Produced for the industry by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering
Net Zero
The Net Zero Hub brings together all the latest analysis, thought leading viewpoints and articles on the critical environmental issues facing infrastructure professionals. We also work closely with the Environmental Industries Commission and its members to closely reflect the key issues affecting the industry.
Featured
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No time to lose for nature-based solutions
Webinar makes irresistible case for nature-based solutions and going beyond net zero. -
Current programmes will not deliver net zero, says Climate Change Committee
CCC finds major delivery failures and warns current UK strategy will not deliver net zero. -
Atkins warns UK energy targets may no longer be credible
Analysis finds UK needs to increase new electricity generation built each year five-fold to meet net zero targets.
Articles
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Net Zero, Energy
Government lifts ban on fracking amidst widespread opposition
Decision to lift ban on fracking already facing widespread opposition across the political spectrum.Read more -
Nuclear
Jacobs to support refurbishment of UK nuclear research laboratories
Project will deliver world-class facilities to support new reactors and decommissioning efforts.Read more -
Net Zero, Transport
Arcadis research set to reimagine transport in Solihull
Arcadis to work on project which will address transport challenges and reduce carbon emissions.Read more -
Net Zero, Hydrogen power
Jacobs and WSP join North West Hydrogen Alliance
Jacobs and WSP are backing the north-west’s role in the UK’s hydrogen economy.Read more -
Building Back Better, Recruitment and skills
ECITB launches new £87m skills strategy
ECITB launches new £87m skills strategy to support industry growth.Read more -
Green energy, Net Zero, International
Low Carbon partners with Rezolv Energy to deliver Romanian wind farm
The Vis Viva wind farm is anticipated to generate enough clean energy to power more than 270,000 homes.Read more -
HS2, Environment
HS2 celebrates Chiltern grassland transformation milestone
First million cubic metres of chalk have been laid as part of Chiltern grassland transformation.Read more -
Company news
Cundall appoints Robin Pritchett as national lead for BPS
Cundall appoints Robin Pritchett as national lead for Building Performance Services.Read more -
MMC, Housing, Net Zero
EDAROTH signs development agreement with Hyde Group
Partnership lays foundations for affordable sustainable homes built at scale using MMC.Read more -
Company news, Appointments
WSP appoints new head of offshore wind
Nicola Riley joins WSP to lead firm’s offshore wind team.Read more -
Government, Politics
Industry welcomes new PM but calls for continued infrastructure investment
Industry welcomes Liz Truss and calls for focus on infrastructure, net zero and levelling up.Read more -
NIC, Building Back Better, Government
NIC welcomes government moves to speed up planning process
Government says major infrastructure projects will be delivered more quickly through a new fast-track planning route.Read more -
Net Zero, Sustainability
Tarmac powers up sustainability credentials
Tarmac powers up sustainability credentials with solar panels at Midlands plant.Read more -
Net Zero, Renewable energy
Octopus Energy launches new €220m renewables fund
New Octopus Energy Development Partnership makes first investment in renewables developer Exagen.Read more -
Net Zero
Arcadis supporting University of Leeds’ carbon reduction programme
Arcadis will help University of Leeds reach its net zero targets by 2030.Read more -
Network Rail, Scotland, Net Zero
Scottish transport minister visits £120m rail power decarbonisation project
Scottish government transport minister Jenny Gilruth sees progress on feeder station upgrade programme.Read more -
Net Zero, International
Eurocell in talks to build £800m Gigafactory in the Netherlands
Project is first stage of $2bn investment plan to supply batteries to fast growing energy storage sector.Read more -
Net Zero, Hydrogen power
More government action needed on UK hydrogen storage, says NWHA
North West Hydrogen Alliance urges government to accelerate plan for hydrogen storage business models.Read more -
Infrastructure resilience, Sustainability
Making resilience a certainty in an uncertain world
Dr Kristen MacAskill calls for critical infrastructure systems to be more fluent in resilience.Read more -
Net Zero, Sustainability, Building Back Better
Green Home Festival set to become annual event
Success of Scotland’s first-ever Green Home Festival inspires plans for annual event.Read more -
Public transport, Contract award, Light rail
Turner & Townsend appointed to Sheffield Supertram project
Turner & Townsend appointed by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive to support mass transit project.Read more -
Smart Cities
How can smart cities solve structural and societal issues?
