Climate Emergency
7th January 2021
In June 2019, the UK passed laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050. The target requires the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. This target was recommended by the Committee on Climate Change, the UK’s independent climate advisory body and means that any emissions will need to be balanced by schemes to offset an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
SCF and its contractors are committed to supporting clients with responding to the climate emergency and reducing the carbon footprint of their buildings. SCF’s Climate Emergency Response Group (CERG), a collection of contractor representatives with expertise in carbon reduction and sustainability, monitors developments in legislation and best practice and makes recommendations for how, as integrated project teams, we can best respond to the climate emergency.
Firstly, the group are developing a Client Advisory Tool, which will be utilised as early as possible for both newbuild and retrofit projects to SCF Clients, Consultants, Contractors and Supply Chain partners to provide guidelines and information on definitions, drivers and methodology associated with Net Zero Carbon and the construction industry. It will also provide outline guidance on some key suggestions to reduce or further reduce carbon emissions through the design stages.
Secondly, we have commitment from all SCF contractors to undertake a Baseline Carbon Assessment following appointment on each project. This will not mandate full carbon life cycle modelling on all projects but provide a high-level assessment to inform early-stage discussions regarding the likely carbon footprint of the project as it is currently or likely to be designed. The contractor will present the assessment results accompanied by advice and improvement options for consideration by the client.
Complimenting this, we are looking to develop a benchmark carbon value to be inserted into the Cost Time Benefits form to benchmark improvements through the project gateways.
The evolving nature of carbon reduction measurements, technologies and methodologies will be reflected in the Client Advisory Tool through regular reviews by the expert main contractor sustainability professionals, and analysing data produced through the Cost Time Benefits form.
Taking this initial step towards informing, guiding, measuring and reviewing carbon emissions through SCF projects we hope to support project decision makers toward a more sustainable built environment.
