Major clients pledge to cut construction carbon

Three of the UK’s biggest infrastructure clients have pledged to cut carbon emissions from future projects worth a combined £30 billion. The Environment Agency, Scottish Water and Transport for London have signed up to the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) Five Client Carbon Commitments, joining other major organisations like Anglian Water and Heathrow.

The commitments aim to reduce the use of high-carbon concrete and steel, phase out fossil fuels, and set new standards for low-carbon construction. The CLC says the pledges will cover around 13% of the UK construction market and help the government meet its target to decarbonise by 2035.

Sarah Jones, minister for industry and co-chair of the CLC, said: “Decarbonising industry is vital to our plan to achieve net zero, grow the economy and make the UK a clean energy superpower. That’s why it’s fantastic to see more leading companies signing up to the five Client Carbon Commitments.”

The five commitments are:

1. Prioritise low-carbon materials and incentivise suppliers.
2. Set deadlines for phasing out fossil fuels.
3. Stop using the most carbon-intensive concrete.
4. Stop using the most carbon-intensive steel.
5. Adopt PAS 2080 to standardise carbon reporting.

Matt Palmer, CLC industry sponsor for net zero and biodiversity, said: “Building infrastructure has often been at odds with climate goals. These commitments show that low-carbon construction is possible without extra costs.”

The commitments build on lessons from the Lower Thames Crossing, the first major infrastructure project to set a legally binding carbon limit. The CLC hopes that as more clients demand low-carbon construction, the market will adapt to make these practices more affordable.

Other organisations like National Grid, East West Rail, and the Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal are expected to sign up in the coming months.