Turley’s Barny Evans outlines how smart cities could solve structural and societal issues.Read more -
Company news
SNC Lavalin appoints new managing director for nuclear and power in EMEA
Christophe Junillon will take up the nuclear and power MD post for Europe, Middle East and Africa.Read more -
Net Zero, CCS
Hanson UK takes step towards CCS at Padeswood cement works
Firm shortlisted for funding which could see it establish the UK’s first net zero cement works.Read more -
Net Zero, UK Green Building Council
UKGBC study reveals essential role of circularity in delivering net zero buildings
UKGBC publishes insight into positive impact circular thinking can have in delivering whole life carbon reductions.Read more -
Net Zero, Building Back Better
AECOM and ORIS to collaborate on carbon impact assessments for road designs
AECOM partners with digital start-up ORIS to help reduce the cost and carbon of pavement designs.Read more -
Nuclear, Net Zero
Consortium appointed as delivery partner to UKAEA's STEP programme
Consortium, led by Atkins and energy transition specialists Assystem, to drive forward UKAEA’s fusion energy ambitions.Read more -
Building Back Better, Green buildings
Are we being too passive on Passivhaus?
Neil Foster, director at international M&E consultancy CPW, explores why projects aiming for full certification are surprisingly rare.Read more -
Net Zero, Green energy
Plans announced for Cumbria’s first low carbon hydrogen hub
Carlton Power establishes partnership to develop hydrogen project in Barrow-in-Furness.Read more -
Renewable energy, Network Rail
Network Rail signs solar power agreement with EDF Renewables UK
The contract will mean 49.9 MW of renewable energy capacity is available to Network Rail.Read more -
Modern Methods of Construction
ilke secures Kent site to deliver 94 new homes
Development will be first ilke Homes delivered in Kent, as modular house builder continues south-east expansion plansRead more -
Renewable energy
Xlinks appoints WSP as technical advisor for Morocco-UK Power Project
Scheme will see 10.5GW of generating capacity built over 1,500 sq km in Morocco to deliver up to 8% of the UK’s electricity needs.Read more -
Net Zero
Turner & Townsend appointed to Norfolk decarbonisation programme
Turner & Townsend will advise on the delivery of Norfolk’s environment policy and net zero carbon strategy.Read more -
National Highways, Net Zero
National Highways publishes positive first-year report on progress towards net zero
National Highways makes positive start to cutting carbon emissions from England’s busiest roads.Read more -
Net Zero, Green energy
GLIL Infrastructure and Octopus acquire joint stake in Hornsea One wind farm
Companies have acquired a 12.5% stake in the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm, located off the Yorkshire coast.Read more -
Net Zero, Building Back Better
Select buys world's largest capacity battery powered drilling rig
Laing O’Rourke’s specialist trading business buys zero emission battery powered drilling rig.Read more -
Modern Methods of Construction, Net Zero
ilke Homes partners with Orbit Homes to deliver sustainable development in East Sussex
MMC development in Hastings will create 140 affordable properties with 60% of them zero carbon homes.Read more -
Net Zero
AMTE Power selects Dundee as preferred site for battery cell factory
The new ‘MegaFactory’ will enable the company to rapidly scale up battery cell production.Read more -
Net Zero, Renewable energy
Octopus Energy Group completes $550m fundraising with investors
Funds will further improve company’s energy technology platform and see investment that can help solve energy crisis and drive renewables at scale.Read more -
EIC, Net Zero, Green business
Unlocking the green economy
Stephen Marcos Jones shares why now is the right time to refresh EIC’s engagement.Read more -
Sustainability, Building Back Better
Contractual demands for sustainable outcomes predicted to become the norm
New RIBA report reveals contractual demands for sustainable outcomes predicted to become the norm.Read more -
HS2, Net Zero
HS2 reveals successful results of hydrogen generator trial
Alternative fuel trial cuts carbon and improves air quality for workers and the local community.Read more -
Net Zero, Nuclear
Sizewell C development consent approved
Sizewell C development consent approves construction of new nuclear power station.Read more -
Sustainability, Net Zero
Can gaming influence human behaviour?
