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Arup joins global Race to Zero as it sets its sights on net zero emissions by 2030

Kate Addlington Kate Adlington Global Press Office,London
10 December 2020

Arup has reaffirmed its commitment to become net zero by 2030 by signing up to the Race to Zero, a global campaign to rally businesses, cities, regions and investors to take action for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs and unlocks inclusive sustainable growth. 

The initiative commits members to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest to limit global temperature rise to 1.5oC above preindustrial levels. Earlier this year Arup committed to achieving net zero emissions across its entire operations by 2030, reducing its scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 30% within the next five years and set out a plan of how this would be achieved. This target has been classified as ambitious by the Science Based Target initiative as it exceeds the minimum requirements for keeping global temperature rise under 1.5oc.

UK High Level Climate Action Champion for COP26, Nigel Topping: “I recently spoke to people across Arup and felt their energy and drive to take action on climate change. It is great to see an industry leader like Arup join the Race to Zero, committing to rapid decarbonisation of their own operations alongside promoting and implementing low-carbon and resilient solutions in the work they do with clients around the world.” 

We are a year away from the long awaited COP26 and the momentum on global climate change action is growing. We all need to join the Race to Zero if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. In Arup’s own operations, the projects we work on and the advice we give to clients, we are committed to seizing every opportunity to accelerate the transition to a net-zero resilient world. ” Jo da Silva Jo Da Silva Arup Global Sustainable Development Leader

Arup is working with organisations including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development to innovate and accelerate new approaches and business models to help the world decarbonise. The firm is also working with The Resilience Shift and the Global Resilient Cities Network to enhance the resilience of cities and communities to increasing shocks and stresses resulting from climate change, including drought, water scarcity and food supply disruption.