Cala has published the results of its latest annual sustainability data audit, highlighting substantial progress toward its net-zero ambitions.
For the year ending 31st December 2024, the company reported a reduction of nearly 39% in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to 2021. When measured as an intensity metric, emissions per 100m² of developed floor area dropped by more than 46% over the same period.
In 2024, over 12% of homes delivered were fossil-fuel free, and from 1st January 2024 onward, all developments submitted for planning have also been fossil-fuel free. Additionally, nearly 34% of homes were constructed using timber frame, as Cala progresses toward a 100% timber frame standard product.
Cala also made notable advancements in other areas of sustainability. During the year, approximately 5,000 nature-supporting features were installed in and around new homes. Furthermore, 99.9% of construction waste was diverted from landfill, with waste intensity down 18.8% since 2021. The company’s Community Pledge initiative, launched in 2023, has provided meaningful support to over 50 local communities, going beyond Cala’s formal planning obligations.
Kathryn Dapré, Head of Sustainability at Cala, commented:
“The results of our latest sustainability audit are very encouraging, continuing our progress towards delivering our key sustainability targets. But rather than being complacent, we’re now setting new goals and reaffirming our sustainability approach by committing to and seeking independent validation of science-based targets from the SBTi.”
This new commitment to establishing standalone SBTi targets follows Cala’s acquisition by Sixth Street Partners and Patron Capital. The company will now define new baseline metrics and bespoke targets tailored to its operations to further accelerate progress.
Progress to date has been driven by targeted initiatives in areas identified as offering the greatest potential for impact, including:
- Transitioning site fuel from diesel to sustainably sourced hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO)
- Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting across Cala offices
- Expanding the use of solar-powered welfare cabins on construction sites
- Replacing panel heaters with dehumidifiers in site drying rooms
- Promoting sustainable behaviours that have led to reductions in employee business travel emissions and overall energy consumption
Cala remains focused on reducing whole-life cycle emissions across its developments through the roll-out of gas-free solutions, enhanced building fabric, timber frame construction, and the integration of new sustainable technologies across its portfolio.
Kathryn Dapré added:
“Our Sustainability Strategy aims to embed action across Cala’s culture, operations, product and customer journey. Our success so far reflects the hard work of teams across the business, and we look forward to continuing to challenge ourselves and raise the bar.”
For more, visit: www.cala.co.uk