Stantec’s Sade Akindele and Gerben Spies look at how gaming can be the next big idea to driving serious impact towards the energy transition.Read more -
Modern Methods of Construction, Housing, Homes England
ilke Homes installs first factory-built homes in Hereford
120 MMC homes will be developed at the site through a £23m partnership between ilke Homes and Stonewater.Read more -
Network Rail, Net Zero, Climate change
Network Rail launches resilience taskforce in wake of record-breaking heatwave
Independent experts to investigate how railway can develop resilience following unprecedented heatwave.Read more -
Net Zero, Recruitment and skills
New EngineeringUK analysis highlights lack of understanding around green STEM jobs
Insights from new EngineeringUK report suggests the UK could be “sleep walking” towards a net zero skills shortage.Read more -
Network Rail
East Coast Main Line set to close during heatwave
No services from London King's Cross to the north on Tuesday afternoon, as lines in danger of buckling under heat.Read more -
Building Back Better
ISG awarded £50m low carbon office scheme in London
Project will see the redevelopment and refurbishment of Woolworth House in the heart of London’s West End.Read more -
Net Zero
Turner & Townsend unveils Embodied Carbon Calculator
Software tool will enable clients to evaluate carbon footprint of projects across full cycle of construction process.Read more -
Environment Agency, Water & Waste
Water bosses threatened with jail for serious environmental damage
Environment Agency reveals environmental performance by water companies hits new low.Read more -
Net Zero, Environment
No time to lose for nature-based solutions
Webinar makes irresistible case for nature-based solutions and going beyond net zero.Read more -
Water
Innovation is key to delivering secure and affordable water network
Innovation is key to delivering secure and affordable water network, says Clancy’s Matt Cannon.Read more -
Flooding
London Flood Review concludes
Review finds speed and severity of rainfall which fell during the two storms in July 2021 was the main cause of the flooding.Read more -
Public transport
Very light rail should be part of future transport solutions
Andy Stamps outlines how and why future transport should be reliable, accessible and affordable.Read more -
Net Zero, Sustainability
BE-ST and UKGBC Scotland team up on joint sustainability mission
Organisations will work together to highlight best practice and encourage widespread adoption of low carbon retrofit techniques.Read more -
Renewable energy
RWE’s largest UK onshore wind farm is officially opened
Clocaenog Forest wind farm represents an investment of £118m in new clean energy infrastructure in Wales.Read more -
Nature-based solutions, Environment Agency
Environment Agency report sets out urgent need to work with nature
Action must be taken by businesses, government and individuals to prevent further damage and rebuild natural environment.Read more -
Renewable energy
Atkins to develop Galway offshore wind energy hub masterplan
Atkins to develop offshore wind energy hub masterplan in County Galway.Read more -
Politics, Levelling up, Net Zero
Industry calls on Conservative leadership candidates to focus on big issues
Calls for Conservative leadership candidates to keep levelling up, net zero and major infrastructure at heart of agenda.Read more -
HS2
HS2 celebrates rail freight milestone
HS2 celebrates Bucks rail freight milestone as 100,000 lorry journeys taken off local roads.Read more -
Network Rail
Multi-million-pound flood protection gets underway on mid-Wales railway
Network Rail is investing £4.4m to protect the future of the Cambrian Line.Read more -
Net Zero, Construction products
Leading firms pledge to use 100% net zero concrete by 2050
ConcreteZero campaign is launched by Climate Group and global built environment industry.Read more -
HS2
Foundation work begins on HS2’s carbon-saving Wendover Dean Viaduct
HS2 says viaduct will be first major UK railway bridge to be built with ‘double composite’ structure, using less carbon-intensive concrete and steel.Read more -
Building Back Better
New UK building regulations: government must act on software now
Ramboll’s Phil Kelly says that significant challenges remain for the new UK building regulations.Read more -
Network Rail
Revolutionary rail improvements in West Yorkshire given green light
Network Rail has the go-ahead to transform train journeys as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.Read more -
