UK: Lamington Group has set itself the goal of delivering whole life net zero carbon across the future development and operation of its room2 hometel properties.
The ambitious target forms part of Lamington Group’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon Roadmap, which includes the actions required for the company to reach its 1.5C aligned target, set in accordance with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi).
Underpinning the delivery of whole life net zero carbon hotels, Lamington Group has developed its room2 Net Zero Building Specification, aligned to both the London Energy Transformation Initiative principles and the UK GBC Whole Life Net Zero framework. The development of all future hometels will strictly adhere to the new framework, which is focused on the critical need to reduce embodied carbon throughout the design stage and achieve operational net zero throughout the building’s lifetime.
Working alongside its partners, measures will include the use of low carbon construction methods and materials, purchasing 100 per cent renewable energy during construction and in-use, and specialist consultants appointed to reach carbon targets on every project. Any unavoidable operational and embodied emissions will be balanced through verified nature-based carbon removal offsets to achieve whole life net zero carbon.
Alongside its room2 hometels’ net zero commitment, Lamington Group has committed to achieve net zero carbon across Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030 using science-based targets and by tracking and minimising Scope 3 emissions. The company’s management team has already begun drawing up retrofitting plans for its apartment portfolio. This will include switching all systems to electric so that they can be powered 100 per cent through renewable sources and upgrades in insulation and heating efficiencies.
Robert Godwin, managing director at Lamington Group and room2, said: “Today’s ambitious commitment to only deliver whole life net zero carbon hometels and wider 2030 Net Zero Carbon Roadmap reflects our strong belief that the real estate sector should be taking a lead on climate change to protect our planet for future generations. As a matter of urgency we are therefore taking action to both future proof our current portfolio, while delivering an industry leading hotel product. Showcasing innovation in carbon reduction will underpin our targeted delivery of 5,000 room2 hometel keys by 2030. Crucially we will not compromise on style and comfort.”
“Despite buildings accounting for 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, the hospitality sector in particular has been left behind within the real estate industry. As a dynamic business which has decision making for the long term at its heart, we are in a strong position to set the benchmark for best-practice sustainability initiatives in this space, and align ourselves with similarly minded partners as we embark on our growth strategy. Demonstrating tangible progress will be integral to our approach, and we have a number of near term and exciting milestones which will take our sustainability agenda to the next level.”
