Ground Control’s ambitious net-zero targets approved

Accredited Contractor, Ground Control continues to demonstrate leadership in the land management and biodiversity sector, reaffirming its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2038. This commitment has been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Surpassing the Government's goal by twelve years, Ground Control's science-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets have been endorsed by the SBTi. The company aims to reduce its direct emissions (scope 1 & 2) by 90% by the end of the decade, ultimately reaching net zero by 2038, with FYE 2021 as the base year.

The SBTi offers a well-defined pathway for companies to minimise carbon emissions, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement and striving to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Ground Control's internal analysis reveals that only five per cent of its current carbon footprint originates from its direct activity and operations (scope 1 & 2). The majority, 95%, stems from its supply chain, with significant contributions from its field teams (43%), the procurement of goods and services (32%), and operational waste generation (10%).

“Our verified science-based targets and commitment to achieve net zero by 2038 reinforce our dedication to leave the world in a better place than we found it,” said Jason Knights, Managing Director at Ground Control.

“We know our targets are incredibly challenging, but we are acutely aware of the need to act quickly. We now have a much better understanding of what it means to be net-zero and what we need to do to achieve it. We are taking on this challenge by placing net zero at the heart of all our decision-making.”

“The SBTi are world-renowned for setting the highest standards for science-based targets and having our near-term and net-zero targets verified by the SBTi is a fantastic achievement. “It shows our targets are robust and reflects the massive amount of work that has gone into calculating and evaluating our carbon footprint and putting in place comprehensive plans to deliver against these targets.” 

“The SBTi has commended our net-zero target, currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process.”

Added Sophie Stephens, Head of Environment & Sustainability at Ground Control

The validation of its science-based target is Ground Control’s business’ latest response to the urgent need to respond to the climate emergency. Its commitment to biodiversity and nature includes the  opening of its Centres for Environmental Recovery -  Wildfell in 2022, and Devana in 2023 along with achieving B Corp status.

Ground Control’s industry leading verified carbon reduction targets are:

Near term:

• Ground Control commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions 90% by FYE 2030 from a FYE 2021 base year.
• Ground Control commits to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions 42% by FYE 2030 from a FYE 2021 base year.

Long term:

• Ground Control commits to reach net-zero GHG emissions across the value chain by FYE 2038.
• Ground Control commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions 90% by FYE 2038 from a FYE 2021 base year.
• Ground Control commits to maintain at least 90% absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emission reductions from 2030 through 2050.