How society responds to the Net Zero challenge is the biggest question of our time

Are we ready?

As the designers of the built environment, engineers are key to delivering the net zero society of the near future. How we design, build and operate our buildings and infrastructure are key considerations for our sector. Changes in process, construction materials and technology will help to deliver sustainable buildings which are net zero over their lifetime.

Chaired by Dr Sarah Prichard, UK Managing Director, Buro Happold, the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) created a joint Net Zero taskforce. The taskforce includes:

• Matthew Farrow, Director of Policy ACE/EIC
• Dr Louise Carver, Lancaster University
• Tim Chapman, Director of Infrastructure, Arup
• Daniel Johns, Head of Public Affairs Anglian Water Services.

Most built environment sectors are unprepared for Net Zero, with water, ports and airports the least ready, according to a major joint report by ACE and sister organisation, the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC). Are we ready? Delivering Net Zero in the built environment polled more than 130 Net Zero and sustainability experts who work across different areas of the built environment.

The findings show few sectors rating highly with common challenges such as client business models being incompatible with Net Zero pathways and disconnects between different regulators.

In response, the report argues that we need a holistic approach which marries policy changes to new ways of delivering projects. On a project level, it argues for use of the Construction Innovation Hub’s Value Toolkit which will help consultants proactively offer clients Net Zero designs that make all projects, not just prestige new builds, carbon free.

The Net Zero taskforce report ‘Are we ready? Delivering Net Zero in the built environment’ was launched at a dedicated event during December 2020 – you can watch a recording of the event and view a copy of the slides presented.