PAS 2080:2023 Carbon management in buildings and infrastructure

Revised PAS 2080 Standard and Guidance launched in April, 2023.

[edit] Introduction

April 5, 2023 saw the launch of the revised PAS2080 and supporting guidance document.

PAS 2080 is a globally-applicable standard for managing carbon in building and infrastructure. It looks at the whole value chain and aims to reduce carbon and cost through intelligent design, construction and use. It is a key reference document in the UK government’s Construction Playbook that is increasingly the go-to specification for carbon management in the built environment.

[edit] Key updates

BSI, with sponsorship from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Green Construction Board (GCB), have revised and updated the standard and associated guidance document to accelerate the ambition and the outcomes for decarbonisation.

The update incorporates five key themes:

Integrated approach to the built environment - widening the scope to the built environment, not just infrastructure.
Systems thinking and net zero – integrating the transition to net zero into the standard, and applying systems thinking throughout.
Taking a whole life view - addressing the urgent need to retrofit existing stock, and balance capital carbon investment with operational and user benefit.
Nature based solutions and resilience - updated to reflect the value to both carbon reduction and resilience.
Collaboration – highlighting the importance of collaboration across the value chain.

The editorial team want the PAS2080 to be the framework used by everyone across the built environment to help them on their journey to net zero and strive towards creating a sustainable future.

Link to the PAS2080 document here.

[edit] Supporting guidance and events

The supporting guidance document will help with the implementation of the necessary changes. Link to the Guidance document here

Both the PAS2080 and guidance document are available free-of-charge.

The launch was accompanied by a webinar between 1-3pm, accessible through the following link. https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2023/pas-2080-launch/

A formal In-person launch on 18 April held as a hybrid event with online sign-up through the following link.
ICE Strategy Session: the new PAS 2080 - carbon management in buildings & infrastructure | Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

[edit] Comment

Richard Robinson, deputy chair and lead on Net Zero and Biodiversity said: The CLC welcomes the publication of the revised PAS2080 to accelerate the pace of decarbonisation. By adopting the updated PAS2080 standard, the whole built environment value chain can better integrate carbon reduction practices and help move the sector towards a net zero future.

The scope of the standard has expanded to accelerate progress with a move from ambition into action on de-carbonisation, by detailing steps to reduce the carbon footprint of both buildings and infrastructure over the whole lifecycle of an asset. The new standard covers everything from the materials to design, construction, and the use of a structure, including demolition and disposal.

And for the first time, the standard is free to access, thanks to sponsorship from across the industry.

[edit] About the Construction Leadership Council (CLC)

The CLC’s mission is to provide sector leadership to the construction industry. The expanded CLC has a series of workstreams that operate collaboratively to address the biggest issues facing the sector. Workstreams include People & Skills, Building Safety, Net Zero & Bio- Diversity, and Next Generation Delivery. The CLC is co-chaired by the Minister for Business and Trade Nusrat Ghani MP and Mark Reynolds, Mace Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.