TB+A’s carbon reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative

10th March 2021

We are excited to announce that we have set a new, ambitious target to achieve net zero carbon emissions from our operations by 2030, in line with reductions required to keep global heating to 1.5°C.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved our following targets, view our profile at https://bit.ly/2QuK0Ko. 

Our Scope 1 and 2 target follows the fixed target specified by the SBTi and is in line with the 1.5°C Paris Agreement Goal:

• We commit to reduce our absolute carbon emissions arising from property energy and company cars (scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions) by at least 50% by 2030

For scope 3 emissions, (those arising from sources that are only indirectly controlled by our company) we have set ourselves the following targets.

Although the SBTi no longer verifies scope 3 targets for SMEs, we have made sure that these targets are in line with their requirements:

• We commit to reducing scope 3 GHG emissions from business travel and fuel and energy related activities by 50% by 2030 (from 2018 baseline)
• All key suppliers, representing 50% of TB+A’s emissions, will have science-based targets by 2023 (covering scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions).

Bioregional’s sustainability team have supported us with the development of these targets. They have been working with us since 2017 to develop and inform TB+A’s latest sustainability strategy. Bioregional has confirmed that our scope 3 targets are in line with SBTi requirements.

Bioregional CEO Sue Riddlestone OBE says:

“To tackle the climate and ecological emergency and achieve our vision of One Planet Living, urgent action across all sectors of the economy is needed to keep temperature rises below 1.5% degrees. We are delighted to see TB+A making such strong progress in helping to create a more sustainable built environment, creating targets that are in line with the science.

“What sets TB+A apart from others is the fact that it is taking significant steps to reduce its overall impact, going beyond its own operations. With more than 60% of its emissions related to procurement, it’s vital to tackle this.”

Peter Anderson, Managing Partner, Troup Bywaters + Anders says:

“Approval by SBTi marks another significant step on our sustainability journey. We have already been offsetting all of our emissions, and I am very proud to see us demonstrate the commitment and ambition needed to make a real difference in tackling the climate crisis.”

In 2019, TB+A already achieved a 10% reduction in our full scope 1, 2 and 3 footprint against our 2018 baseline. This has mainly been achieved through working with our landlord to switch to a renewable tariff in our London office, and through reducing the number of business flights our staff take.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) drives ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets. These provide companies with a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Climate Agreement goals.

In December 2020, TB+A signed up to the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. Signatories of this commitment are taking action to achieve an operationally net zero carbon portfolio by 2030 or earlier.