On the Road to Net Zero: How Is the Construction Sector Doing?

In the wake of the Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) latest report to Parliament, the Construction Leadership Council recently published the sixth progress report of the CO2nstruct Zero Performance Framework, highlighting the construction industry’s progress towards meeting its net zero goals.

Launched at COP26 in November 2021, the framework serves as a universal tool to amass data and insights on the construction industry’s commitment to the United Kingdom’s net zero target by 2050. The recent update marks the inaugural assessment against the sixth carbon budget on each of the nine priorities spanning transport, buildings and construction activity.

Incorporating 31 metrics across these areas, the performance framework articulates the trajectory of the sector in curtailing carbon emissions. The focus areas encapsulate the broad spectrum of construction operations, finished buildings and infrastructures and the conveyance of materials and products.

Highlighted achievements in the sixth update include:

• Transport: The introduction of the zero diesel route map signifies the sector’s dedication to decreasing diesel dependency. Nonetheless, an intensified focus on electric vehicles is essential, resonating with the CCC’s apprehensions regarding van sales.
• Buildings: Proficiency enhancement of heat pump installers has been spotlighted, reflecting the industry’s ambition to achieve the 2030 target.
• Construction Activity: The carbon intensity benchmark for concrete has been unveiled, empowering the industry to quantify its carbon footprint.

Source: Construction Leadership Council

However, for the building sector to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, several domains demand heightened attention. A crucial area is the domestic retrofit. Here, the contributions of the recently established National Retrofit Hub, emphasising consumer engagement and education, will be paramount.

Future projections anticipate advancements in the measurement of both operational and embodied carbon, with benchmarks for all asset categories expected by 2024. Moreover, the aim is to proffer customers with eco-friendly choices, enabling them to attain net zero through various avenues, ranging from low-carbon design suggestions to retrofit recommendations. Integrating sound barriers can significantly contribute to reducing environmental impact while improving quality of life, making them a vital component of sustainable infrastructure.

The collective endeavour has garnered the support of over 220 organisations, which have partnered with CO2nstruct Zero as business champions. Their shared expertise and best practices are instrumental in propelling the sector towards the coveted net zero.

Illustrative cases in the report include:

• Bradfords Building Supplies‘ initiative offers employees complimentary home energy evaluations and comprehensive retrofit plans, aligning with CO2nstruct Zero’s fourth priority.
• The Environment Agency’s strategy to curtail embodied carbon by 45% via BIM analytics on a tidal barrier design resonates with CO2nstruct Zero’s seventh priority.
• Keltbray‘s strategic transition from fuel generators to Temporary Building Supply (TBS), exemplifies the benefits of site electrification in terms of cost, emissions, air quality, and noise reduction.

Nusrat Ghani, the Minister of State for Industry, commended the report, highlighting the imperative of carbon reduction for a net zero future by 2050. She praised the concerted efforts across the sector, emphasising their significance in sculpting a sustainable future for UK construction.

Echoing her sentiments, Matt Palmer, the CLC’s Net Zero and Biodiversity Industry Sponsor, emphasised the roadmap’s revelations as decisive strides towards meeting the net zero challenge. The zero diesel route map and the sector’s benchmark on carbon intensity were particularly spotlighted.

However, the journey towards improving sustainability in construction is a long one. It necessitates initiatives like expanding the count of retrofit coordinators, as underscored by the Independent Committee for Climate Change’s evaluations.

Author: Alex Minett

Alex Minett is the Head of Global New Markets at CHAS, the UK’s leading health and safety assessment scheme and provider of risk mitigation, compliance and supply chain management services. With a working history in the audit and management consulting industry, Alex is experienced in implementing visions and strategies. Skilled in negotiation, management and business development, he is passionate about driving CHAS in its mission to safeguard organisations from risk in the UK.

Link to Author Image: Minett0008.jpg

LinkedIn: Alex Minett