31 May 2016

Costain has once again demonstrated its commitment to cutting carbon and costs for its customers, by helping to develop the world’s first specification for managing carbon in infrastructure.

Developed by the Green Construction Board with the British Standards Institute (BSI), the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2080 provides guidance to the construction industry on how to reduce carbon in infrastructure through the use of new technologies, innovative construction techniques and low carbon materials.

It was launched at the Infrastructure Carbon Review (ICR) conference in May at the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills in London. More than 50 industry leaders and the Government have signed up to the ICR, which sets out a series of actions to reduce carbon in the construction and operation of the UK’s infrastructure assets. It aims to cut 24 million tonnes of carbon emissions from UK infrastructure projects by 2050. The May conference was an opportunity for businesses to report on their progress in meeting the ICR commitments.

Damien Canning, Costain’s Head of Carbon Management, was a member of the steering group and on the technical advisory panel that helped shape the PAS 2080, and also attended the conference.

He said: “The PAS 2080 provides the framework and structure we need to deliver the low carbon infrastructure our customers want. It looks at each phase of a project and sets out the responsibilities of each member of the value chain. If everyone in the value chain works collaboratively and aims to reduce carbon, then the industry will be able to reduce the costs of delivering and maintaining infrastructure, provide effective carbon management and help deliver more sustainable solutions.”

Costain’s Heysham to M6 Link Road project featured as one of the case studies in the PAS 2080 Guidance Document. It was cited as a great example of how early engagement and collaboration can reduce embodied carbon and drive sustainability. The project also featured as one of just five case studies in the ICR conference flier produced by the Green Construction Board.

Added Damien: “We were very proud to be featured. The challenge now is to look at how we can cut carbon across all our infrastructure projects.

“We’re now working to engage all internal stakeholders so that we can assess the ramifications of PAS 2080 for Costain and get ahead of the curve. We want to find the best way to drive down costs and carbon for our customers but at the same time maintain quality.”

Tim Embley, Group Innovation and Knowledge Manager, commented: “I’m delighted that Damien was invited to provide specific technical advice for the development of this specification, demonstrating that the competence and skills he has are invaluable for addressing this critical industry challenge. We are now seeking to work with our customers and partners to ensure the PAS 2080 becomes embedded in the way we go to work to deliver a sustainable future.”

 

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