PAS 2080 is a global standard for managing carbon in buildings and infrastructure concerning the whole value chain and aims to reduce carbon and cost through intelligent design and construction
Over 240 cities worldwide have set net-zero carbon targets for 2050 or sooner. Local authorities in the UK have declared climate emergencies, and many have set regional targets for as early as 2030.
Research has shown that between 2010 and 2018, there was a 23% reduction in total carbon emissions from the UK’s construction industry; however, this equates to an annual reduction of 3%, which is not enough for the UK to meet its legal commitment to reach net zero by 2050. An annual reduction rate of over 4% is now needed.
What are the key updates?
With support from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the CLC’s Green Construction Board (GCB), the BSI has revised and updated the standard and associated guidance document with an emphasis on accelerating ambition and outcomes for decarbonisation.
Five key themes were incorporated in the update:
- An integrated approach to the built environment – widening the scope to the built environment, not just infrastructure.
- Systems thinking and net zero – integrating the transition to net zero into the standard and applying systems thinking throughout.
- Taking a whole life view – addressing the urgent need to retrofit existing stock and balance capital carbon investment with operational and user benefits.
- Nature-Based Solutions and Resilience – updating to reflect the value of both carbon reduction and resilience.
- specialist offsite manufacturer of modular homes Collaboration – highlighting the importance of collaboration across the value chain.
The PAS 2080 document and the PAS 2080: Carbon management in buildings and infrastructure guidance will be launched on April 18 and will be accompanied by a webinar accessible through the following link: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2023/pas-2080-launch/
In-person places for the formal launch event are fully booked, but online places are still available through the following link. ICE Strategy Session: the new PAS 2080 – carbon management in buildings & infrastructure | Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
PAS 2080 can help secure a net-zero future
The Construction Leadership Council say they want the new guidance to be used by everyone in the built environment to help the industry achieve a net-zero, sustainable future.
“The CLC welcomes the publication of the revised PAS2080 to accelerate the pace of decarbonisation. By adopting the updated PAS2080 standard, the whole built environment value chain can better integrate carbon reduction practices and help move the sector towards a net zero future,” said Richard Robinson, deputy chair and lead on Net Zero and Biodiversity.
“The scope of the standard has expanded to accelerate progress with a move from ambition into action on decarbonisation by detailing steps to reduce the carbon footprint of both buildings and infrastructure over the whole lifecycle of an asset. The new standard covers everything from the materials to design, construction, and the use of a structure, including demolition and disposal. And for the first time, the standard is free to access, thanks to sponsorship from across the industry,” concluded Robinson.
