Contractor Graham has started a series of 'Net Zero Carbon' workshops to help achieve its science-based targets.

The contractor has pledged to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 as the first step in reaching Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2045.

The multi-disciplinary working group, with representatives from across the company's various divisions as well as a number of design consultant partners, met online for the first time on Wednesday 11 November to discuss the wider carbon agenda, and the importance of design in shaping and influencing the delivery of Net Zero Carbon buildings.

A 'virtual project' to trigger ideas, innovation, and potential future initiatives was also part of the initial session. Involving the expertise of key design consultants supported discussions around how we collaborate as a multi-disciplinary team to meet Government objectives and enabled us to share best practice across organisations.


Graham has been widely recognised across the construction industry for its forward-thinking environmental approach, which is reflected in a long list of awards including the Construction News “Environmental Contractor of the Year” and the “Sustainable Project of the Year” for the A6 Dualling Scheme in Northern Ireland, as well as accolades from the National Recycling Awards and the Constructing Excellence Awards.

The company has also moved to align its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Graham Head of Environment, Lianne Taylor, who chairs the workshops, is confident that the Net Zero Carbon sessions will frame the agenda moving forward and drive best practice across the company. She said: "Collectively, we are working hard to achieve our science-based targets relating to carbon. 2030 and 2045 may seem a long way into the future, but these Net Zero Carbon workshops will help us plot a course of action that will ensure we remain on track to meeting our future commitments.

"The built environment contributes around 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint. Collaborating with teams across the business and our supply chain is particularly beneficial as we are drawing on shared experiences to identify ways to support how we can more effectively regulate and minimise these emissions."