Delivering low carbon infrastructure
On 12 July 2017, the UK Green Building Council (UK-GBC) published ‘Delivering Low Carbon Infrastructure’, a report recommending the establishment of a whole life carbon target for infrastructure.
Informed by detailed client interviews and desktop research, the report’s main findings are:
- There is no specific whole life carbon target for infrastructure that organisations or projects can work towards.
- There is wide variation in the ambition, duration and scope of the targets currently being set.
- There is no single method used by all the surveyed clients to set their carbon targets.
- Regulators play a role in addressing carbon, but are not explicit in setting targets for carbon reductions or for driving performance.
Based on the findings, UK-GBC recommends the establishment of a whole life carbon target based on climate science and from which organisations can derive commensurate targets. The monitoring of such a target, and the reporting of progress against it, will be crucial.
The report was prepared with support from Atkins, CEEQUAL, Ferrovial Agroman, Osborne, Skanska and Responsible Solutions, and has been endorsed by the influential ICE Infrastructure Client Group. The group, which is chaired by Tideway CEO Andy Mitchell CBE, features C-suite level representation from the biggest infrastructure client organisations in the UK.
Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive, UK-GBC said:
“I’m pleased that UK-GBC has been able to provide the industry with a lucid view on carbon target setting in infrastructure. There is a great deal of support for setting a carbon target, based on climate science, for this part of the built environment, and I hope this report provides the catalyst for achieving this.”
Andy Michell CBE, Tideway CEO, chair of the ICE Infrastructure Client Group and chair of the Infrastructure Industry Innovation Platform said:
“Carbon is a key concern in infrastructure. Clients across all infrastructure sectors are taking action to reduce emissions, but we must ensure our actions go far enough to tackle the challenge that lies ahead. It is clear that the setting of an industry-wide carbon target for infrastructure, as recommended in this report, is essential. This will ensure we have a clear trajectory to a low-carbon future, in line with climate science.”
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building Places that Work for Everyone.
- Interview with Julie Hirigoyen, UK-GBC.
- Low carbon construction IGT.
- Sustainable development: energy challenge.
- The role of local leadership in creating sustainable homes.
- UK Green Building Council.
- UKGBC BREEAM 2014 consultation workshop.
- World Green Building Council.
Featured articles and news
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.