Net Zero, Hydrogen power
UK lime kiln in world-first net zero hydrogen trial
Tarmac has completed a net zero fuel switching trial at its Tunstead lime kiln using hydrogen as an alternative fuel.Read more -
Net Zero, Climate Change Committee
Current programmes will not deliver net zero, says Climate Change Committee
CCC finds major delivery failures and warns current UK strategy will not deliver net zero.Read more -
Nature-based solutions, Net Zero
THIS FRIDAY! The case for nature-based solutions and going beyond net zero
Webinar on Friday 15 July to look at the increasing importance of nature-based solutions in construction projects.Read more -
Net Zero, Electric vehicles
Tarmac orders UK’s first battery electric mixer truck
New addition to fleet will further boost firm’s net zero ambitions.Read more -
Net Zero, Procurement
SCAPE Scotland launches net zero guide for public construction projects
Procurement solution available across SCAPE Scotland’s construction frameworks, covering £2bn worth of projects.Read more -
Net Zero, Roads
Tarmac announces change to low temperature asphalt in net zero drive
Tarmac set to phase out traditional hot mix asphalt to help decarbonise the nation's roads.Read more -
Modern Methods of Construction, Housing
Modular house builder TopHat to open new factory in Northampton
New facility, which will produce a home every hour, will create 1,000 jobs.Read more -
Net Zero, Airports
Jacobs calls on airport owners and operators to be hydrogen ready
New research provides roadmap for the future of hydrogen plane fuelling.Read more -
Net Zero, Green energy
Green light for £300m Teesside offshore wind factory
Plans approved for SeAH Wind’s offshore turbine base factory – claimed as the largest in the world.Read more -
Climate change
Leading scientists call for collaboration and investment on climate change
Nine leading climate scientists call for fundamental improvements to how climate change is modelled.Read more -
Net Zero, Green buildings
Main construction completed on £16m low-carbon homes research facility
Energy House 2.0 test and research facility will support the UK in its ambition to reach carbon net zero by 2050.Read more -
Net Zero, Nuclear
Jacobs awarded contract extension to support UK’s transition to net-zero
Project, worth more than £2.3m, maximizes emission-free electricity generationRead more -
Net Zero, Renewable energy
Octopus enters German renewable generation market
Octopus Energy Group has signed its first renewable generation deal in Germany.Read more -
Net Zero, Modern Methods of Construction, Schools
Pick Everard completes eco-friendly school projects
Pick Everard has completed two school expansion projects in Essex.Read more -
Net Zero
Net Zero dropping down political agenda, new report reveals
New research shows widening disparity in political party attitudes to meeting Net Zero targets.Read more -
Climate change, Net Zero, ADEPT
ADEPT launches climate change policy position
New ADEPT president Mark Kemp launches climate change policy position.Read more -
Modern Methods of Construction, Renewable energy, Net Zero
Octopus and ilke Homes launch houses with zero energy bills
Octopus Energy and ilke Homes team up to develop houses with zero energy bills.Read more -
Modern Methods of Construction
MMC cuts carbon emissions by up to 45%, academic study reveals
Two developments saved equivalent of CO2 absorbed by 1.3 million trees in a year.Read more -
Flood protection, Climate change
Moving the needle of natural flood management
Mott MacDonald’s Emma Wren introduces the new CIRIA manual on natural flood management.Read more -
Renewable energy, Utilities
Kraken eyes up utilities revolution
Kraken and Octopus announce expansion from energy to other utilities.Read more -
Net Zero, UK Infrastructure Bank
UKIB invests £100m in new Octopus venture
UK Infrastructure Bank supports Octopus investment in sectors critical to net zero.Read more -
Sustainability, Net Zero
AECOM announces next phase of Sustainable Legacies strategy
AECOM strategy includes net zero targets approved by Science Based Targets initiative.Read more -
National Highways, Net Zero
Low carbon asphalt solutions trialled in Hertfordshire
Atkins and Hanson complete trial on A414 upgrade using low carbon asphalt solutions.Read more -
Electric vehicles, Energy Infrastructure
AA secures its 10th EV charge point support contract
