Arup has contributed to sustainability reporting guidelines launched today for use in the construction and real estate sectors.
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines set out common global standards for reporting on issues including carbon emissions, management and remediation of contaminated land, and sub-contracted labour by companies operating in the built environment.
As part of a GRI sector Working Group (the Construction and Real Estate Sector Supplement, or CRESS, Working Group), Arup has supported the development of these guidelines, with input focusing on the design of performance indicators.
During each building’s lifecycle – from design, through construction, occupation and operation and all the way to demolition – its impact on the environment and society range from materials used during construction to energy consumption during occupation.
“Today’s new guidance will help construction and real estate companies be more transparent about the impacts their activities and assets have on the environment, economy and society. The built environment forms the structure in which communities function and is part of the landscape, so making sure companies in the construction and real estate sector have the tools to communicate their impacts is vital if we are to move to a sustainable economy.”
– Maaike Fleur, Senior Manager Reporting Framework at the Global Reporting Initiative
The built environment is responsible for more than 40% of global energy use and one third of global greenhouse gas emissions – and up to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions in our cities and towns. Measuring, monitoring and reporting the sustainability of construction activities and buildings has suffered from a lack of consistency until now.
“For the first time, these guidelines give clarity to construction and real estate sector firms reporting on sustainability criteria. Our team works with some of the world’s leading construction and real estate sector firms reporting on their credentials and performance in this area. Global guidelines are a step forward in driving much needed consistency, performance improvement and transparency in sustainability reporting, whether they are implemented whole-heartedly, or used as guidance.”
– Jonathan Ben-Ami, Arup’s global sustainability leader