Integral Cradles has taken a major step in its sustainability journey by achieving Carbon Footprint Certification, confirming its carbon neutrality.
The construction industry plays a huge role in the world’s carbon output, with around 40% of all man-made global carbon emissions coming from construction and operation of buildings.
In recent years Integral Cradles and its maintenance partner GIND UK have invested heavily in reducing their impact on the planet. Last year, Integral Cradles partnered with Carbon Footprint Ltd, a globally recognised carbon emissions management company, to assess and offset its environmental impact.
Through this collaboration, Integral Cradles has supported a variety of international carbon reduction initiatives, particularly those benefiting local indigenous communities and ecosystem restoration efforts. This milestone reflects the company’s commitment to measuring, reducing, and offsetting carbon emissions, positioning it as a frontrunner in environmental responsibility within the construction sector.
Discussing the certification, Kevin Walton, managing director of Integral Cradles said: “Achieving carbon neutrality is a proud moment for Integral Cradles and a testament to our long-term commitment to sustainability,” “Working with Carbon Footprint Ltd has allowed us to take meaningful action in reducing our emissions while supporting impactful global projects that restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and empower local communities.”
Global carbon offset projects
As part of its Carbon Footprint partnership commitment, Integral Cradles has contributed to several verified carbon offset projects, including:
Guanaré’ Forest Plantations in Uruguay
An initiative aiming to restore degraded grasslands by planting new forests in previously treeless areas, following FSC sustainable forest management standards. This project enhances biodiversity while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Zhangye Improved Grassland Management in China
A scheme focused on restoring degraded grasslands in Zhangye through seeding and sustainable grazing practices. The project has been certified under the Climate Community and Biodiversity Standard (CCB) and the CORSIA Pilot Phase for carbon removal.
In numbers: Measuring and offsetting carbon impact
Integral Cradles’ carbon footprint assessment, conducted using DEFRA guidelines, included Scope 1, Scope 2, and selected Scope 3 emissions, totalling 11.99 tCO2e (market-based) and 12.90 tCO2e (location-based) for the 12-month period ending August 31, 2024.
To offset its emissions, Integral Cradles invested in verified carbon reduction projects, neutralising a total of 12 tonnes of CO2e.
A long-term sustainability commitment
Beyond carbon-neutral certification, Integral Cradles remains dedicated to ongoing carbon reduction efforts while continuing to champion innovative sustainability practices in the construction industry. With a wider Net Zero strategy in place, the company is taking the following steps to address reducing its Actual Carbon Emissions (ACE):
Reduce
- Implement energy efficiency solutions in our workplaces
- Consistently adopt lean construction techniques and pre-fabrication
- Make more low-carbon travel choices available Incentivise low-carbon travel choices
Optimise materials and reduce waste through smart design - Water used in installations/ commissioning
Transform
- Aim to procure 100% renewable electricity
- Specify usage of hybrid and electric plant and equipment
- Promote the adoption of modern methods of construction (using BIM and other technologies)
- Consistently adopt lean construction techniques and pre-fabrication
- Make more low-carbon travel choices available
- Incentivise low-carbon travel
Investigate
- AI and IOT platforms
- Zero carbon travel provider
- New commissioning processes
- Design for disassembly
Influence
- Clients to adopt low-carbon strategies
- Suppliers to provide low-carbon solutions
- Share benefits/case studies of flexible working
- Designer partners, suppliers, logistics partners
Better together
With carbon neutrality certification now confirmed, Kevin says the next steps for Integral Cradles are the continual monitoring and ongoing improvements to the business.
To achieve these goals, he believes working with the wider industry is essential: “This certification is a fantastic milestone, but it’s only the start of our journey. Our long-term strategy is to drive real, measurable reductions in our carbon footprint and achieve net zero by 2030.
“We are committed to embedding sustainability at every level of our operations, from how we source materials to the way we work with partners and clients to create a greener built environment.” He added, “We are not alone in the climate crisis, it’s a collective challenge for the industry. To succeed we must see it as an opportunity to collaborate and innovate, developing solutions that will help our planet survive. “We urge our clients, partners, and industry peers to join us in find better, greener ways to work, to make the world a better place for future generations.”
For more information about Integral Cradles’ sustainability initiatives and its roadmap to net zero click here.
