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Ronald Lu & Partners Establishing Science Based Target

situation

Ronald Lu & Partners (RLP), an architectural design firm based in Hong Kong, is known as a pioneer in sustainable architecture, boasting projects such as Xi Qu Centre, Zero Carbon Building, etc. Committed to excellence in design and construction, and to maximize environmental benefits, RLP has set its science-based targets (SBT) which are approved by the SBTi (Science-based Target Initiative). The firm aims to reduce its GHG emissions (Scope 1 and 2) in absolute terms (base year 2018) by 21% by 2024 and also reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions by 8% during the same period.

RLP is the only architectural firm to have set Science Based Targets in Hong Kong and when it completes meeting its target, it will be the first one to do so in Asia.

CHALLENGE

While it is committed to address climate change by setting an SBT approved target, it is now imperative for the firm to make progress in meeting the reduction target it has announced publicly to stakeholders. More importantly, how does the firm track and manage its progress towards the end goal? Does the target need to be divided into annual targets and cascaded down to regional offices?

Outcome

RLP commissioned Alaya Consulting to ensure its SBT target will be met by 2024. Alaya has formulated a strategic plan to keep RLP emissions below 2oC. The 5-year plan has been broken down into feasible yearly roadmaps for RLP to tread, in order to help it meet its long-term target. Alaya has monitored annual GHG emissions attributable to RLP’s work and has identified the reasons for changes in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. If any unexpected increases occur, we communicate with RLP to implement proper remedial measures. In addition to the existing reduction measures adopted such as lighting retrofits to reduce Scope 2 emissions, we help identify other feasible solutions for the firm, including A0 and A1 recycled paper, which has effectively reduced the firm’s Scope 3 emissions. With the right solutions and a feasible target, RLP is in a good trajectory to complete its target by 2024.