Graham has unveiled its Climate Action Strategy to coincide with the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

This year's global summit will bring parties together to accelerate momentum towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Hosted by the UK, it is taking place at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November 2021.

COP26 is calling upon "civil society, companies and people on the frontline of climate change" to inspire climate action.

Having already made pledges to the "Contractors Declare" movement and the "Pledge to Net Zero", it is now rolling out its own Climate Action Strategy to help tackle the "biggest challenge of our generation".

Incorporating a detailed Net Zero Action Plan, GRAHAM has adopted a science-based approach to the targets set within its strategy.

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The headline targets are:

• Phase 1: Net zero carbon emissions by 2030 (direct emissions)

• Phase 2: Net zero carbon emissions by 2040 (across the full value chain)

The targets have been developed in line with the "Science Based Targets Initiative" criteria. In parallel, a commitment has been made to the SBTi Business Ambition for 1.5C campaign.

Meanwhile, its determination to deliver meaningful change is also reflected in a 30% reduction in emissions from a 2014/15 benchmark.

Further initiatives include the delivery of Carbon Literacy Training for all staff, the use of renewable electricity across all offices and sites, and the decarbonisation of plant and fleet.

This year, Graham also achieved Achilles "Carbon Reduce" certification – independent validation of its commitment to "managing and reducing" emissions resulting from its operational activities.

Head of Environment, Lianne Taylor, said: "Given that almost 40% of carbon emissions derive from the built environment, we understand that, as a responsible contractor, we need to act now and make the necessary changes to become a Net Zero carbon business. It is the biggest challenge of our generation.

"The development of the GRAHAM Climate Action Strategy provides us with a credible and deliverable platform to realise lasting impact. It sets out our key areas of focus and includes short- and longer-term actions which will enable us to achieve significant carbon savings. Of course, we do not underestimate the enormity of the challenge ahead of us, but working collaboratively with our clients, supply chain partners and peers, we can collectively make rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and avoid the worst effects of climate change."