Deutsche Bank and Grab among firms joining WorldGBC’s net zero buildings initiative

Seven companies, including Deutsche Bank and Grab, which provides everyday services like deliveries, mobility and financial services, have become the latest among seven companies that have joined the World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC’s) net zero initiative.

The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment calls on businesses to take action to decarbonise the built environment through corporate and policy action.

The latest firms to join the initiative – which now has a total of 169 signatories – also include global solutions firm CannonDesign, real estate companies GI Quo Vardis, Lamington Group and QIC Real Estate (EICRE) and Schneider Electric.

The businesses and organisations that have signed up to the Commitment now account for around 7.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent of portfolio emissions annually, nearly 20,000 assets and more than $415 billion (£330bn) annual turnover.

As part of the updated Commitment, they will also maximise embodied carbon emissions reductions for new developments and major renovations by 2030, compensating for any remaining residual upfront embodied emissions as part of a whole lifecycle approach.

WorldGBC CEO Cristina Gamboa said: “I’m delighted to announce the latest group of signatories to the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. We welcome Schneider Electric, a world leader in building services and technologies and Deutsche Bank, a significant asset owner taking responsibility for their portfolio and beyond.

“These companies are displaying industry leadership to decarbonise their assets further and faster, contributing to accelerated industry transformation in the #RaceToZero.”

The Commitment also acts as a pathway to membership of the global EP100 initiative from the Climate Group, bringing together energy-smart companies doing more with less energy in order to lower emissions and improve productivity.

Jörg Eigendorf, Global Head of Sustainability, Deutsche Bank added: “At Deutsche Bank, we are embedding sustainability into our policies, products & processes. As part of our long-standing commitment to sustainability, we strive to minimise the environmental impact of our own business operations, including offices & business travel. We have been carbon-neutral since 2012 & have kept reducing the absolute amount of carbon emissions since then. We have extended our efforts to reduce our supply chain’s environmental impact & reduce the emissions associated with the goods & services we purchase.

“Signing the WorldGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment reinforces our commitment to positive climate action.”

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