Watkin Jones has toughened its ESG targets, taking a harder line on suppliers and staff.
The BTR specialist said its ESG strategy would include new targets to cut emissions to net zero by 2030, including a “meaningful reduction” to those Scope 3 emissions, further down its supply chain. It will also insist that all its suppliers have an ISO 14001-accredited environmental management system in place by 2025.
Watkin Jones added that by 2025 50% of its purpose-built student accommodation assets would have a BREEAM rating of Outstanding, and none would be rated below Excellent. It will install heat pumps in all of its new developments by 2023.
It will also aim to increase employee engagement to 80% by 2025, increase their volunteering to 10,000 hours by 2030 and ensure that its workforce is more diverse by 2025.
Chief operating officer Richard Simpson said: “Reducing the carbon footprint and prioritising WJ’s ESG credentials are a key priority and we hope the targets launched today demonstrate the commitment we are making to building a more sustainable future for all of our stakeholders.”
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