According to Government statistics, in 2022 CO2 emissions from UK transport totalled 112.5 million tonnes. This figure doesn’t account for the carbon emissions generated by the infrastructure industry as it expands, improves and maintains our transport networks.
All of which makes measuring and reducing the carbon impact of transport infrastructure both significant and complex. The industry, as a whole, has been taking steps towards net zero. But the climate crisis is already having an impact. We saw the effect in recent flooding, landslips and disruption to road and rail networks in the South West.
It’s time to turn small steps into giant, bold strides.
If you’d like to read more about this, we explored some of these broader issues and complications in greater depth in a white paper. You can download from our resource centre.
Making The Right Choice Easier
Net zero transport infrastructure has many facets. On the one hand we have to see the bigger picture in terms of transport options, choices and accessibility.
We know that a journey from London to Glasgow will generate over five times more greenhouse gas emissions if you fly rather than take the train. Driving there in a petrol-fuelled car will generate around three times more emissions according to UK Government modelling.
As a business we deliver projects that make sustainable transport more viable and attractive. We also have to be highly conscious of the carbon impact of the work we do.
Becoming A Net Zero Business
Octavius will become a carbon neutral business during 2024. When you consider the work we do, and the materials and equipment involved, that’s a significant achievement.
But it’s not enough. Our intention is to be fully net zero by 2030. How will we get there?
Changing how we deliver projects is a big part of it: working in ways that use less fuel (by minimising vehicle movements for example, designing solutions that use less material and choosing materials with lower embodied carbon wherever possible.
Waste reduction and adopting circular economy principles is something we prioritise and measure on every project along with using alternative energy sources such as renewables or certified and sustainable HVO and biofuels.
Net zero is interwoven with our Lean implementation. And like Lean it affects every business function, every project and the decisions our people and supply chain partners make every day.
For more information contact Mike Todd (mike.todd@octaviusinfrastructure.co.uk).
