“Building healthy cities has two components from the Gilbane perspective. How we build the building and the selection of building materials. Reducing our carbon footprint is the main factor in how we build. We want to build with the least amount of emissions in the local community. In determining what we build with, the health and environmental impacts of the materials are the most important factors. Our job is to assist owners in selecting the healthiest product with low emissions and carbon footprint.”
— Project executive, environmental solutions Mark Winslow
Gilbane’s investment in building healthy cities is evident in our commitment to sustainability. By reducing the consumption of raw materials, water, and fuels we aim to minimize impacts on natural resources. We are also committed to reducing the discharge of pollutants into water, land, and air by using recyclable and renewable materials in place of virgin products. We focus heavily on identifying and implementing greenhouse gas emission reduction opportunities throughout our projects. Sustainability drives our decision-making. From early design discussions through construction completion, our team works diligently to develop thoughtful, sustainable solutions.
As we look ahead to investing more heavily in the future of our planet, our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) leaders are proud to announce Gilbane’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2040, zero waste by 2040 and to reduce potable water use and consumption by 40% by 2040.
How is Gilbane going to achieve these ambitious goals by 2040? By increasing efforts in our existing sustainable practices. Gilbane’s ESG Task Force formed a subcommittee with the purpose of determining how to make long-term strides in our sustainability initiatives. As a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), the construction and building operation industry has a great opportunity and responsibility to reduce its environmental footprint. Gilbane is committed to utilizing our position and resources in the industry to influence both operations and construction projects to minimize carbon emissions. To achieve carbon neutrality, we have to benchmark emissions based on the three scopes of emissions:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned properties, controlled sources and vehicles.
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the purchase of electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed within our lease office space and construction projects.
- Scope 3: Indirect emissions occurring within the value and supply chain, including business travel, waste disposal, building materials, emissions from on-site equipment, and commuting.
This means Gilbane will have corporate-wide requirements, as well as sustainability requirements for all subcontractors. At Gilbane, we seek out and work with suppliers who are also committed to reducing their carbon footprint through conservation of resources, practicing waste minimization techniques and maximizing local sourcing.
To be a carbon neutral company, there will be financial commitments along with a significant capital cost. While there is no real short-term financial incentive for carbon neutrality, the financial impact will be evident in the long-term goal of reducing carbon emissions and bettering the planet. One example of Gilbane’s investment and industry leading action is the development of a complete net zero office trailer. This trailer is equipped with solar panels, better back-up resources and is “off the grid,” meaning no emissions.
With our 2040 goals, Gilbane is investing in our planet now to build healthy cities. Many companies discuss becoming carbon neutral. Gilbane is doing it.
Read more about Gilbane’s sustainability initiatives in the 2021 Gilbane Cares Report – Our Blueprint for Impact,.
