Climate Group’s Industry initiatives grow as four new businesses join, demonstrating the commitment to industrial decarbonisation. AKT II and Landsec join ConcreteZero while Robert Bird Group and Trane Technologies join SteelZero. Robert Bird Group also became a ConcreteZero member recently in October.
ConcreteZero members commit to using 30% low emission concrete by 2025 and 50% by 2030, with a long-term target of using 100% net zero concrete by 2050. SteelZero members pledge to use 50% low emission steel by 2030, which sets a clear pathway to using 100% net zero steel by 2050.
The two commitments bring together businesses to speed up the net zero transition of concrete and steel, two highly polluting industries. These businesses are building a strong signal to producers, policymakers, and investors that there’s a demand for net zero materials. The growth of the ConcreteZero and SteelZero membership, which now have almost fifty members between them, signals a step change in the global industrial decarbonisation efforts.
Jen Carson, Head of Industry, Climate Group, said: “Our ConcreteZero and SteelZero members are pioneers. They’re leading the charge to support decarbonisation of two of the most energy intensive industries. With steel and concrete production contributing to 15% of global annual carbon emissions, it’s hard to over emphasise the importance of these industries reaching net zero – fast.”
Each business will play a key role in accelerating the use of sustainable materials within its sector. Engineering firms, AKT II and Robert Bird Group, will be able to influence the design and use of concrete and steel across a wide range of built environment projects. Landsec, a major player in the real estate sector will be able to influence the use of sustainable concrete across its growing $12 billion real estate portfolio.
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator that produces sustainable heating, ventilation and cooling products and services for buildings and transport. Through its SteelZero commitment, it’ll be able to work with its suppliers and networks to find ways to cut the carbon emissions linked to the steel it uses. It’s SteelZero’s first member in the heating and cooling industry.
Landsec has been a member of SteelZero since 2020 and Robert Bird Group a member of ConcreteZero since October 2022.
David Watson, Technical Director, AKT II said: “We need to fundamentally transform the way we make and use concrete to meet the goals set out within the Paris Agreement. This is going to take a massive effort across the entire industry. At AKT II we are proud to be joining ConcreteZero, who are now striving to create a global market for net-zero concrete. As a collective, we are looking forward to working together in rising to this significant challenge.”
Jennie Colville, Head of ESG and Sustainability, Landsec said: “Building on our SteelZero commitment, we’re proud to announce that we’ve also joined ConcreteZero, committing to using 30% low emission concrete by 2025, 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. In order to meet our ambitious embodied carbon targets and transition to net zero, we know that collective action is needed to send a strong signal to the market for the sustainable production and sourcing of concrete.”
Dave Seel, Managing Director, Robert Bird Group, said: “As a global company, Robert Bird Group is proud to be part of a worldwide organisation aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. SteelZero is a fantastic platform that brings together a variety of passionate and focused companies from the construction industry. As designers, we understand our position in influencing the embodied carbon within structures and SteelZero is key to bringing all of these influencers together and promoting collaborative sharing of information, whilst defining the responsibilities of each sector.”
Scott Tew, Vice president, Sustainability and Managing Director, Center for Energy Efficiency & Sustainability, Trane Technologies said: “Trane Technologies is proud to be the first company in our industry to join SteelZero. We’re leading the way in transitioning to a net-zero steel future and taking another bold step in reaching our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. We believe our actions will inspire others in our industry and lead to a more sustainable world.”
