Global climate action body approves Kier’s carbon-cutting targets

Kier Transportation, Highways near-term, long-term and net zero targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). 

The SBTi is a global body formed as a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science.

Kier Transportation, Highways validated targets include achieving net zero scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2039 and net zero scope 3 emissions by 2045. 

These are supported by a series of near-term and long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions.

These targets set the minimum GHG reductions Kier Transportation, Highways should achieve, however, it aims to accelerate its decarbonisation to achieve net zero scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 2030, supporting its key clients. 

The validated targets demonstrate its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon across its operations in line with the latest climate science and the Paris Agreement’s commitment to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

These targets complement Kier Group’s near-term and net zero targets, which have also been submitted to SBTi for validation.

Kier Transportation, Highways will be primarily using its transition to electric plant and fleet and its new Sustainable Sourcing Strategy as key drivers to ensure these targets are met effectively, having 18% of their fleet made up of electric and hybrid vehicles so far.

Matt Tompsett, head of environment and sustainability at Kier Transportation, said: “We’re really pleased to see SBTi verify these targets, which show our commitment to reducing carbon emissions across our operations in line with the latest climate science.

“Reducing our emissions as quickly as possible in order to help limit the impact of climate change is a top priority for us. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change all around us in the form of extreme weather. This impacts our staff, our local communities and our ability to deliver our projects for our clients.

“To have this internationally recognised organisation, which works hard to promote and support climate action, certify our goals will only help us in our journey to net zero.”