Ground Control announces commitment to net zero by 2038

Biodiversity and land management business, Ground Control, has announced its commitment to becoming net zero by 2038, in line with targets submitted to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for validation.

The transition includes achieving interim targets in 2030 and clear methods to assess progress. This embodies the values the business has demonstrated in its biodiversity services and wider work supporting nature, including the Wildfell Centre for Environmental Recovery, and follows milestones in becoming carbon neutral and most recently achieving B Corp status.

In response to the urgent need to limit climate change, Ground Control has submitted for validation ambitious targets to become a net zero business and a positive force for good for the environment. The business is committing to a 90 per cent absolute reduction in Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions and a 42 per cent absolute reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions by 2030 from a FYE 2021 base year. By 2038, it aims to achieve net zero across its scope 1,2 & 3 greenhouse gas emissions in line with the SBTi requirements.

The Science Based Targets initiative provides a clearly-defined pathway for companies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, helping prevent the worst impacts of climate change and future-proof business growth. Targets are considered ‘science-based’ if they are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.

To achieve these targets, Ground Control will implement structural changes appointing board level sponsors for the initiative and consider strategic changes to its product offering and the operation of field teams. Ground Control will apply levers such as reducing waste and raw material use and switching out materials for nature-based, low carbon alternatives. Progress will be constantly assessed over time and the business will retain flexibility in applying different tactics in order to achieve its strategic goals.

Ground Control is also calling on the industry to remove obstacles to organisations looking to achieve science-based targets. These include a historic lack of government and industry investment in green infrastructure and technology such as Electric Vehicle charging points. A significant contributor to business’ emissions is raw materials, so Ground Control supports greater innovation in low carbon materials & designs and encourages heavy industry to shift to sustainable nature positive solutions.

Jason Knights, MD of Ground Control commented: “We are committed to being part of the positive change for nature and I am pleased to announce our company’s commitment toward science based targets. However, we cannot do this alone – we will also be actively working with our clients and suppliers to collaborate on new ways to reduce emissions in our supply chains and transition to sustainable alternatives.”