JLL to achieve global net zero carbon emissions by 2030

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is pleased to announce the next stage in its ambitious sustainability program by committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions across all JLL-occupied buildings by 2030. The firm also advocates a net zero approach for all its clients and suppliers.

JLL made the announcement with the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) on the opening day of Climate Week NYC, underlining its continued focus on taking bold climate action. In September 2019, JLL became the first property consultancy in the UK to sign up to the WorldGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment (NZCB), which helped establish a blueprint for JLL’s global NZCB Commitment.

The WorldGBC NZCB Commitment is unique in positioning energy efficiency as a central component to achieving decarbonization across global portfolios, in addition to generating and procuring renewable energy to meet reduced energy demand.

The majority of JLL’s reductions will be achieved through the implementation of measures to deliver its science-based target by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), as aligned to the 1.5C ambition of the Paris Agreement. Any residual emissions will be addressed via the purchase of eligible carbon offsets. JLL will seek to minimize the purchase of offsets by driving the take up of renewable energy and improving the energy efficiency of its portfolio as a priority. 

JLL’s Net Zero Carbon Building Commitment in numbers:

• 460 buildings
• 474,967 m² total floor area
• 27,761 tonnes of CO₂e portfolio carbon emissions
• 93,000 employees

“By committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions across our global office network by 2030, JLL is again demonstrating our determination to play a full part in mitigating climate change,” said Christian Ulbrich, JLL CEO. “Through our own ambitious sustainability targets, and through the advice and services we provide to our clients, we will work to fulfil our corporate purpose of shaping the future of real estate for a better world.”

“As real estate is responsible for 40% of the world’s carbon emissions, JLL is dedicated to reducing our own emissions and also to partner with our clients to help them do the same,” says Richard Batten, Global Chief Sustainability Officer, JLL. “Having committed to a science-based target, JLL is proud to be a signatory of the WorldGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment covering all of our global operational buildings portfolio. We encourage all in the real estate sector to join this Commitment to create a decarbonized built environment; there is an urgency for us all to work together to achieve this important goal.”

“We are delighted to welcome JLL’s global operations to the Commitment, joining a group of leading organizations, cities, states and regions all acting to advance net zero buildings towards the mainstream,” says Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council. “A sustainable future is our only future. We must continue to drive momentum, ambition and leadership towards decarbonizing the built environment, not only to combat the climate crisis but also unlock a green recovery from COVID-19 that benefits people, the planet and economies.”

JLL’s Net Zero Carbon Building Commitment will be delivered by five actions:

• Commit to only occupying assets that achieve net zero operational carbon globally by 2030
• Measure, assess and publicly disclose the energy and carbon emissions performance of portfolio via annual JLL Global Sustainability Report
• Increase energy-efficiency measures in both new and existing buildings; switch to electric, low emission and alternative fuel vehicles; use renewable energy in offices; buy renewable energy certificates when there is no direct supply
• Verify Scope 1 and 2 emissions and related energy consumption annually through assurance at a site and portfolio level, in accordance with internationally recognized standards
• Commit to educating and influencing clients and suppliers to mainstream net zero carbon, influence policymakers and decisions, and drive action through industry engagement

The WorldGBC is a global network of Green Building Councils operating in 70 countries, with an aim to transform the places people live, work, play, heal and learn. WorldGBC’s mission is to create green buildings for everyone, everywhere – adapting to the changing climate. The WorldGBC has set a number of goals to achieve by 2050, including:

• Limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius
• Reduce the building and construction sector’s CO₂ emissions by 84 gigatonnes
• Ensure all buildings are net zero emissions

These goals are set to ensure WorldGBC plays their part in delivering on the ambition of the 2016 Paris Agreement.