Became a net zero carbon business
Signed up to EP100 to commit to measuring and reporting energy efficiencies
Committed to saving 1 million tonnes of Scope 3 client carbon and creating a further 500 hectares of biodiversity net gain by 2026
THE CARBON CHALLENGE IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Global CO
emissions
As an industry we must come together to join the fight against climate change. We have a significant role to play in reducing embodied and operational carbon throughout infrastructure and the property life-cycle, and a huge opportunity to be the difference between success and failure.
The challenge is overwhelming if tackled in isolation. Collaboration will be the key. Working together to support a collective forward movement is essential.
We are proud of our achievements so far, but we know we can do more, and we need to work more closely as an industry. It is not about personal gain or competition; it is about doing the right thing to protect the planet.
When we first published Steps Without Footprints (our net zero carbon strategy), we shared the detail of our plan to support others in the industry to achieve their carbon targets. In year two, we published a follow up report to demonstrate our further learning and successes.
We have now evolved Steps Without Footprints to offer more detail than ever before. Breaking down carbon data to demonstrate performance. Sharing case studies to illustrate how we are helping clients to set and achieve ever-ambitious targets. Giving away real-time progress and learning.
Mace is throwing down the gauntlet to share its knowledge and insights so that we all benefit. We challenge everyone in the industry to do the same.
To see Data, click here
Climate change is the built environment’s biggest challenge
OUR TARGETS
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2019
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
2560 tCO2e
3130 tCO2e
2890 tCO2e
2667 tCO2e
Carbon emissions
Mace target
2023
2024
2025
2026
2021
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
Pipeline savings forecast from our live projects and programmes
Mace has been a carbon neutral business since 2020, supported by carbon offsets through Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) programmes across the globe.
However, there is always more that we can do and reaching a carbon neutral position was only the beginning. We have since committed to reduce our carbon emissions each year as we reduce our use of carbon offsets.
10% carbon reduction each year
Steps
without
Footprints
Our story
Data reporting
Case Studies
Further information
Contact us
Contact us
resources
Case studies
Our Journey
2
Carbon emissions in tCO e
Year
Scope 1
Year
2022
Carbon savings already achieved
Scope 2 (market based)
13,885
12,496
11,247
10,122
9,110
8,199
7,379
Saving 10m tonnes of our clients’ carbon emissions
In January 2021, we announced that Mace had achieved carbon neutral status - just one year after we set our ambitious target. Fresh off the back of success, and with a clear sense that we had only scratched the surface of what is possible, we set a new target – one that would see us go beyond our own carbon emissions.
We pledged to reduce the carbon emissions from our clients’ operations by 1m tonnes by 2026 as a result of our influence on the projects we were involved in. And as of 2023, we have secured a pipeline of work that will see us exceed that target. So we are raising that bar once again and now committing to having a range of projects that once delivered, will save our clients 10 million tonnes of carbon by 2026.
Sharing our learning and approach has always been central to our carbon reduction strategy, and we remain dedicated to that promise. This site shares our journey – demonstrating our performance and action along the way and highlighting opportunities for everyone in the industry to join the fight.
There are three primary types of carbon to tackle.
Other
6%
Transportation
23%
Other industry
32%
Building operations
28%
Building materials and construction process
11%
2
Embodied carbon
The energy used to manufacture, transport and install construction materials.
Operational carbon
The energy consumed
by buildings in use.
Corporate GHG emissions
The energy used through the daily running of the business.
TARGETS AND PROGRESS
Investigate
Work with technology developers, clients, design innovativeers and suppliers to trial low carbon solutions.
Transform
Adopt new technologies, pilot new materials and specify low carbon energy and diesel alternatives
We recognise that there is always more that we can do and reaching a next zero carbon position was only the beginning. In 2021 we set ourselves a new carbon target (as part of our 2026 Business Strategy) to reduce our absolute carbon emissions by 10% year on year.
We recognise that there is always more that we can do and reaching a next zero carbon position was only the beginning. In 2021 we set ourselves a new carbon target (as part of our 2026 Business Strategy) to reduce our absolute carbon emissions by 10% year on year.
At the same time, we recognised that we had an opportunity to make real change happen by working with our clients to reduce their carbon emissions too. We now have an additional target which will see us reduce client carbon emissions by 1m tonnes by 2026.
Company pledges
Pledges made with sustainability bodies
2026 Business Strategy targets
Save 1 million tonnes of client carbon by 2026
At the same time, we recognised that we had an opportunity to make real change happen by working with our clients to reduce their carbon emissions too. We now have an additional target which will see us reduce client carbon emissions by 1m tonnes by 2026.
