What role can infrastructure have in achieving net zero?

Rising global temperatures and other impacts of climate change may already be irreversible for many years, according to the World Meteorological Association and other leading scientists.

We’ve seen the human impact of our changing weather here in the UK. Flood risks are rising and hot temperatures affect transport infrastructure and people’s health.

With between 70 to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions linked to infrastructure, civil and infrastructure engineers and other built environment professionals need to be part of the solution.

In fact, it’s essential if the UK is to reach its target of achieving net zero by 2050.

How can engineers reduce emissions from our infrastructure systems?

Decarbonisation is the process by which infrastructure’s greenhouse gas emissions, the main driver of climate change, will be reduced.

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, but there are key things that civil and infrastructure engineers can do to cut down emissions and make a difference.

Carbon accounting: understand what emissions are – and where they come from

The first thing is to understand what the emissions from a project actually are. This is called carbon accounting.

Carbon accounting includes:

• Emissions from construction
• Where materials come from
• The impact of building processes
• Emissions throughout the lifetime of an asset (the thing you’re building, be it a bridge, water treatment plant, etc.)

Carbon accounting is really important, because it’s very difficult to take other actions if you don’t have a good understanding of what emissions are likely to be.

Carbon management: do something about emissions

Only by having a grasp on what emissions are likely to be, can civil and infrastructure engineers take the next step and do something about them. This is called carbon management.

The PAS 2080 standard for carbon management is the best tool for reducing emissions from infrastructure. It also covers buildings, so any built environment professional can use it to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the role of government?

Legislation, like the Climate Change Act (the UK’s main regulation for addressing the climate crisis) can help solidify and speed up change.

How we use the infrastructure we currently have will also help reduce emissions. The government can support changes in public behaviour to accelerate progress. This can look like more people using public transport or choosing to purchase electric vehicles to get around.

What are the main benefits of decarbonisation?

Besides reducing the production of greenhouse gases that are causing climate change, decarbonisation has many other benefits, such as cleaner air.

Approaching projects in a different way, e.g., by prioritising nature-based solutions and less polluting materials, can mean more green spaces, improved biodiversity, reduced flooding and less impact from hot temperatures.

Learn more about decarbonisation