How £30bn in projects will cut embodied carbon | One Click LCA

Major organisations commit to low-carbon construction

The Environment Agency, Scottish Water, and Transport for London have endorsed the Construction Leadership Council's (CLC) "Five Client Carbon Commitments." They join earlier signatories such as Anglian Water, Heathrow Airport, the Lower Thames Crossing, National Highways, Northumbrian Water, and Sellafield Ltd. Collectively, these organisations represent approximately 13% of the UK construction market. Their unified stance sets a new benchmark for low-carbon infrastructure delivery, influencing both current and future projects.

Understanding the five client carbon commitments

The CLC's "Five Client Carbon Commitments" provide a structured approach for organisations aiming to reduce carbon emissions in their projects:

1. Procure for low-carbon construction and provide incentives in contracts — Encourages the integration of carbon reduction goals into procurement processes, motivating contractors to adopt sustainable practices.
2. Set phase-out dates for fossil fuel use — Establishes clear timelines to eliminate fossil fuel dependence on construction sites, promoting the transition to renewable energy sources.
3. Eliminate the most carbon-intensive concrete products — Focuses on reducing the use of high-carbon concrete variants, thereby lowering the project's overall carbon footprint.
4. Eliminate the most carbon-intensive steel products — Targets the reduction of high-carbon steel usage, encouraging the adoption of greener alternatives.
5. Adopt PAS 2080 as a common standard — Implements a unified framework for carbon management and reporting, ensuring consistency and transparency across projects.

Impact on embodied carbon reduction

Embodied carbon encompasses the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, transportation, and assembly of building materials. In the UK, embodied carbon currently accounts for approximately 20% of emissions from the built environment, though this proportion is expected to rise as operational emissions decrease due to energy efficiency improvements and grid decarbonisation. Projections indicate that, without intervention, embodied carbon could constitute over half of built environment emissions by 2035. By focusing on materials like diesel, steel, and concrete—significant contributors to embodied carbon—these commitments aim to substantially reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects.

Strategies for reducing embodied carbon

To achieve these commitments, organisations can implement several strategies:

• Material selection — Opting for materials with lower embodied carbon, such as recycled steel or low-carbon concrete alternatives.
• Drive supply chain decarbonisation — Encourage manufacturers to produce environmental product declarations (EPDs) for their materials, in order to be specified.
• Early design optimisation — Employing design techniques that minimise material usage without compromising structural integrity.
• Efficient construction practices — Implementing methods that reduce waste and energy consumption during the construction phase.
• Life-cycle assessments — Conducting comprehensive evaluations to identify and mitigate carbon emissions at every stage of a project's life-cycle.

Leading the way in carbon reduction: case studies

The Lower Thames Crossing exemplifies the practical application of these commitments. This proposed infrastructure project has set an ambitious target to reduce carbon emissions by 70% and was the first major UK infrastructure initiative to include a legally binding carbon limit in its planning application. Similarly, Arcadis has demonstrated significant carbon reduction in infrastructure projects, achieving a 30% reduction through innovative carbon assessment and mitigation strategies. These proactive measures highlight the feasibility of integrating stringent carbon reduction targets into large-scale projects, setting new benchmarks for sustainable infrastructure.

Broader industry implications

The collective commitment of these major organisations sends a clear signal to the global construction supply chain about the UK's dedication to sustainable practices. This unified approach is expected to:

• Stimulate innovation — Encourage manufacturers and suppliers to develop and invest in green technologies and materials.
• Set new industry standards — Establish benchmarks for low-carbon construction that other projects and organisations can emulate.
• Improve collaboration — Foster partnerships across the industry to share best practices and drive collective progress towards net-zero goals.

Government support and future outlook

The UK government has expressed strong support for these initiatives. Sarah Jones MP, Minister for Industry and Co-Chair of the CLC, highlighted the potential benefits, stating that decarbonising the industry is vital for achieving net-zero targets, economic growth, and establishing the UK as a leader in clean energy.

Looking ahead, other prominent infrastructure clients, including National Grid and East West Rail, are anticipated to adopt the "Five Client Carbon Commitments." This growing momentum underscores a transformative shift in the construction sector towards sustainability and carbon neutrality.

Driving industry-wide action on carbon reduction 

The adoption of the CLC's "Five Client Carbon Commitments" by leading UK infrastructure organisations marks an important step towards reducing embodied carbon in construction. By implementing targeted strategies and fostering industry-wide collaboration, these commitments not only align with national net-zero objectives but also set a precedent for sustainable practices in global infrastructure development.