RLB ESG Report 2023
Environmental

Our goal is to become synonymous with sustainability
Our goals as a business are to be a good corporate citizen, be proactive in mitigating the impact of the built environment on the planet through our advisory services, and be actively reducing our own impact on the environment on our path towards net zero.
We have pledged to reach net zero as a global practice by 2030, excluding Scope 3 supply chain emissions, which will form part of our longer-term net zero planning. We are working towards this goal by cutting carbon emissions, investing in carbon removals projects, reducing the material resources we use, and protecting nature and enhancing biodiversity through our RLB Forest initiative.
A further commitment is to become the market leader in sustainability services for the built environment. We are supporting clients across the public and private sectors to transition to a greener economy and deliver better social and environmental outcomes through the projects we deliver.
Everyone who works for RLB has a part to play on our sustainability journey. We are launching three Sustainability Working Communities. These will bring together colleagues from across our UK business to develop our skillsets and knowledge in this ever-evolving field, enhance our operational sustainability, and improve collaboration with our suppliers and industry peers to minimise our collective environmental impact.
By improving the sustainability of our own operations and those of our clients, and by influencing the wider industry, we are living up to our vision to create a better tomorrow.
Target
Net zero by 2025 in the UK across Scopes 1 and 2 and Scope 3 (waste)
Progress
We have achieved a 20% absolute carbon reduction across Scopes 1 and 2 and Scope 3 (waste). We are aiming for further absolute reductions by 2025 before investing in carbon removals to account for the residual carbon emissions.
Status
█ Achieved original 2019 target of 20% reduction
█ More to do to achieve further absolute carbon reductions by 2025

Target
40% reduction in carbon intensity per employee against our baseline by 2025
Progress
28% reduction in carbon intensity per employee against our baseline
Status
█ On track

Target
Net zero by 2030 globally across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 (excluding supply chain)
Progress
Global 2023 baseline calculations are underway
Status
█ On track

Target
Collate and calculate carbon emissions from our supply chain
Progress
We will start engaging with our supply chain in 2024
Status
█ Not started

Target
All UK offices to be on REGO-backed renewable electricity tariffs by 2030
Progress
Seven out of 10 UK offices are on REGO-backed renewable electricity tariffs
Status
█ On track

Target
Achieve SKA Gold for all new UK offices
Progress
Birmingham and Manchester are certified SKA Gold. We are currently working on SKA assessments for London, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool and Thames Valley.
Status
█ On track

Target
Grow our RLB Forest to 10,000 trees by 2030
Progress
2,725 trees planted to date
Status
█ On track

Target
Continued growth of our dedicated sustainability service team
Progress
Our sustainability services team grew by seven people in 2023
Status
█ Achieved

Target
Identifying sustainability opportunities on all client projects
Progress
We have launched several new sustainability services. Sustainability is becoming a core offering across all the sectors we serve.
Status
█ On track




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