Scope 1
Fossil fuel use on our construction sites and within our global corporate offices
Scope 2 (Location)
Electricity use on our construction sites and global offices (using carbon factors based on the country of emissions)
Scope 2 (Market)
Electricity use on our construction sites and global offices (using carbon factors of our actual energy providers)
Scope 3
Water
Waste
Business travel
Total (Market)
2019
2020
2021
Milestones, activities and operational changes that we are making to reduce our reliance on carbon off-sets
The road to 2030
Click on the links to view our action
PLEDGES MADE
That’s why, as part of our net zero carbon commitments, we’ve pledged our support to worldwide industry campaigns. We’re at our strongest when we work together and this is one fight that requires us all to pull in the same direction.
Whether it’s our Climate Pledge to meet the Paris Agreement 10 years early, our commitment to the World Green Buildings Council net zero buildings commitment or our recent signing of the Race to Zero campaign, we are more determined than ever to bring about positive change in the industry.
Reach net zero emissions by 2040 (10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement)
30% low emissions concrete use by 2025 (100% by 2050)
50% emissions reduction by 2030
Procure 100% renewable electricity by 2022
50% low emissions steel use by 2026 (100% by 2040)
Occupy net zero carbon buildings
Hover over each logo to find out what Mace has committed to achieve.
No single company can tackle the built environment climate challenge alone.
Mace's carbon reduction strategy is defined in four stages.
Reduce carbon emissions by 10% each year
Reduce
Continue to reduce our energy consumption, travel less for business and generate less waste.
Influence
Encourage & enable our clients, partners & suppliers to embrace low carbon solutions & understand the benefits of net zero carbon.
REDUCING MACE'S CARBON FOOTPRINT
In 2017 we launched our Responsible Business Strategy and in 2020 we published Steps Without Footprints, our strategy to become a net zero carbon business in one year and go on to become a carbon neutral business.
In 2021 we published a follow up report (Steps Without Footprints - One Year On) detailing how we had reached a net zero carbon position and we set new carbon targets as part of our 2026 Business Strategy.
Central to that strategy is our priority to ‘pursue a sustainable world’. Our aim is to accelerate the built environment’s response to the climate emergency with some bold targets that look beyond Mace’s direct responsibility and into our scope of influence – greatly expanding our remit on our scope 3 emissions.
At Mace, we have been on a carbon reduction mission for many years – reducing our impact on the planet in new and innovative ways as solutions evolve.
2012
2013
2015
2017
2019
2020
2021
2022
2017
2012
Committed to reduce energy use by 20% by 2015
2012
2013
2015
2019
2020
2021
2022
Halve emissions of sector by 2030 and total decarbonisation of sector by 2050
Target
50,647
147,854
267,119
466,228
701,778
1,000,000
Click on the arrows or on the timeline to read our achievements
2013
Agreed a partnership with Ecotricity – connecting our UK offices and sites to 100% renewable power and green gas
2015
Connected with renewable energy suppliers to power our European sites
2017
Became first UK construction company to join the RE100 initiative, and committed to creating 100ha of new biodiverse green space by 2022
2019
Launched Mace Tech, a new construction method which generates 70% less construction waste
2020
Became a carbon neutral business, joined Race to Zero, Climate Pledge and EP100, and became a founding member of
SteelZero
2021
Completed first diesel free major construction project, pledged to reduce Mace carbon emissions by 10% each year, save 1m tonnes of client carbon and create 500ha of biodiversity
by 2026
2022
Banned diesel use in construction, became a founding member of Concrete Zero, and secured a UK Government backed sustainability performance linked credit facility
2
Carbon savings realised (tCO e)
2
Mace set to exceed 1m tonnes of client carbon savings by 2026
2020
2024
2026
2022
2028
2030
Key targets
Energy use
Embodied carbon
Business travel
Waste and water
Net zero carbon
(with offsets)
Net zero carbon
(with offsets)
Measure and report embodied carbon for our development projects
Measure and report embodied carbon for our construction projects
First zero diesel construction site
RE100 - Procure 100% renewable power
20% reduction in business travel carbon emissions
Reduce absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 60%
Reduce energy
demand by 30%
Eliminate diesel on all of our construction sites
Reduce embodied carbon on our development projects by 50%
Reduce embodied carbon on our construction projects by 20%
Reduce business travel carbon emissions by 50%
Reduce waste by 50%
Reduce water by 40%
Achieve net zero operational carbon on our development projects
Reducing our clients’ carbon footprint
Across our consult, construct and operate engines we have identified where the opportunities exist for scaled up carbon reduction, that address both operational and embodied carbon.
