The Berkeley Group to become first carbon positive housebuilder

The listed company, which owns brands St James, St Edward, St George and St William, aims to deliver a 10% reduction in carbon emissions over the next two years and will set a tariff on carbon, using the funds generated to offset more carbon than it produces.

Berkeley managing director Rob Perrins, said the decision had been made follow recent climate change negotiations in Paris, which “made it clear that business has to lead on this issue.”

“There is a strong commercial case for making a business more lean, green and accountable,” said Perrins. “And in my opinion it’s simply the right thing to do.”

“From this point, Berkeley will reduce its carbon emissions intensity by 10%, encourage the use of green energy tariffs, and invest in projects that reduce or eliminate emissions elsewhere, for example by investing in renewable energy or the retrofit of existing homes, to go beyond offsetting or remaining emissions.”

Berkeley has also announced a range of investments in business, including taking on 1,500 apprentices and delivering a programme ensuring that new developments contribute positively to the environment.