Construction is getting wiser to the effects it’s having on our planet and we are aware that in order to save it, it is essential to start acting sooner rather than later. However, in this industry it is difficult to complete a project without adding to the emission of unnecessary greenhouse gases, due to the materials that are used. As an industry, we are urged to do all we can to reduce our impact on the atmosphere. Highway England has taken the first step in doing so, by setting out a plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
What are Carbon Emissions?
Firstly it is important to know what Carbon emissions are. Carbon emissions are greenhouse gasses, an example of which is Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Although it usually has bad connotations, CO2 is essential in maintaining our ecosystem, but only in natural amounts. Co2 occurs naturally in our environment through plant and animal respiration,(taking in oxygen and releasing Carbon Dioxide) and the ocean, which maintains the natural levels of CO2 by absorbing it from the atmosphere.
Why are they Harmful?
Humans are creating too much CO2 for the ecosystem to process. We create it by participating in activities such as driving and burning fossil fuels (coal, gas, oils). When these gasses are released into the atmosphere the high amounts of Carbon Dioxide collect and store heat, this causes temperatures to increase and weather patterns to change, adding to the growing threat of climate change.
Participating in deforestation means we are also destroying a natural way for Carbon Dioxide to be absorbed. With this in mind, as well as the unnatural ways we are creating the gas, the imbalance is becoming more apparent.
The Construction Industry Offsetting Carbon Emissions
But how does this relate to the industry? Well, there are plans in place by Highway England to offset all Carbon emissions caused by building roads, by 2040. This is going to be a slow, but steady offset. With 0-10% of emissions reduced by 2025 and 40-50% by 2030 (compared to 2020). By 2030 they also hope to switch to LED lighting and plant three million trees to help the ecosystem maintain a healthy balance of CO2 in the atmosphere. The goal is that all maintenance and construction activities carried out on roads will be net-zero in 2040. Transport is the biggest emitter of Carbon emissions, which is why following this, Highway England are also planning on having all their vehicles at net-zero by 2050.
As one of the UK’s highest buyers of construction materials, Highway England are focussing their plan on the materials they use, including asphalt, cement and steel. They will use Carbon management systems to manage the anthropogenic releases of greenhouse gases. They will also use digital technologies to help reduce waste so that the capacity of existing networks is increased, decreasing the need for new construction. Highway England wants to “put roads at the heart of the low carbon economy, while preserving the convenience and economic benefit of an efficient road network”, says Highway England’s acting chief executive Nick Harris. As a large company they hope that by taking this step it will persuade others in the industry to start doing what they can to help our planet.
The industry has started taking action and we are listening, here at EASE we recognise the importance of taking action. We provide professional Site Engineers to support your construction projects, we specialise in a number of construction disciplines such as roads, commercial newbuilds and refurbishments, landfill and much more. If you are starting a project and are looking for Site Engineers who are happy to get involved with helping to reduce our impact on the environment, get in touch with us today on 01603 211808 or email us at info@easeltd.co.uk for more information on how we can best help you.