AA secures 10th charge point support contract for UK’s EV infrastructure networks.Read more -
Electric vehicles, Energy Infrastructure, Net Zero
Powering the drive to net zero
UK risks missing chance to become global player in EV battery revolution, says Green Finance Institute.Read more -
Electric vehicles, Energy Infrastructure
Powering the change to zero-emission vehicles
Arcadis’ Simon Swan outlines eight key factors for design and construction of charging infrastructure.Read more -
Nature-based solutions, Net Zero
UKGBC report reveals significant value of nature-based solutions
UKGBC report reveals significant value and benefit of nature-based solutions across urban developments.Read more -
Recruitment and skills, Net Zero
Jacobs recruiting 600 people to support UK and Ireland climate response
National focus on energy security and decarbonisation driving rapid growth.Read more -
Green energy, Electric vehicles
Aiming high by bringing power to life
An interview with EV3 Power managing director Pete Bevils.Read more -
National Grid, Energy Infrastructure
Jacobs and Morrison JV secures national grid projects
Project enables UK transition to sustainable energy systems of the future.Read more -
Environment
Atkins joins global taskforce on nature-related financial disclosure
International taskforce supports a shift in global finance towards more nature-positive outcomes.Read more -
Renewable energy, Net Zero
Octopus Energy makes first green waves in UK offshore wind power
Octopus boosts offshore wind portfolio with multi-million pound investment in Lincs wind farm in UK.Read more -
Green energy
Offshore wind webinar highlights need for net zero tsar to drive green energy
Green Infrastructure Week webinar hears call for net zero tsar to be appointed to drive smooth energy transition.Read more -
Company news, Climate change
Jacobs launches new climate action plan and climate commitments
First consultancy with net zero targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.Read more -
Net Zero, Procurement
New government green bidding rules now in force
All companies bidding for government contracts worth more than £5m a year must commit to achieving Net Zero by 2050.Read more -
Net Zero
Unlocking investment in hydrogen
Arup and the GIIA launch report on how to unlock investment in the hydrogen sector.Read more -
COP26, Network Rail, Net Zero
Battery powered train to be launched at COP26
Network Rail and Vivarail bring the next-generation battery train to COP26.Read more -
Electric vehicles
2022 will be a make-or-break year for electric vehicles
Efforts to roll out EV charging infrastructure at scale will start to come to fruition next year.Read more -
World leaders need to step up to win fight against climate change
The COP26 conference needs to set the conditions for the world to work together to fight climate change.Read more -
Net Zero, Scotland
Glasgow launches £30bn Greenprint for Investment
Glasgow launches £30bn Greenprint for Investment, a portfolio of investment projects to boost 2030 Net Zero goal.Read more -
Net Zero, Renewable energy
Turner & Townsend to support delivery of world’s largest offshore windfarm
Port of Tyne appoints Turner & Townsend to support delivery of the world’s largest offshore wind farm.Read more -
Net Zero
Arcadis targets Net Zero by 2035
Arcadis commits to achieving Net Zero across its global operations by 2035.Read more -
Net Zero, Sustainability
Rubber road drives into West Yorkshire
Tarmac’s recycled rubber asphalt used for the first time in West Yorkshire.Read more -
Net Zero
Wood awarded contract for Humber Zero project
Wood appointed as integration project management contractor for Humber Zero.Read more -
Net Zero
World in danger of losing race to net zero, says new report
Radical energy sector transformation needed to reach net zero, says Arcadis report.Read more -
Net Zero, Placemaking
Neighbourhood action critical to meeting net zero, say C40 Cities and Arup
New guidebook provides framework for green and thriving neighbourhoods, using 15-minute city principles.Read more -
Net Zero, Renewable energy
Planning approved for major Teesside offshore wind factory
Planning approved for GE Renewable Energy’s Teesworks offshore wind factory.Read more -
Net Zero
Tackling conflicted net zero priorities on public infrastructure development
How government and industry can work together better on the journey towards net zero.Read more -
Scotland, Net Zero, Politics
Scottish Greens to enter government in key net zero roles
