Sustainability at the Forefront of Construction
As the UK construction and housing sectors face increasing pressure to meet national net zero targets, leading organisations are stepping up with bold strategies and tangible action. Berkeley Group, Cala Group, and Retirement Villages Group (RVG) are among those leading the way, each advancing ambitious carbon reduction plans, investing in innovation, and working collaboratively across the supply chain to build a more sustainable future for the built environment.
Net Zero Skills Programme Launched
Berkeley Group, in partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and supported by the CITB’s Industry Impact Fund, has launched the Net Zero Skills in Construction Programme. This initiative aims to equip the construction sector with the practical skills needed to meet the UK’s net zero targets. Developed with input from major industry players like Kier, Balfour Beatty, and Morgan Sindall, the programme focuses on real-world needs across the supply chain.
Key features of the programme include:
- Education providers: Offering accessible resources and materials to upskill trainers and assessors in net-zero topics.
- SMEs Support: Providing bespoke training to help small businesses understand and implement net-zero strategies, opening up sustainable business opportunities.
The Co-founder and Director of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, Ian Heptonstall, quoted: “Our platform offers practical, high-quality training free of charge, making net zero skills accessible across the sector. This programme is about creating lasting impact with resources available long after the initial rollout to support ongoing industry progress.”
Catherine Hawkett, from Berkeley Group, explained: “The built environment sector plays a vital role in the UK’s journey to net zero. By working with CITB and the Supply Chain Sustainability School, we’re ensuring the sector has the skills and tools needed for a sustainable future.”
CALA has committed to reducing carbon emissions in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as part of its journey toward net zero. In its 2024 sustainability audit, Cala reported a nearly 39% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2021, with a 46% decrease in emissions intensity per 100m² developed.
How have they reduced emissions so far?
Key achievements include:
- 12% of homes in 2024 were fossil-fuel free, with all new planning applications from January 2024 meeting this standard.
- 34% of homes used timber frame construction, progressing toward a 100% timber frame goal.
- 5,000 nature-supporting features were added to developments.
- 99.9% of construction waste was diverted from landfill, with waste intensity down 18.8%.
- Community Pledge initiative supported over 50 local communities since 2023.
Sustainability initiatives contributing to progress include:
- Switching from diesel to hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) on sites.
- Energy-efficient lighting and solar-powered welfare cabins.
- Gas-free heating solutions, improved building fabric, and sustainable technologies.
- Behavioural changes reducing business travel emissions and energy use.
Following its acquisition by Sixth Street Partners and Patron Capital, Cala is setting new, bespoke SBTi-aligned targets to accelerate progress.
Head of Sustainability at CALA, Kathryn Dapré, said: “Our Sustainability Strategy aims to embed action across the business’ culture, operations, product and customer journey, and our success so far reflects the hard work of all of our teams to achieve our ambitious goals. We look forward to continuing to push ourselves to achieve even more.”
Retirement Villages Group (RVG) has committed to reaching full carbon net zero by 2030 and is the first in the retirement living sector to join the UN’s Race to Zero campaign. It has also pledged to meet Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)-aligned goals. Central to this effort is its Thrive Living developments, which are designed to be whole-of-life net zero carbon—covering both operational and embodied emissions. The first two Thrive villages, opening in 2025, will feature highly energy-efficient, gas-free homes powered by solar energy.
RVG recognises the need to retrofit existing homes alongside building sustainably and acknowledges that achieving net zero will require significant changes to traditional construction methods. Collaboration with industry partners, suppliers, and government will be essential to meeting these ambitious climate goals.
