Ground Control’s ambitious net-zero targets approved

The companies near and long-term targets accepted by the Science Based Targets initiative

Ground Control’s leadership of the land management and biodiversity sector has again been highlighted with its commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2038 being validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Twelve years ahead of the Government’s goal, the SBTi has validated the science-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets submitted by Ground Control to cut its direct emissions (scope 1 & 2) by 90% by the end of the decade – and to reach net-zero by 2038 (using FYE 2021 as the base year).

The SBTi provides a clearly-defined pathway for companies to reduce carbon emissions, with science-based targets to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels

Internal analysis by Ground Control revealed that only five percent of its current carbon footprint comes from its direct activity and operations (scope 1 & 2). The remaining 95% emerge from its supply chain, with the biggest sources attributed to its field teams (43%), the purchasing of goods and services (32%), and the waste generated in operations (10%).

Jason Knights, Managing Director at Ground Control commented:

Our verified science-based targets and commitment to achieve net-zero by 2038 reinforces our dedication to leave the world in a better place than we found it. We know our targets are incredibly challenging, but we are acutely aware of the need to act quickly. We now have a much better understanding of what it means to be net-zero and what we need to do to achieve it. We are taking on this challenge by placing net-zero at the heart of all our decision making.

Sophie Stephens, Head of Environment & Sustainability at Ground Control added:

The SBTi are world-renowned for setting the highest standards for science-based targets and having our near-term and net-zero targets verified by the SBTi is a fantastic achievement. It shows our targets are robust and reflects the massive amount of work that has gone into calculating and evaluating our carbon footprint and putting in place comprehensive plans to deliver against these targets. The SBTi has commended our net-zero target, currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process.

The validation of its science-based target is Ground Control’s business’ latest response to the urgent need to respond to the climate emergency. Its commitment to biodiversity and nature includes the opening of its Centres for Environmental Recovery - Wildfell in 2022, and Devana in 2023 along with achieving B Corp status.

Ground Control’s verified carbon reduction targets:

Near Term:

Ground Control Ltd commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions 90% by FYE 2030 from a FYE 2021 base year.
Ground Control Ltd commits to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions 42% by FYE 2030 from a FYE 2021 base year.

Long Term:

Ground Control Ltd commits to reach net-zero GHG emissions across the value chain by FYE 2038.
Ground Control Ltd commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions 90% by FYE 2038 from a FYE 2021 base year.
Ground Control Ltd commits to maintain at least 90% absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emission reductions from 2030 through 2050.