Progress
By October 2022, Mace had secured a pipeline of over 125 projects that will collectively deliver over 1m tonnes of carbon savings by 2026. As of 2023, we have increased that target and are committed to having a range of projects that once delivered, will now save our clients 10 million tonnes of carbon by 2026. Mace is supporting over 100 companies to reduce their carbon emissions, from small scale PV roll out to national estate rationalisation, and global portfolio decarbonisation.
RESOURCES
Back to top
DOWNLOADs
Steps Without Footprints
Net zero carbon strategy
PDF
Steps Without Footprints: One Year On
How Mace achieved net zero carbon status in one year
PDF
The Global Race to Zero
2022 Property and infrastructure carbon survey
PDF
Sustainability Video
Video
ESG Report 2021
Environmental, Social, Governance
PDF
pursue a sustainable world
Sustainability Video
At Mace we are challenging ourselves, our clients and our projects to pursue a sustainable world. This is how we are making our mark on the planet.
As an industry we must come together to join the fight against climate change. We have a significant role to play in reducing embodied and operational carbon throughout infrastructure and the property life-cycle, and a huge opportunity to be the difference between success and failure.
The challenge is overwhelming if tackled in isolation. Collaboration will be the key. Working together to support a collective forward movement is essential.
We are proud of our achievements so far, but we know we can do more, and we need to work more closely as an industry. It is not about personal gain or competition; it is about doing the right thing to protect the planet.
When we first published Steps Without Footprints (our net zero carbon strategy), we shared the detail of our plan to support others in the industry to achieve their carbon targets. In year two, we published a follow up report to demonstrate our further learning and successes.
We have now evolved Steps Without Footprints to offer more detail than ever before. Breaking down carbon data to demonstrate performance. Sharing case studies to illustrate how we are helping clients to set and achieve ever-ambitious targets. Giving away real-time progress and learning.
Mace is throwing down the gauntlet to share its knowledge and insights so that we all benefit. We challenge everyone in the industry to do the same.
6,660
4,267
4,373
7,709
8,946
1,921
Scope 3
566
301
17,818
Back to top
Mace's carbon footprint
How we are saving 10m tonnes of carbon
- Fast track solar PV & on-site renewables installation programmes
- Portfolio energy and renewables procurement
- Portfolio wide HVAC retrofit and replacement programmes
- Bridging the performance gap and adopting NABERS ratings
- Developing and integrating project sustainability briefs to drive
- Advising on corporate policy changes to reduce business travel emissions
Setting high project sustainability targets for which the multi-disciplinary design team have worked together to implement a range of initiatives to reduce embodied carbon and achieve LEED and WELL Platinum, while delivering a building that is net zero carbon in operation. Solutions include a reduction of basement depth, optimised slab thicknesses, low carbon terracotta façade, natural ventilation complemented by a hybrid mixed mode HVAC system, 20% active EV charging points (with 20% passive provision for the future) and water savings measures such as rainwater harvesting.
Pharmaceutical HQ, UK
Project manager
National retailer, UK
Government department, UK
Mixed-use scheme, UK
Financial institution, US
Government department, UK
Pharmaceutical HQ, UK
28,000
Tonnes saved
Developing a retrofit and new build programme to improve the sustainable performance of the entire estate, including fast tracking the installation of onsite ground and roof mounted PV and a heat decarbonisation programme to replace gas CHP with electric air source heat pumps.
Government department, UK
Project manager and sustainability consultant
12,000
Tonnes saved
Developing the business case, procuring, and implementing energy and carbon reduction capital projects across the global property portfolio, resulting in a 70% reduction of carbon emissions since 2015. Solutions have included BMS analytics and optimisation software, HVAC enhancement and replacement, and refreshed corporate policies to tackle Scope 3 emissions.
Financial institution, US
Sustainability consultant
100,000+
Tonnes saved
Delivering several phases of the master plan for one of London’s largest mixed-use regeneration projects. The greatest carbon saving success was realised by incorporating GGBS cement replacements into the concrete mix to reduce the project’s embodied carbon. Further embodied carbon reductions are being achieved by using ArcelorMittal’s XCarbTM low carbon steel, and by switching from a steel framed basement to concrete. Operational carbon emission savings will be achieved by incorporating low GWP refrigerants into the air and water cooled chillers.
Mixed-use scheme, UK
Main contractor
6,000
Tonnes saved
Implementing a national LED lighting programme across the estate portfolio, reducing energy consumption and opex costs alongside carbon savings.
