Planting trees in Kenya to offset our carbon emissions

In April 2021, we announced the validation of our Science Based Targets (SBT) and the offset of our carbon emissions for 2019/20. These targets align with our net zero carbon commitments.

The race to net zero carbon

The construction industry must make strong, sustained change to create a built environment that is sustainable and equitable. At Buro Happold, we work with clients and partners to improve our cities, our communities and our planet. Above all, we are taking collective climate action.

To ensure a sustainable future, we need to restore our habitats for humans and non-humans alike. Therefore, the validation of our SBT provides our business with a clear pathway to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and transition to a net zero carbon economy.

Tree planting in Kenya

As a global business, one of the steps we are taking to offset our carbon emissions is contributing to reforestation initiatives. Tree planting is essential to maintaining our climate and biodiversity. Trees combat global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

We are working with Carbon Footprint Ltd on their reforestation programme to offset our greenhouse gas emissions. The programme uses the internationally recognised Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) to remove GHG emissions.

As a result, we have offset 6,002 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by planting 6,000 native trees in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya.

These trees form part of an existing project that has rehabilitated over 160,000 hectares of land. In addition to offsetting carbon emissions, the Kenya Reforestation programme helps to:

• restore wildlife and biodiversity
• improve air quality
• conserve water
• preserve soil
• reduce poverty
• ensure a better future for the local community.

For instance, over 20 people make their livelihood from this initiative. In addition to this, we are also involved with an empowerment scheme where members of the community can own dairy cows to obtain additional income.

Tree planting is just one example of how we are striving to minimise our environmental impact and enable social justice for all. We are adapting our business to mitigate the climate and biodiversity crisis in all aspects of our business operations and projects.