Major Clients Commit to Carbon Charter

Several major infrastructure clients, including Anglian Water, Heathrow Airport, National Highways, Northumbrian Water, and Sellafield nuclear power plant, have committed to the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) “Five Client Carbon Commitments”. These commitments aim to drive the construction industry towards net-zero carbon emissions.

_{The Five Client Carbon Commitments}

1. Procure for Low Carbon Construction: Incentivise low carbon solutions in contracts.
2. Set Phase-Out Dates for Fossil Fuels: Establish deadlines to eliminate fossil fuel use.
3. Eliminate Carbon-Intensive Concrete: Remove the most carbon-heavy concrete products from use.
4. Eliminate Carbon-Intensive Steel: Phase out the use of high carbon steel products.
5. Adopt PAS 2080: Ensure a standardised approach to carbon management and reporting.

These commitments harness the collective buying power of these major clients to push manufacturers and suppliers towards greener technologies. The Lower Thames Crossing project, despite being a National Highways project, has also signed the charter. Other organisations expected to join soon include the Environment Agency, National Grid, East West Rail, and the Houses of Parliament Restoration & Renewal.

By committing to these measures, these clients are not only setting a standard for sustainable practices but are also encouraging the construction industry to adopt innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions. This collective effort is expected to stimulate investment in green technologies and create a more sustainable future for the industry.