As a global company, Robert Bird Group is proud to be part of a worldwide organisation aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. SteelZero is a fantastic platform that brings together a variety of passionate and focused companies from the construction industry. As designers, we understand our position in influencing the embodied carbon within structures and SteelZero is key to bringing all of these influencers together and promoting collaborative sharing of information, whilst defining the responsibilities of each sector.”
Scott Tew, Vice president, Sustainability and Managing Director, Center for Energy Efficiency & Sustainability, Trane Technologies said: “Trane Technologies is proud to be the first company in our industry to join SteelZero. We’re leading the way in transitioning to a net-zero steel future and taking another bold step in reaching our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. We believe our actions will inspire others in our industry and lead to a more sustainable world.”
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Notes to Editors
About Climate Group
Climate Group drives climate action. Fast. Our goal is a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all. We focus on systems with the highest emissions and where our networks have the greatest opportunity to drive change. We do this by building large and influential networks and holding organisations accountable, turning their commitments into action. We share what we achieve together to show more organisations what they could do. We are an international non-profit organisation, founded in 2004, with offices in London, New Delhi and New York. We are proud to be part of the We Mean Business coalition. Follow us on Twitter @ClimateGroup.
ConcreteZero is a global initiative that brings together pioneering organisations to create a market for net zero concrete. Led by international non-profit Climate Group, in partnership with World GBC and WBCSD, businesses that join ConcreteZero commit to using 100% net zero concrete by 2050, with two ambitious 2025 and 2030 commitments that set a clear pathway to net zero. By harnessing our member’s collective purchasing power and influence, ConcreteZero sends a strong demand signal to shift global markets, investment and policies towards the sustainable production and sourcing of concrete. #ConcreteZero
SteelZero is a global initiative bringing together forward-looking organisations to speed up the transition to a net zero steel industry. Led by international non-profit the Climate Group in partnership with ResponsibleSteel, organisations that join SteelZero make a public commitment to procure, specify or stock 100% net zero steel by 2050. By harnessing their collective purchasing power and influence, SteelZero is sending a strong demand signal to shift global markets and policies towards responsible production and sourcing of steel. #SteelZero
About AKT II
AKT II is a design-led, interdisciplinary engineering practice. The company was founded in 1996 (as Adams Kara Taylor), and today unites 350 staff, with 50 cultural backgrounds and 30 languages, who are together applying insight from the firm’s work throughout 50 countries. The team’s service to design is recognised with 350+ design awards, including four RIBA Stirling Prize wins, while the practice has furthermore been named the Building Awards 2019 Engineering Consultant of the Year and the Architizer A+ Awards 2021 Engineering Firm of the Year.
About Landsec
Landsec builds and invests in buildings, spaces and partnerships to create sustainable places, connect communities and realise potential. One of the largest real estate companies in Europe, Landsec has a £12 billion portfolio of retail, leisure, workspace and residential hubs. Landsec is shaping a better future by leading the real estate industry on environmental and social sustainability while delivering value for its shareholders, great experiences for its guests and positive change for its communities. Find out more at landsec.com
About Robert Bird Group
Established in 1982, Robert Bird Group (RBG) is a global consulting engineering firm with over 600+ staff across eleven offices. A member of the Surbana Jurong Group, RBG are committed to delivering each client’s vision through the relentless pursuit of engineering excellence across all projects. RBG believe passionately in integrating engineering design excellence with construction and delivery expertise to achieve significant benefits for their client, notably those related to cost, programme and risk. Globally collaborating to address projects at a local level, they can quickly assemble teams of engineering and related professionals from their offices worldwide.
About Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit www.tranetechnologies.com.
