On 15 June, issue 1.0 of the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment was been published on the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC) website.

The Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment has been developed on behalf of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and is part of the Council’s Construct Zero initiative. The Code has been developed by the Achieving Net Zero Cross-Industry Working Group convened by CSIC. It is a first step to facilitate action towards reducing carbon emissions (CO2eq) related to design, construction, maintenance and operation of built assets.

Leading sustainability experts, industry and government representatives will be speaking at the online launch of the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment, hosted by the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC), at the University of Cambridge on 17 June.

The launch event will be introduced by Hannah Vickers, CEO, Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), and Jennifer Schooling OBE, Director of CSIC, and will include short presentations by the organisations which are currently conducting trials of the Code including: James Wilcox, representing the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF); Kat Ibbotson, Net Zero Carbon Infrastructure Programme Manager at the Environment Agency; and Chris Hayes, Sustainability Operations Director, Skanska UK. Feedback from the trials, which are being conducted across different organisational scales, have helped to shape the development of the Code, which is broad in intent and designed for participating organisations to share experience and learn from each other.

“It is essential that our industry reduces carbon emissions and the more organisations that sign up to the Code the more we will achieve. Carbon reduction is much more likely to happen when all organisations within a value chain are committed to working together to reduce their footprint and save costs,” said Dr Jennifer Schooling, Director of CSIC. “Collaboration is the key to success, and with alignment across all parties we can progress towards the net zero carbon objective at the pace required. There are already many excellent examples of carbon reduction measures among our Achieving NetZero Cross-Industry Working Group and the Code builds upon these strengths to provide an encouraging, supportive and collaborative approach to reducing carbon.”

The launch event will feature short reflections on the trial and the Carbon Reduction Code given by Peter Yates, Regional Frameworks Director, Constructing West Midlands and Vice Chair, NACF; Charmaine Hughes, Programme Manager and Head of Frameworks (NWCH), Manchester City Council; and Fergus Harradence, Deputy Director, Construction, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and also Stuart Young of BEIS.  The hour-long launch event, which is free to register and open to all, will conclude with a Q&A with the speakers.

Visit the FIS Sustainability Hub for resources and supporting information that will support your journey to net zero.

Hannah Vickers, CEO of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and the CLC’s Construct Zero lead, announced the website to delegates from the building materials supply chain attending the virtual meeting.

Hannah Vickers said:

 “I’m delighted today to announce the launch of the new Construct Zero website, within the existing Construction Leadership Council website. Since its launch in March 2021, Construct Zero, as an industry-change programme, continues to go from strength to strength, gathering considerable engagement and support from Government, and across the breadth of the sector and beyond, for which we are very grateful.

“The website provides key details on Construct Zero including governance, consultation, events programme, a package of supporting resources for industry together with information on how companies can get involved with the programme as a Business Champion or Business Partner or both. The CLC looks forward to hearing from and working with you on this exciting industry change programme.”

Four BMF members were amongst the first 14 Business Champions announced by the CLC last month.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said:

 “The CLC programme will stimulate collaborative behaviours across the supply chain and builders merchants and building materials manufacturers have a vital role to play in championing and delivering the changes necessary for success. BMF Business Champions are committed both to reducing the environmental impact of their operations and supporting others with their low carbon plans.”

The UK government has created the UK Business Climate Hub, a campaign that asks UK small businesses of up to 250 employees to join the fight against climate change by committing to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

Top reasons to cut carbon emissions:

Grow your business
It can be hard to think as far as 2030 when we’re all building back from coronavirus. But cutting emissions can mean saving money and give you a competitive advantage today. You will also be able to display a logo to show your commitment, attracting the growing number of customers for whom climate change really matters.

Future-proof your business
The UK is changing. For example, by 2030 you won’t be able to buy new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK, while zero-emission vehicles could support 40,000 jobs. Getting ahead of other countries like this will create new opportunities here in the UK. Is your business ready?

Be part of the solution
We all want to create a better planet, but it can be hard to know where to start. Through this commitment, join other businesses, get tips, make a plan, and be confident that you are really making a difference.

Become one of thousands of small business climate leaders across the UK this year and commit today at the UK Business Climate Hub.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC)’s Net Zero workstream, CO2nstruct Zero is seeking views on how the industry should demonstrate progress on its collective Net Zero journey.

The findings will feed into the creation of a performance framework – a suite of metrics, targets, milestones and commitments – that the industry can use to measure impact and understand when and where further action needs to be taken.

The overarching framework will amplify many of the goals and initiatives already shared in this space, and ensure industry speaks in a single and unified voice.

Commenting on the survey’s launch, Andrew Griffith MP, the UK’s Net Zero business champion, said:

“The construction industry has a vital role to play in achieving society’s Net Zero ambitions and how we measure its progress will be vital to, not only meeting our targets, but ensuring we bring all businesses – large and small – on the journey.”

Andy Mitchell, co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), said:

“A comprehensive and cohesive approach to measuring Net Zero progress is the foundation for so much more. Most importantly, it will ensure industry can be both challenged and praised. I’d urge all organisations and business groups working in our sector to complete the survey today and help us shape a Net Zero future.”

A copy of the metrics framework is available here. 

A spreadsheet has been prepared by the CLC to allow you to comment on the proposed metrics. 

Respondants are asked to provide your feedback on the four questions for each metric that you wish to comment on in the relevant box.  A spreadsheet has been developed to help structure response here.

Please send your responses to iainmcilwee@thefis.org or call Iain on 07792 959 481 to discuss options and possibilities.  Feedback is required by Wednesday 9 June.