May 23, 2024
The construction industry in the UK plays a vital role in building and upkeeping the infrastructure essential for the society, thereby contributing significantly to the country's economic and social development. Nonetheless, construction activities also account for a considerable portion of the UK's carbon emissions. As per the Infrastructure Carbon Review (ICR) (2013), infrastructure accounts for half of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, with 30% directly stemming from the construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure assets.
Five Client Carbon Commitments is a part of CO2nstruct Zero initiative, spearheaded by Construction Leadership Council. This response seeks to engage clients in showcasing their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and outline specific timelines for achieving these reductions.
Five Client Carbon Commitments is a five-point client led approach that will create clear demand for the transition to Net Zero within the construction industry.
The Five Client Carbon Commitments are:
The Five Client Carbon Commitments are simple, practical steps that organisations can take to show how they are reducing their carbon emissions and by when. Details on these commitments can be found here.
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Achieving net-zero emissions in the construction industry is essential for combating climate change and securing a sustainable future. The Five Client Carbon Commitments are a vital step toward this objective, offering clear guidelines on phasing out carbon-heavy materials and eliminating fossil fuel use. These commitments also introduce consistent language and terminology, promoting industry-wide collaboration to achieve the shared goal of reaching net-zero emissions.
A key aspect of these commitments is that they require client organisations to set specific dates by which their construction sites will meet the levels established by the green scale. This forward planning is essential for manufacturers, enabling them to strategically invest in the necessary infrastructure to supply sustainable materials.
The significance of the Five Client Carbon Commitments lies in their potential to drive industry-wide transformation and foster a culture of sustainability. By prioritising low carbon construction practices, phasing out fossil fuel use, and eliminating environmentally harmful materials such as steel and concrete, companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact. Furthermore, adopting PAS 2080 as a common standard for carbon management ensures consistency and accountability, enhancing the effectiveness of these sustainability efforts.
In essence, the Five Client Carbon Commitments address all critical areas, promoting a comprehensive approach to reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry and ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.
Six major civil clients—Anglian Water, Heathrow, The Lower Thames Crossing, National Highways, Northumbrian Water, and Sellafield—have publicly pledged to this decarbonisation initiatives. These organisations are committed to incorporating decarbonization incentives in the contract and reducing the use of the primary contributors to CO₂ emissions: diesel, steel, and concrete.
By adopting the Five Client Carbon Commitments, they are not only committing to lowering their own carbon emissions but also setting an example for others in the industry. Through cooperation, innovation, and collective effort, the construction sector can move towards achieving net zero emissions, ensuring a more sustainable and greener future for the coming generations.
We have been at the forefront of developing low carbon products for infrastructure and industrial projects since 2021. We have developed a versatile product portfolio of cost-competitive and low-carbon structures that undergoes rigorous testing and meets stringent EU codes. Our structures have been verified to produce up to 70% less CO₂ emissions and save up to 70% project lead time.
Embracing DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly), our structures can be swiftly assembled, significantly decreasing the duration and complexity of on-site operations. Moreover, Hyperion's on-demand manufacturing approach supports the construction industry in its transition to net zero, as we work together to address the climate emergency.
Find out more about our solutions here.
Construction Leadership Council, 2024. Five Client Carbon Commitments: Setting a Path to Net Zero Construction. Available at: https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Five-Client-Carbon-Commitments-29.04.24.pdf [Accessed 22 May 2024].
HM Treasury and Infrastructure UK, 2013. Infrastructure Carbon Review. Ref: ISBN 978-1-909790-44-5, PU1593. PDF, 420 KB, 40 pages.
