ICE expects to reach net zero by 2032

Achieving net zero is no easy feat, but the ICE now has a clear path forward with the development of its carbon management plan (CMP).

The institution has positioned itself at the forefront of climate action through a multifaceted approach, which includes original research, member training, policy advice and international collaboration.

Embedding carbon management in infrastructure has been an important part of this work. It’s integral to the ICE’s mission to ensure the world has the engineering capacity and infrastructure systems it needs to enable our planet, and those who live on it, to thrive. 

This commitment is now reflected in the institution’s internal plans.

The ICE Group’s carbon management plan

The institution is showing leadership in carbon management by laying the foundations for ambitious climate action.

Developing a carbon management plan for the ICE was championed by the current ICE President, Professor Jim Hall, when he was the institution’s carbon and climate trustee.

The plan has since been moved forward by the member-led decarbonisation community advisory board (CAB) and with the support of sustainability consultancy Useful Projects.

The CMP has been formulated in stages, first defining the scope, gathering data and setting a base year analysis.

Calculated in accordance with the GHG Protocol’s corporate accounting and reporting standard, the group’s base-year carbon impact is approximately 5,336tCO2e.

That's equal to16tCO2e per full-time employee (FTE) and 55kgCO2e per member.

Different areas for action

Within this carbon impact there are different spheres of influence and control.

The gas and electricity in the groups buildings, One Great George Street (OGGS) and 8 Storey’s Gate, are large contributors but also an area that can be controlled directly.

Action has already been taken to reduce the carbon impact of OGGS.

In 2024, the ICE’s HQ underwent extensive refurbishment and maintenance works.

A key target was to improve its sustainability by taking measures such as:

• Installing double-glazing on the roof lights
• Replacing gas cookers with induction equipment
• Upgrading air handling units

The works – delivered in line with PAS 2080 principles – used the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Short Contract (ECSC) featuring an additional clause based on NEC X29 for carbon reduction.

What’s next?

The institution will measure and report its carbon footprint annually. Detailed delivery plans will be created to make sure actions are implemented in the different action areas.

For example, reducing the carbon impact at OGGS will be achieved through:

• further energy-efficiency measures;
• the move to a high-quality renewable-energy tariff; and
• heat decarbonisation for its owned buildings.

Other action areas include looking at the group’s procurement practices, hospitality, business travel and enablers such as colleagues’ actions

As leaders in climate action, the ICE aims to share ongoing updates and improvements in its carbon footprint as it progresses ton the path towards net zero by 2032.

Learn more about the carbon management plan