Net Zero
Taking real action on climate change
“Our shift to net zero comes from a deep desire to do the very best for our clients, our people, and our communities in which we operate. The devastating impacts of climate change the world is increasingly experiencing will only get worse. I cannot actively grow a business I know is contributing further to this problem, so I want to be part of the solution.”
ROBERT GODWIN
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Why Net Zero
Code red for humanity
The UN IPCC has given a “code red warning for humanity”, erasing any doubt on the correlation between human activity and the climate crisis. They forecast an increase in extreme weather events that will disproportionately affect those most vulnerable.
The hotel sector is lagging behind
Buildings, including hotels account for 40% of the annual global carbon emissions. Whilst some areas of the real estate sector have started to respond to the climate crisis, the benchmark for hotels remains remarkably low. Incremental improvements are no longer justifiable and significant advancement must be made to look after our global communities as much as our local ones.
Lamington Group is stepping up
The Group has adopted its Net zero carbon Roadmap, to 2030, 20 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. We are one of the first in the industry to launch our plan, and on the tightest possible timescale. We will now only build to whole life net zero specifications. This is a world leading commitment within our industry.
We hope to inspire and lead others along our journey.
About the Group
Lamington Group owns and manages a real estate portfolio in excess of 14,000m2, predominantly in the short and long stay accommodation sectors, with the existing property stock varying in energy performance.
In 2020, Robert Godwin, Managing Director, took the decision that we could no longer wait to take decisive action on the climate crisis.
Baseline emissions
2019 was used to set the baseline in which we would measure and report our greenhouse gas emissions going forwards.
The majority of scope 1 and 2 emissions are associated with the direct operations of our buildings. Scope 3 emissions represent indirect emissions, of which guest travel and capital goods are the largest contributors.
Report so far
From the start of 2020 we have been working to reduce our current emissions by targeting sourcing and operations, with plans established for future energy improvements.
The greenhouse gas emissions report for 2020 has shown a 41% drop in our total scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, but this is set within the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it may be hard to show the true gains to date until we see a full economic recovery.
Journey to date
December 2020
Lamington Group carbon baseline calculated covering its entire portfolio scope 1, 2, 3 for the 2019 calendar year
September 2021
Lamington Group Net Zero Carbon Roadmap published
Growth pipeline
Central to Lamington Group’s future is the planned expansion of room2 across the UK, growing to 5,000 keys by 2030. We believe in responsible growth where we will keep our emissions to an absolute minimum.
If no appropriate action was taken, the projected growth plan would result in a 1983% increase in our scope 1 and 2 emissions. The net zero strategy now ensures that the continued expansion is aligned with GHG emission targets, reducing absolute scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by >46% over the 2019 reported baseline.
Our commitments
In committing to a net zero carbon future, Lamington Group is taking the lead in responding to the climate emergency. Our performance will be reported annually and updates on our implementation and commitments will be released annually.
Develop and operate whole life net zero carbon properties
Our hometels’ emissions from their conception all the way to disposal will be equal to zero.
Achieve net zero carbon scope 1 and 2 by 2030 using Science Based Targets
To align with climate science, we will reduce all emissions in our direct control by 46% by 2030.
Track and minimise scope 3 emissions
We will encourage, guide and support our suppliers, employees, guests and wider communities to reduce their own emissions.
Roadmap
As part of this commitment to transparency, we have developed a roadmap detailing the actions we'll take to meet these targets. The three key steps of this journey are reduce, balance and deliver.
1. Reduce
Operational Carbon
The overall operational carbon from buildings will be reduced by transitioning to renewable energy, maximising renewable energy generation on site, maximising energy efficiencies and making adjustments to minimise energy consumption in the first place.
Embodied Carbon
Embodied carbon is more difficult to manage and reduce but opportunities exist in low carbon construction methods such as CLT, low carbon concrete, and modular, as well as seeking to convert existing buildings to extend their life.
Our Activities
Reduce wider emissions linked to the business’ activities. This will be done by engaging with employees, suppliers, guests and other stakeholders to support their own journeys to net zero.
2. Balance
Renewable Energy
All buildings will be supplied with 100% renewable energy, maximising opportunities for onsite renewable energy generation and procuring remaining energy through green tariffs and power purchase agreements (PPAs). All long-let tenants will also be required to switch to renewable energy.
Carbon Offsetting
Any unavoidable emissions will be balanced through verified nature-based carbon removals. We will be rebalancing residual operational and embodied carbon emissions with Climate Partner to offset through afforestation projects around the world.
3. Deliver
Detailed Actions
The roadmap details the actions that will be taken in the lead up to 2030. This plan will be updated periodically as innovation and standards develop.
Governance
Ensure all data is verified and communicated regularly as GHG emissions and progress are tracked against our commitments.
Download our net zero roadmap
Our Partners
Supporting the development of our net zero roadmap are our partners, a group of industry experts helping us to set and deliver an ambitious plan aligned with industry's leading initiatives.
Calling all guests
Who care about our planet and want brands to take action for the climate.
Come stay with us
Calling all developers and investors
Who want to lead in the future of green development, and build better buildings which support climate resilience. Who have set SBTis, green financing criteria, or need to do TCFD disclosure.
Work with us to build net zero hometels.
Calling all partners
Who are looking to pioneer new low carbon solutions, services or products. We want to work with you to have a collective impact.
Collaborate with us.
