Dee Dee Frawley, CSIC programme manager, highlights the release of Issue 4.0 of the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment. Originally published in 2021, the updated code reinforces industry commitments to cutting carbon emissions deep into the supply chain
The Carbon Reduction Code facilitates cross-sector collaboration to reduce carbon emissions related to design, construction, maintenance, operation, and decommissioning of built assets.
It provides a simple framework for organisations (clients, procurers, bidders and suppliers) to examine and test their carbon reduction ambitions, approach and activities, and make a public commitment to reaching net zero by 2045 with annual accountability.
The Code aligns a plethora of sector wide initiatives, enabling organisations to navigate this complex landscape.
Who is the code for?
The Code is designed for all stakeholders in the construction and built environment sector, regardless of size or type. It offers a straightforward, cost-free accreditation process with tailored pathways for clients, contractors, subcontractors and consultants. A dedicated stream for product manufacturers is in development, along with a mentoring framework that fosters knowledge-sharing and participation at all levels.
Building a collaborative community is a core focus of the Code, ensuring organisations learn from each other, share best practices and support carbon reduction efforts across the industry.
Larger firms and experienced leaders in net zero can provide guidance to smaller organisations, helping them overcome resource constraints. This collective commitment and knowledge-sharing will be crucial to accelerating progress towards net zero across the sector.
Who has signed up?
Signatories to the Code are listed online and include the Environment Agency, HS2, Kier, Skanska, Morgan Sindall Construction, Willmott Dixon, McLaughlin & Harvey and Interclass, among others.
The Code has been championed by the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF), which leads the adoption of procurement best practice in local government and across the public sector. Their membership collectively deliver around £7bn of publicly funded projects annually across England, Wales and the wider UK.
With the support of the NACF and NACF member SCAPE and their delivery partners, Issue 4.0 is now highly compatible with supply chain selection. It is anticipated that in the coming year, sign-ups will accelerate as framework partners and their suppliers join the Code community enabling carbon reduction deep into the supply chain.
Sara Barnes of Interclass said: “Not only has joining created a mechanism for Interclass to demonstrate its sustainability credentials but having our plans and targets independently verified and audited is helping to accelerate our carbon reduction journey.”
Tim Clement of Morgan Sindall Construction said: “In authoring our carbon management standard to support our Code submission, we found it hugely beneficial to put into words everything we do, and we can now use this document to explain to our stakeholders – both internal and external – how we manage carbon across the organisation.”
Who is behind the Code?
The Code, part of the Construction Leadership Council’s Construct Zero initiative, was developed by a cross-industry working group convened by the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure & Construction (CSIC), and is hosted by CSIC at the University of Cambridge.
It is referenced in key industry documents, including the UK Construction Playbook (September 2022), UKGBC Roadmap (November 2021) and UK government guidance on Promoting Net Zero Carbon & Sustainability in Construction (September 2022).
Oversight is provided by a Code Advisory Group, composed of industry leaders and signatory organisations. We are currently working with local universities to support regional assessments alongside the advisory group and local framework partners.
How does the Code work?
The Code features three commitment levels – Pledger, Signatory and Champion – allowing organisations to engage at different stages of their carbon reduction journey.
Compliance assessment is currently free, making it accessible to organisations of all sizes.
The Code works together with the carbon management standard PAS 2080, which specifies requirements for the management of whole-life carbon in infrastructure and buildings in the delivery of programmes and projects.
While PAS 2080 outlines required carbon management capabilities, the Code requires demonstration of an organisation’s net zero progress and how carbon reduction is actually being achieved.
Organisations may also choose to align with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to set science-based emissions reduction goals, though this is not a requirement and other routes are accepted.
SBTi provides a technical, quantified approach to corporate emissions measurement, whereas the Code requires organisations (at Signatory and Champion levels) to consider reduction of project and programme carbon (within their influence), as well as corporate carbon. Many organisations choose to sign up for both, leveraging their complementary benefits.
The latest version of the Code and sign-up details as well as case studies are available on the CSIC website.
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