In a big step toward its goal to be net zero by 2030, SHAPE is proud to announce that it has achieved carbon neutrality for its business operations. This achievement is recognised by the Australian Government’s rigorous carbon-neutral certification program, Climate Active.
Climate Active certification is awarded to businesses and organisations that have achieved a state of being carbon neutral. This means they are removing the same amount of carbon dioxide that they are emitting into the atmosphere to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
Taking an inspirational lead in the construction industry, SHAPE’s path to Climate Active certification was both challenging and rewarding. Over the course of two years, the business worked with an environmental consultant to audit its carbon footprint and develop strategies to become more sustainable across the entire organisation.
Some of the important strategies SHAPE is implementing to reduce its carbon footprint include:
Any remaining emissions will be accounted for through a carbon offsetting program that is proven to deliver a positive impact on the environment, society, and local economy. SHAPE will proudly support the Usak Wind Power Project, a renewable energy program in Turkey, which is certified and audited by Climate Active.
The Climate Active Certification joins SHAPE’s existing suite of external Environment, Health, Safety and Quality (EHSQ) management systems and certifications.
Over the course of two years, the business worked with an environmental consultant to audit its carbon footprint and develop strategies to become more sustainable across the entire organisation.
SHAPE has had a long-standing commitment to sustainability. In recent years, the business has taken significant steps to reduce its carbon emissions and support sustainable initiatives and organisations. SHAPE has been a member of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) since its foundation, is part of the GBCA Future Green Leaders Program, and a Signatory to the CitySwitch Energy Efficiency Program in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
SHAPE also works to reduce material waste and support community organisations. Through its ReSHAPE initiative, SHAPE teams salvage redundant furniture from strip-out and demolition activities which can be reused for pro-bono charitable projects. In FY22, the business repurposed $176,000 worth of materials.
Peter Marix-Evans, CEO at SHAPE, says that sustainable outcomes not only deliver a positive impact on the environment but make sense from a business and financial perspective. He says, “We see climate change as the greatest challenge and opportunity of our times. With the building sector accounting for a significant proportion of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, we recognise that we must take meaningful action to ensure change.
“Our efforts form part of our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) framework and help us meet our vision to be the partner of choice and the place where everyone wants to work. Our actions will create new business opportunities, allow us to provide sustainable construction services in a low carbon future, and provide value for our people, clients and shareholders.”
SHAPE’s Climate Active certification is part of its commitment to reach net zero by 2030. At the end of the decade, SHAPE hopes to generate renewable energy to counteract all its greenhouse gas emissions – not just carbon emissions – and also support activities that will actively remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Peter says that achieving carbon neutrality is an important step for the business and the industry. He says, “We are immensely proud to be leading the construction industry in achieving this major milestone against climate change. This is a fantastic achievement that demonstrates to our people, clients and shareholders that we are committed to contributing to a more sustainable future.
“Achieving net zero emissions by 2030 will not happen overnight. While we still have a long way to go, this industry-leading carbon neutral certification has helped us to tackle the impact of our own operations on the environment by making changes to the way we do business. We look forward to continuing to make positive impacts as we strive toward a low carbon future.”
Learn more about Climate Active here.
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