Costain breaks carbon reductions record

Costain has achieved record breaking success in its bid to reduce its non-operational carbon emissions - created by permanent offices and the company car fleet - by 35% by 2020.

As a result of business wide initiatives launched in 2015, including a shift to carbon neutral green energy tariffs, Costain has lowered its emissions by 14% in just one year, nearly tripling its 5% reduction target. 

The company’s long-term commitment to carbon reductions continues to be receive external commendation and for the sixth year running has received third party certification from the Certified Emission Measurement and Reduction Scheme (CEMARS). In addition, Costain has also been nominated for CEMARS Gold Standard for the ongoing reduction achievements.

Hybrid vehicles are now available in every grade of the company car fleet, with all vehicle emissions capped to a maximum of 115gC02/km. This has reduced overall emissions by 12% compared to the previous fleet. 

Costain’s switch to carbon neutral green energy tariffs has also allowed the company to significantly reduce its overall carbon footprint by a record-breaking 41% compared to 2015.  

By 2020, Costain aims to put all offices on green energy tariffs to demonstrate its commitment to renewable energies and guarantee zero emissions for greenhouse gas reporting. Hybrid and energy efficient lighting towers have also been mandated across the group. 

Darren James, managing director, infrastructure, at Costain, who has group responsibility for safety, health and environment, said: “We are committed to using resource efficiently, and driving carbon reduction is a significant part of that. Working closely with our customers and supply chain partners has helped us identify further areas for carbon reduction and innovative approaches to becoming more energy efficient. Maintaining these strong relationships has allowed us to not only achieve record-breaking targets internally, but ensure we have a firm understanding of our customers’ energy efficiency objectives.”