National retailer, UK
Project manager
35,000
Tonnes saved
Leading a national refurbishment and rebuild programme that also delivers a transition to net zero carbon schools. Managing the programme of projects from feasibility stage, through to procurement and construction, we are embedding low and zero carbon HVAC systems such as air source heat pumps, incorporating nature-based solutions, certifying to Passivhaus standards, and introducing EV changing points.
Government department, UK
Project manager and technical advisor
20,500
Tonnes saved
Saving 10 million tonnes of client carbon emissions
Next
Case
Study
Previous
Case
Study
Case studies
service offer and case studies
Specialist services include energy strategy and policy development, climate action strategy and policy development
Services include advice on the use of assts and strategic management to achieve best economic and social value over the whole lifecycle
Services include the development of risk strategies, business continuity strategies, plans, procedures and tests
Expertise in the procurement, management and implementation of strategic and complex sourcing initiatives, supply chain and category
Services include advice on the structuring and sources of funding for development and/or investment programmes and financial modelling
National retailer, UK
Services include the development and/or evaluation of policies, strategies and local regulations
Mace has been implementing an energy reduction programme across the national property portfolio, focussing on LED lighting, heating and cooling system upgrades, the electrification of heating, and the removal of HFCs within the refrigeration systems. Alongside a reduction in energy consumption and the associated opex costs, these interventions will also save 5,822 tonnes CO2e (lighting) and 12,475 tonnes CO2e (heating and cooling) per year.
National retailer, UK
Government department, UK
Mixed-use scheme, UK
Financial institution, US
Government department, UK
Pharmaceutical HQ, UK
CLIENT
Project Manager
ROLE
ACTION
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
35,000
Tonnes saved
Mace is delivering a national refurbishment and rebuild schools programme, which includes delivering net zero operational buildings. Through our role as technical advisor we are managing a programme of projects from feasibility stage through to design, procurement and construction - embedding low and zero carbon technologies such as ground and air source heat pumps, nature-based solutions, and EV changing points. The schools are also being designed to achieve an energy use intensity of 52 kWh/m2/yr (primary schools) and 67 kWh/m2/yr (secondary schools), and the annual operational carbon saving for each school is expected to be an average of 256 tonnes CO2e.
20,500
Government department, UK
CLIENT
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
Tonnes saved
Project manager and technical advisor
ROLE
ACTION
Mace is delivering five phases of the master plan for one of London’s largest mixed-use regeneration projects, and has been implementing design and construction solutions that will reduce the embodied carbon of the development. The development is expected to achieve 592 kgCO2e/m2 of embodied carbon (for stages A1-A5). The greatest carbon saving success was realised by incorporating GGBS cement replacements into the concrete mix, with further savings delivered by procuring ArcelorMittal’s XCarbTM low carbon steel and switching from a steel framed basement to concrete. Operational carbon emission savings will be achieved by incorporating low GWP refrigerants into the air and water cooled chillers.
6,000
Mixed-use scheme, UK
CLIENT
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
Tonnes saved
Main contractor
ROLE
ACTION
For over five years Mace has led the bank’s global property carbon reduction programme. Alongside the corporate reporting, Mace has been identifying energy interventions (such as BMS analytics and optimisation platforms, LED replacement, HVAC retrofit), developing the business case and liaising with local FM suppliers on the procurement of solutions, as well as creating and updating corporate policies to tackle Scope 3 emissions. Across a portfolio of over 100 properties, the programme has delivered a 70% reduction in carbon emissions since 2015, over $5m of energy cost savings, and has elevated the bank’s CDP score to an A rating.
100,000+
Financial institution, US
CLIENT
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
Tonnes saved
Sustainability consultant
ROLE
ACTION
Working in partnership since 2014, Mace has been project managing a retrofit and new build programme to design and construct low carbon buildings. The programme includes heat decarbonisation alongside a fast-tracked onsite PV installation that are expected to contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions of 280,000 tonnes and save £100 million in energy costs over the next 60 years.
12,000
Government department, UK
CLIENT
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
Tonnes saved
Project manager and sustainability consultant
ROLE
ACTION
Mace has set high project sustainability targets for which the multi-disciplinary design team have collaboratively implemented a range of initiatives on to reduce embodied carbon and achieve LEED and WELL Platinum, while delivering a building that is net zero carbon in operation. Solutions include a reduction of basement depth, optimised slab thicknesses, low carbon terracotta façade, natural ventilation complemented by a hybrid mixed mode HVAC system, 20% active EV charging points (with 20% passive provision for the future) and water savings measures such as rainwater harvesting.
