Wellcome sets target of being operationally net zero by 2030

Wellcome, the charitable foundation which supports science to solve urgent global health challenges, has set a target of reaching net zero for its UK scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.  

The target covers the carbon emissions generated by operations at Wellcome’s headquarters at 215 Euston Road and Wellcome Collection, the museum and library based in Wellcome’s original headquarters at 183 Euston Road. Wellcome’s UK scope 1 and 2 emissions result principally from the heating and cooling of these buildings and from purchased electricity.  

The buildings both present significant decarbonisation challenges. Wellcome has commissioned a detailed survey to determine what needs to be done to make them fully sustainable. 

Wellcome will simultaneously also explore the possibility of relocating its office space and the Wellcome Collection to an alternative central London location as another route to its 2030 goal. Both refit and relocation options will seek to ensure improved accessibility for visitors and staff. This exploratory work will continue over the course of 2023.  

Wellcome funds research that leads to new knowledge about life, health and wellbeing, and is taking on three of the biggest health challenges facing humanity – climate change, infectious disease and mental health.

Paul Schreier, interim chief executive of Wellcome said:

“In common with many organisations, we are looking at ways to bring our buildings up to date and minimise future energy usage. We are at the information-gathering stage of determining what the best way for us to do this is.

“Both a refit and a relocation are significant and resource-intensive options. However, doing nothing is not an option. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to human health we face today, and we all have a part to play in building a more sustainable future.

“We want to take this opportunity to create an environment for Wellcome and the Wellcome Collection which people will enjoy visiting and working in for decades to come.”

Until Wellcome reaches its net zero target for scope 1 and 2, it will offset these emissions through the Woodland Trust’s Woodland Carbon offsetting scheme. While offsetting is not a long-term solution to emissions, it is the best available way of mitigating our impact until net zero is reached.

Wellcome will also be considering options for its scope 3 emissions, of which its grantees’ emissions will likely form the largest and most complex area.

Notes

Wellcome has already committed to driving down emissions in its £38bn investment portfolio. In 2021, the foundation set a target of 2050 at the latest for the portfolio to reach net zero. Wellcome has published a detailed strategy to bring this about and is reporting annually on carbon emissions within the portfolio and its work to encourage decarbonisation among portfolio companies.

Wellcome Collection, at 183 Euston Road, is a free museum and library exploring health and human experience, attracting over 350,000 visitors a year.