Sime Darby Property announced the significant initiative in conjunction with the Group’s Sustainability Day 2023 held at the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, reflecting its dedication to reducing carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change. [From left] Sime Darby Property’s General Manager – Sustainability, Dr. Yasmin Rasyid; Sime Darby Property’s Independent Non-Executive Director, Dato' Hamidah Naziadin; Sime Darby Property’s Group Managing Director, Dato’ Azmir Merican and Sime Darby Property’s General Manager – Health, Safety, Security & Environment, Mohd Razif Mohd Yusoff at the announcement event.
Image from Sime Darby Property
Sime Darby Property Berhad (“Sime Darby Property” or “Group”) pledged to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, referencing the science-based target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. The Group announced the significant initiative in conjunction with Sime Darby Property’s Sustainability Day 2023 at Sime Darby Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, reflecting its dedication to reducing carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Sime Darby Property’s Group Managing Director Dato’ Azmir Merican said that pledging to Net Zero emissions is a proactive step toward ensuring the long-term viability for Sime Darby Property in line with its Purpose to be a Value Multiplier for People, Businesses, Economies, and the Planet.
“Climate change is one of the biggest global challenges that humanity face and as the nation’s pioneer property developer, the company has great responsibility in taking the necessary actions to change the way we do things to minimise our operations’ impact on nature.”
The Group’s comprehensive Net Zero approach involves tackling Scope 1* and Scope 2** emissions with near-term and long-term reduction strategies which includes significant changes to how Sime Darby Property conducts its business.
“Our operations, products, and supply chain are interconnected elements of our business ecosystem and transforming them is not just a necessity but an opportunity. By embracing innovation and sustainable practices, we are aligning with global environmental goals and also future-proofing our company,” added Dato’ Azmir.
Sime Darby Property aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2030 and has outlined several initiatives to achieve the target including retrofitting its assets with energy-efficient technology and encouraging staff to adopt energy-conscious behaviours, in addition to transitioning to renewable energy sources to power operations.
The Group will also increase use of renewable energy through the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic panels in 14 operation sites, continue the use of lower carbon cement, and collaborate with its supply chains to explore alternative lower carbon materials, among others.
The Group also aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by focusing on the electrification of equipment and corporate vehicles used in operations as well as carbon removal through nature-based solutions such as the conservation and regeneration of urban biodiversity.
Sime Darby Property is in a unique position to enhance urban biodiversity in its developments. The Group is currently developing two urban biodiversity corridors in two townships, and moving forward, has also identified 184 acres of wetland that will be managed for flood mitigation purposes. Additionally, 53 acres of secondary forest at KL East Park has been conserved and is home to rare, endemic species and beautiful geological formations.
Sime Darby Property’s Group Managing Director, Dato’ Azmir Merican said that pledging to Net Zero emissions is a proactive step toward ensuring the long-term viability of the Group in line with its Purpose to be a Value Multiplier for People, Businesses, Economies, and the Planet. Image from: Sime Darby Property
In a commitment to transparency, Sime Darby Property is actively collaborating with tenants, consultants, contractors, and suppliers to deepen its understanding of Scope 3*** emissions. The Group is prioritising efforts to establish a comprehensive plan toward Net Zero, commencing with a baseline assessment of waste, business travel, and employee commuting.
Sime Darby Property has been proactive in its sustainability initiatives, disclosing waste data since 2016 and incorporating low carbon cement in eight construction projects. A recent embodied carbon study of a typical double-story link house will inform the selection and use of low carbon materials in future residential projects.
“We believe that it is important to have accurate data before we disclose our Scope 3 emissions. This is to ensure that our disclosures are transparent, credible, and accurately reflect our efforts to reduce our emissions,” said Dato’ Azmir.
He added: “In essence, the journey to Net Zero emissions is not just about doing less harm; it is about doing more good. It is about embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, pushing boundaries, and leading by example. The significance of these changes extends beyond our Sime Darby Property; it is a ripple effect that influences the entire industry, inspiring others to follow suit and collectively contribute to a more sustainable world.”
(29 November 2023)