Lendlease achieves net-zero carbon in Boston, Chicago multifamily portfolio

Lendlease and its partner Aware Super, a superannuation fund, say the global real estate company’s multifamily portfolio in Boston and Chicago has been verified as “net zero carbon.”

New projects in New York City and Los Angeles are on track to achieve the same goal as construction gets underway. The company achieved net zero through a combination of efficient design to reduce electric usage by making systems operate more efficiently and through the purchase of carbon offsets.

The company reduces resident emissions by focusing on efficient space heating, air conditioning and ventilation, water heating, cooking, water use and treatment, and waste treatment, including building amenities. “We only use carbon offsets for the residual emissions that we cannot avoid,” according to a Lendlease news release.

“Carbon offsets purchased are U.S.-based renewable energy from wind power with social outcomes as a co-benefit,” the release says. “The offset project supports sustainability education and is linked to research and skills training programs aimed at supporting green jobs.”

Lendlease is targeting absolute zero carbon across its global enterprise by 2040, which entails a commitment to no longer purchasing offsets.