Scotland’s Green Party co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater set to be appointed as Scottish government ministers.Read more -
Net Zero
Five key steps on the road to green skills and leadership
Tarmac’s Nick Toy outlines five key steps on the road to net zero.Read more -
Highways England, Net Zero
Highways England accelerates switch to lower carbon asphalts
Highways England accelerates use of warm mix asphalt in drive towards net zero.Read more -
Net Zero
Consistency, commonality, clarity
Tarmac’s Emma Hines calls for a common approach and greater consistency in the drive towards net zero.Read more -
Net Zero
Industry welcomes UK’s first Hydrogen Strategy
Infrastructure sector welcomes UK Hydrogen Strategy, but looks forward to seeing further details emerge.Read more -
Net Zero
UK government launches plan for hydrogen economy
Strategy to kick-start hydrogen economy set to unlock £4bn investment by 2030.Read more -
Net Zero, Retrofitting, Housing
New Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator launched
Social housing providers across England can now access fully-funded support to help decarbonise their housing stock.Read more -
Net Zero, National Infrastructure Commission
UK must commit to new greenhouse gas removal technology, says NIC
Government must get ahead of the game in crucial engineered removals sector, says new NIC report.Read more -
Net Zero
Is hydrogen the lightweight champion?
Recent research shows that the public has little or no awareness of hydrogen technology.Read more -
Climate change
Partnering for action on climate change
Cross-industry partnerships are vital to improving action on climate change.Read more -
Net Zero, SMEs
New guide to help SMEs get to grips with net zero
New guide launched specifically designed to help SMEs with practical and tangible advice on net zero.Read more -
Net Zero
Download our new clean construction/net zero report
Infrastructure Intelligence and Tarmac team up to launch a new net zero report which should be required reading for the industry.Read more -
Net Zero
West Midlands takes significant step towards net zero
WSP-designed five-year-plan approved as the region gears up to be net zero by 2041.Read more -
Net Zero, Construction Leadership Council
CLC seeks industry support to drive net zero
CLC calls on businesses from across the industry to play their part in securing net zero carbon construction 2050.Read more
Viewpoints
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World leaders need to step up to win fight against climate change
The COP26 conference needs to set the conditions for the world to work together to fight climate change.Read more -
Net Zero
UK government launches plan for hydrogen economy
Strategy to kick-start hydrogen economy set to unlock £4bn investment by 2030.Read more -
Net Zero
Industry welcomes UK’s first Hydrogen Strategy
Infrastructure sector welcomes UK Hydrogen Strategy, but looks forward to seeing further details emerge.Read more -
Net Zero
Using data to deliver on sustainability goals
Data is increasingly being seen as the enabler to organisational efficiency and successful programme delivery.Read more -
Net Zero
Why we need a map to make the journey to net zero
Spatial approaches to net zero need to be utilised on more projects.Read more -
Net Zero
Why we can’t forget biodiversity in the race to net zero
The more infrastructure needs are aligned with natural processes, the better for everyone.Read more -
Net Zero
The 12 steps to decarbonise your city
Practical guidance on how cities can decarbonise and achieve a net zero future.Read more -
Net Zero
Little progress made on UK's net zero pledge
Taking stock on climate change progress a year after the UK signed up to net zero.Read more -
Net Zero
Can the energy industry make it to Net Zero on time?
The UK needs more consistent generating capacity to power its demands today and in 30 years’ time.Read more
Tweets
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NEWS! Industry broadly welcomes new chancellor's growth plan, which describes infrastructure as an essential founda… https://t.co/MDk0IyzCzI -
Packed full of industry news and features, the latest edition of our digital magazine is out now. Grab yourself a c… https://t.co/1HqMi3md4m
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UPDATE! More reaction here, as industry welcomes #LizTruss as new PM but calls for continued focus on infrastructur… https://t.co/HA1mX5B2br