In 2008 the UK passed the Climate Change Act, which sets out emission reduction targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80%, by 2050. This was further emboldened by the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015 – a legally binding agreement on climate change – which stated that we would commit to achieving net zero in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions (how they are categorised) by 2050.
As an industry, active construction projects and buildings contribute towards 39% of the world’s carbon emissions – but it isn’t all doom and gloom – there is a significant amount of work going on globally which is extremely encouraging, and our clients are playing a fundamental role in procuring projects that support carbon reduction at a local, regional and national level.
Active construction projects and buildings contribute towards 39% of the world’s carbon emissions –28% from operational emissions, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction, so as a sector we have a huge part to play in bringing levels down.
"World Green Building Council
Ambitious targets
What this looks like at Speller Metcalfe is the development of a Carbon Reduction Plan and a commitment to achieving net zero by 2032 – 18 years ahead of government targets.
But we are by no means the only ones striving for ambitious goals; many sectors and organisations are contributing to reaching carbon reduction targets that will help bring our carbon emissions down, but it is a holistic approach that is needed – one we are ready to support our clients with using our experts in the field.
View our Carbon Reduction Plan
Many of us will be familiar with Energy Performance Certificates (EPC ratings), which is a summary report of a building’s energy performance that focuses on ‘regulated energy’ – the energy consumed by a building (e.g. heating, cooling, hot water etc.) and was previously the only requirement of building regulations when it came to focusing on energy.
However, achieving an EPC ‘A’ rating (the best of its type) is only one part of the puzzle. Now new frameworks (such as LETI, RIBA and the Net Zero Standard for healthcare) are looking at four different carbon parts – not just regulated energy – and how to support a ‘whole puzzle’ approach. These types of carbon are:
- Embodied carbon: Carbon found in materials, manufacturing, and transport
- Construction phase carbon: What we produce during the build process
- Operational regulated carbon: Heating, hot water, lighting, ventilation etc.
- Unregulated energy and carbon: What’s plugged in
Energy modelling
The significance of modelling energy use cannot be understated; models and simulations can help calculate energy savings, predict performance and provide quantifiable results to improve energy efficiency, by studying elements such as system feasibility, greenhouse gas emissions and total costs.
How we can help
While we all recognise the long-term cost savings of energy efficient buildings, there can be a small capital cost uplift for carbon neutral / net zero projects.
This is the point to seek input by an experienced main contractor who can guide the process, advising on creating an accurate and detailed cost plan and budget.
Early engagement can also result in a client understanding how to make the best decisions for their project, actively seeking the lowest carbon output and the highest sustainable standards available.