Multiplex Construction Europe

Multiplex Construction Europe, with regional offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh, is an international construction company who recently completed construction on the Advanced Research Centre for the University of Glasgow: the creative and collaborative heart of research at the University of Glasgow. The £116m building will help bridge the boundaries between research, cross subject collaboration and true societal impact. They launched their Net Zero strategy “One Decade to Act” in 2021 which addresses Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and have set complementary social equity goals to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The judges were impressed with the rigour of Multiplex’s carbon accounting and their comprehensive approach to minimising carbon emissions across their operations. Multiplex Construction Europe trialled a number of innovative solutions on their projects including the first deployment of Qflow in Scotland, an AI based technology to digitise paper-based delivery records and correctly and rapidly identify all impacts associated with deliveries.

Energy Transition Scotland award recognises businesses which have reduced or eliminated the carbon emissions associated with their operations/activities through improvements in energy efficiency, installation of renewables, use of alternative fuels and/or any other aspect of energy management.

Multiplex has set its own science-based target (approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative) to limit global warming to 1.5⁰C. They are also the first contractor to sign the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment to “only own and occupy assets which operate at net zero carbon by 2030.”

In addition, they founded UK Contractors Declare, a global movement to declare a state of climate emergency as well as being a founding signatory of SteelZero, an initiative that brings together demand-side organisations to drive low-carbon steel production by sending appropriate market signals including a commitment to procure 100% net zero carbon steel by 2050.

The judges noted that sustainability and Net Zero are a key part of the company’s ethos. Multiplex Construction Europe have won contracts where it is clear that environmental performance is a key factor. They offer a lot of support to staff and to the local communities at a range of levels including Maggie’s Centre, Calum’s Cabin and engage in various challenges and competitions in partnership with the University of Glasgow. They also collaborate with local schools as STEM advisors, allowing students to learn from their projects and understand possible career options.

“We are delighted to be recognised by the VIBES judges for our commitment to environmental best practice. The built environment will play a critical role in delivering Scotland’s Net Zero targets and we believe this award shows that we are on the right path. We work collaboratively with Clients and supply chain partners who share our values and look forward to building on these relationships to go further with our decarbonisation and broader sustainability ambitions.” Darren Pike, Project Director