28,000
Pharmaceutical HQ, UK
CLIENT
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
Tonnes saved
Project manager
ROLE
ACTION
Working in partnership since 2014, Mace has been project managing a retrofit and new build programme to design and construct low carbon buildings. The programme includes heat decarbonisation alongside a fast-tracked onsite PV installation that are expected to contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions of 280,000 tonnes and save £100 million in energy costs over the next 60 years.
12,000
Government department, UK
CLIENT
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
Tonnes saved
Project manager and sustainability consultant
ROLE
ACTION
For over five years Mace has led the bank’s global property carbon reduction programme. Alongside the corporate reporting, Mace has been identifying energy interventions (such as BMS analytics and optimisation platforms, LED replacement, HVAC retrofit), developing the business case and liaising with local FM suppliers on the procurement of solutions, as well as creating and updating corporate policies to tackle Scope 3 emissions. Across a portfolio of over 100 properties, the programme has delivered a 70% reduction in carbon emissions since 2015, over $5m of energy cost savings, and has elevated the bank’s CDP score to an A rating.
100,000+
Financial institution, US
CLIENT
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
Tonnes saved
Sustainability consultant
ROLE
ACTION
Mace is delivering five phases of the master plan for one of London’s largest mixed-use regeneration projects, and has been implementing design and construction solutions that will reduce the embodied carbon of the development. The development is expected to achieve 592 kgCO2e/m2 of embodied carbon (for stages A1-A5). The greatest carbon saving success was realised by incorporating GGBS cement replacements into the concrete mix, with further savings delivered by procuring ArcelorMittal’s XCarbTM low carbon steel and switching from a steel framed basement to concrete. Operational carbon emission savings will be achieved by incorporating low GWP refrigerants into the air and water cooled chillers.
6,000
Mixed-use scheme, UK
CLIENT
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
Tonnes saved
Main contractor
ROLE
ACTION
Mace is delivering a national refurbishment and rebuild schools programme, which includes delivering net zero operational buildings. Through our role as technical advisor we are managing a programme of projects from feasibility stage through to design, procurement and construction - embedding low and zero carbon technologies such as ground and air source heat pumps, nature-based solutions, and EV changing points. The schools are also being designed to achieve an energy use intensity of 52 kWh/m2/yr (primary schools) and 67 kWh/m2/yr (secondary schools), and the annual operational carbon saving for each school is expected to be an average of 256 tonnes CO2e.
20,500
Government department, UK
CLIENT
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
Tonnes saved
Project manager and technical advisor
ROLE
ACTION
Mace has been implementing an energy reduction programme across the national property portfolio, focussing on LED lighting, heating and cooling system upgrades, the electrification of heating, and the removal of HFCs within the refrigeration systems. Alongside a reduction in energy consumption and the associated opex costs, these interventions will also save 5,822 tonnes CO2e (lighting) and 12,475 tonnes CO2e (heating and cooling) per year.
35,000
National retailer, UK
CLIENT
CLIENT CARBON EMISSIONS SAVED
Tonnes saved
Project Manager
ROLE
ACTION
OUR TARGETS
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2019
5000
10000
15000
Carbon emissions in tCO e
2
Carbon savings realised (tCO e)
2
Year
Year
Target
20000
25000
30000
Q3
Q4
Q1
Q2
2560 tCO2e
3130 tCO2e
2890 tCO2e
2667 tCO2e
Carbon emissions
Mace target
Scope 1
Scope 2 (market based)
Scope 3
2023
2024
2025
2026
2021
2022
2,000,000
4,000,000
6,000,000
8,000,000
10,000,000
10,200,000
Pipeline savings forecast from our live projects and programmes
Carbon savings already achieved
Mace has been a carbon neutral business since 2020, supported by carbon offsets through Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) programmes across the globe.
However, there is always more that we can do and reaching a carbon neutral position was only the beginning. We have since committed to reduce our carbon emissions each year as we reduce our use of carbon offsets.
10% carbon reduction each year
Milestones, activities and operational changes that we are making to reduce our reliance on carbon off-sets
The road to 2030
13,885
6,660
4,267
7,709
301
1,921
8,946
566
17,818
4,373
12,496
11,247
10,122
9,110
8,199
7,379
500,647
1,000,000
2,067,119
4,066,228
7,001,778
10,000,000
Building materials and construction process
11%
Progress
By October 2022, Mace had secured a pipeline of over 125 projects that will collectively deliver over 1m tonnes of carbon savings by 2026.
Mace is supporting over 100 companies to reduce their carbon emissions, from small scale PV roll out to national estate rationalisation, and global portfolio decarbonisation.
Milestones, activities and operational changes that we are making to reduce our reliance on carbon off-sets
The road to 2030
Building materials and construction process
11%