The journey to net-zero for infrastructure and the role of PAS 2080 in decision-making

“With life-cycle assessments, we get to see the impacts across the whole life-cycle of the structure. When I choose a material, I can see the impact it will create during the construction, the maintenance and the end-of-life stage for that material. "

 — Amal Rose, Sustainability Specialist, Kier Transportation

The transition towards a sustainable future in infrastructure development requires an industry-wide commitment to net-zero goals and an industry-wide adoption of strategic methodologies and planning. 

Kier Transportation is a leading provider of infrastructure services, construction and property developments, committed to delivering for communities and leaving lasting legacies through their work. In this article, Amal Rose, sustainability specialist at Kier Transportation, provides valuable insights into the organisation’s transformational journey. The company's collaboration with One Click LCA highlights a pivotal step towards integrating life-cycle assessments (LCA) into infrastructure projects, and reinforcing the role of PAS 2080 in guiding environmental responsibility.

Defining net-zero in the infrastructure sector

Achieving net-zero for infrastructure requires minimising emissions as close to zero as possible and compensating for any residual emissions through carbon offsetting or sequestration. This approach is vital in infrastructure, where large-scale projects often have significant environmental footprints. The conversation around net-zero is now at a critical stage, as global temperature increases. The 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement — an exemplar of the critical milestones humanity must not surpass to avoid catastrophic climate impacts — should be on the radar of every infrastructure development organization.

Strategic tools for carbon reduction — hotspot analysis

One of the pivotal strategies used within Kier is the implementation of hotspot analysis in the planning stages of infrastructure projects, using life-cycle assessment (LCA) tools to identify where carbon impact may be higher than desired. By targeting these areas early in the design process, it is possible to focus mitigation strategies more effectively, thereby optimising resources and maximising the impact of emission reduction efforts.

The evolution and Impact of PAS 2080

PAS 2080 is the world’s first specification for managing whole-life carbon in infrastructure. Serving as a strategic approach for embedding sustainability in project management and execution, it was updated in 2023 in response to the urgency of the climate crisis. The team at Kier has monitored the evolution of this standard from its inception to its latest iteration, emphasising the shift in methodologies — from the "Build Nothing, Build Less, Build Clever" mantra to an "Avoid, Switch, Improve" framework. This evolution reflects a deeper understanding of the need for early intervention and comprehensive planning in reducing carbon footprints.

The standard promotes a culture of collaboration, requiring consistency in carbon reduction commitments across all levels of project execution — from leadership to subcontractors. This ensures that all parties involved are aligned with the net-zero objective, creating a unified front against carbon emissions.

Kier Transportation's proactive approach

Kier Transportation's accreditation to PAS 2080 demonstrates their proactive commitment to sustainability. Kier acknowledges that this is not merely a one-time certification but an ongoing commitment that demands continuous improvement and adaptation. The company's strategy includes integrating sustainable practices into their daily operations and project management processes, from design to construction and maintenance.

Integrating life-cycle assessments with One Click LCA

The integration of One Click LCA’s tools into Kier Transportation’s projects facilitates comprehensive life-cycle assessments (LCAs), allowing the company to monitor and manage carbon impacts at each project stage. This tool is crucial in providing the data needed to make informed decisions that align with sustainability goals, ensuring that every phase of infrastructure development is optimised for minimal environmental impact.

Conclusion: A blueprint for sustainable infrastructure

The journey to net-zero in infrastructure is complex and challenging but fundamentally necessary for sustainable development. Through strategic planning, robust standards like PAS 2080, and innovative tools like One Click LCA, companies like Kier Transportation are paving the way for an environmentally responsible future. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate carbon reduction goals but also fosters long-term sustainability to meet the demands of future generations, ensuring that the infrastructure developed today does not compromise the environmental integrity of tomorrow.

How One Click LCA helps to decarbonise infrastructure

One Click LCA is the world-leading end-to-end sustainability platform for construction and manufacturing, streamlining infrastructure LCA with effortless data input, material comparison, scenario analysis, and more. The platform is designed for architects, engineers and construction professionals to deliver low-carbon infrastructure projects and comply with PAS 2080 or BREEAM Infrastructure LCA. 

Find out more:

• Article: How AI digital twins data accelerate sustainable infrastructure
• LCA for infrastructure