Skip to main content
HOMEPAGE ADVERTS
HOMEPAGE ADVERTS
News
14 Jun 20231 minute read

Updated Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment

ECAtoday
Updated Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment

The Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment has just been updated. The Code, part of the CLC’s ‘Construct Zero’ initiative, enables organisations working in the built environment to annually showcase progress with decarbonisation. It is designed for clients, contractors and those operating in the supply chain, whether engaged at national or regional level, and/or major project level. It can therefore apply – whether directly (by signing up) or indirectly (by being asked for information by someone who has signed up) - to businesses across the engineering services sector.

Update requires new commitment

The Code offers three levels of commitment: core commitments for all; and various commitments for client or supply chain organisations to head for Net Zero Carbon.  A key change to the Code is a new core commitment to clarify any carbon-offsetting schemes being used.

According to ECA’s Paul Reeve “this is a welcome change because overall, carbon-offsetting is now suffering a serious credibility gap. Some offsetting schemes are clearly more effective than others, so providing more granular information on this should help to combat greenwashing, even when it’s unintentional”. 

Signing up to targets

Signing up to the Code is free but all organisations must meet at least Pledger status. This means agreeing to core commitments to plan for net zero by 2045, including annual targets, and publishing progress against these targets annually. Pledger levels also requires setting an interim target to reduce net direct and indirect carbon emissions by 2030. Higher levels of Code commitment are also available, up to Champion.

The Code brings together a number of sector-wide carbon reduction initiatives and is referenced in industry documents such as the UK Construction Playbook, September 2022, the UKGBC Roadmap, and Government Guidance Note Promoting Net Zero Carbon and Sustainability in Construction, September 2022

Signing up to the Code

The Code signup form is available on the CSIC website and the Code itself (version 3.0) is at: here

ECAtoday

ECAtoday

Are you up to date with ECAtoday?

ECAtoday is the official online magazine of ECA and reaches thousands of people within the electrotechnical and engineering services industry.