Environment

Plan Zero 40

Plan Zero 40 is our strategy to lead the low carbon transition with extensive decarbonisation programmes planned across our estate, assets and operations. We have committed to setting ambitious science-based targets in line with a 1.5°C limit to global warming and commit to delivering Net Zero by 2040.

In April 2021, we signed the Business Ambition Pledge and committed to a 2030 science-based target in line with a 1.5°C degree pathway. We are on track to meet our goal.

We have commenced the development of comprehensive and deliverable carbon reduction plans within our ‘Pathfinder Boundaries’ and are on schedule to scale the reduction plans across our global operations by the end of 2023.

During 2021 Babcock conducted a strategic review of our estate and built environment. The review identified cost savings and environmental improvements which could be delivered through estate rationalisation. We have subsequently proceeded to consolidate our estate which has delivered a reduction in our carbon baseline and operational emissions, along with delivering a broad range of environmental and organisational efficiencies.

Take a look at our Plan Zero 40 Journey.

Waste

Material and resource efficiency is a core principal which we seek to embed across our operations. Where feasible we adopt circular economy principles throughout planning, design and delivery phases to maximise opportunities for end of life reuse.

We continue to deliver improvements to our waste management practices and to minimise waste sent to landfill.

We have set three waste targets;

• Preparing waste management plans across all significant sites by 2024.
• Zero controlled waste to landfill by 2025.
• Eliminate the use of unavoidable single-use plastic by 2027.

Communications and engagement

We understand our people are key to embedding sustainability into our operations. Over the past year we have effectively engaged with our workforce and wider stakeholder groups to educate and raise awareness of environment and sustainability issues. In the run-up to and throughout COP26 we hosted a series of events including ‘lunch and learn’  briefings and a presentation/Q&A with Olympic gold medallist Hannah Mills.

We also ran a climate podcast series with appearances from Babcock’s CEO David Lockwood which you can listen to here.

Sustainable transport

Our Sustainable Transport Strategy addresses our key transportation impacts including; the Babcock fleet, business travel, employee commuting and transportation & distribution (upstream and downstream).

We are seeking to transition our fleet to 100% ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) by 2030 and have a range of programmes aimed at raising awareness and promoting varying modes of sustainable transport.

Energy consumption and emissions

Our emissions data is reported in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard under the ‘Operational Control’ approach. During the reporting period estate rationalisation, strategic divestments, ‘low-hanging fruit’ energy conservation measures and improvements to our energy management practices have resulted in a reduction of both our carbon baseline and FY22 operational emissions.

View our emissions table.

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

This year we have been working towards full disclosure to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) requirements, as per Listing Rule LR9.8.6R.

We have appropriate governance with respect to climate change, integrated risk management and scenario planning in our strategic planning cycles and we have set some initial targets. As we work towards full disclosure, we will assess how climate change scenarios impact on the Organisation’s business strategy, financial planning and budgeting.

See the complete disclosure here.

Water

Across the organisation, local environmental teams are working to identify water reduction opportunities and to incorporate water reduction technologies such as rainwater harvesting, leak detection and flow restriction in our new developments.

We have set a target to prepare water management plans across all significant sites by 2024.

Biodiversity

Maintaining and enhancing biodiverse ecosystems is a fundamental aspect of our Environmental Strategy and we aim to ensure we preserve and enhance natural capital. Our local environmental specialists ensure that environmental considerations are embedded throughout our operations and our impacts are minimised.

We have set two biodiversity targets;

• Conduct biodiversity assessments across all significant sites by 2024.
• Deliver a 10% biodiversity increase across the estate by 2030.