Populous Awarded Climate Active Certification for Carbon Neutral Business Operations in Australia

Climate Active is an Australian Government program that supports national climate policy by driving voluntary climate action among Australian businesses. The program represents Australia’s collective effort to measure, reduce and offset carbon emissions to mitigate the negative impact on the environment.

The certification is the result of work undertaken by the Populous in 2022 and 2023, led by Senior Principal Al Baxter in conjunction with the practice’s Finance and People teams for the APAC region. This involved comprehensive measures to reduce and offset the business’ carbon emissions in Australia, including meticulously documenting and reporting all greenhouse gas-emitting activities throughout the year. The practice also invested in Wulbujubur Cultural Fire Project (Aboriginal Carbon Foundation) and Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve (Borneo) to effectively offset equivalent emissions, but more importantly, protect Australia’s forests and biodiversity.

Commenting on Populous’ awarding of the certification, Kavita Gonsalves, sustainable design lead – APAC, said:

“Populous recognises the need for immediate action to combat the effects of the climate crisis and is dedicated to achieving net zero operations and project delivery. As an initial step towards net zero business operations, we are currently benchmarking carbon emissions across our global studios. The awarding of Climate Active Certification in recognition of our Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne offices achieving carbon neutrality affirms our commitment to achieving the goal of being climate positive.”

Paul Henry, APAC Managing Director, comments:

“As Populous APAC Managing Director, I believe it’s our duty to not just meet industry standards but to set them. Achieving Climate Active Certification reflects our Design innovation in helping our industry with positive climate leadership.”

Al Baxter, Senior Principal, adds:

“I’m proud of the team’s dedication in working towards the Australian offices getting Climate Active carbon neutral certified. This achievement is the beginning of many initiatives towards decarbonising our operations. Beyond that, we look forward to being part of a growing network of architecture, design and built environment practices that are leading the way towards responsible environmental stewardship in our industry.”