Cala Group has reported the results of its annual sustainability data audit, noting significant strides towards its net-zero goals.
In the year ending 31st December 2024, the leading housebuilder’s absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduced by almost 39% since 2021. As an intensity metric, Scope 1 and 2 emissions per 100m² developed floor area decreased by over 46% over the same period.
More than 12% of homes delivered in 2024 and all developments going through planning from 1st January 2024 were fossil-fuel free, and almost 34% of homes were built using timber frame as the business works towards 100% timber frame standard product.
Cala has also made significant progress in other sustainability areas, including installing an estimated 5,000 nature-supporting features in and around new homes over the year, and diverting 99.9% of construction waste from landfill, with waste intensity falling by 18.8% since 2021. The homebuilder’s Community Pledge initiative has also provided meaningful support to more than 50 local communities in the areas in which it builds since launching in 2023, over and above Cala’s planning obligations.
Kathryn Dapré, Head of Sustainability at Cala, said: “The results of our latest sustainability audit are very encouraging, continuing our progress towards delivering our key sustainability targets.
“But rather than being complacent, we’re now setting new goals and reaffirming on our sustainability approach, by committing to and seeking independent validation of science-based targets from the SBTi.”
Cala’s commitment to setting its own, standalone SBTi targets comes following acquisition by Sixth Street Partners and Patron Capital. The business will now establish new baseline metrics and targets bespoke to its business, to drive further progress.
Progress to date has been achieved by a series of initiatives focused on key areas identified as offering the biggest opportunity for change and impact, including the following examples:
- Switching site fuel from diesel to sustainably sourced hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO).
- Energy efficient lighting upgrades within Cala offices.
- Increased use of solar powered welfare cabins on site.
- Switching from panel heaters to dehumidifiers in site drying rooms.
- Encouraging sustainable behaviours leading to a reduction in employee business travel emissions and general energy consumption.
The whole life cycle emissions of Cala’s homes continue to be a focus, with the roll-out of gas-free solutions, improved building fabric, timber frame construction and new sustainable technologies across the housebuilder’s portfolio.
Kathryn Dapré continued: “Our Sustainability Strategy aims to embed action across the business’ culture, operations, product and customer journey, and our success so far reflects the hard work of all of our teams to achieve our ambitious goals. We look forward to continuing to push ourselves to achieve even more.”
For more information on Cala’s Sustainability Strategy, visit https://www.cala.co.uk/sustainability/.
