Playing your part in the decarbonisation challenge

Infrastructure and buildings impose such a huge carbon footprint that all initiatives to reduce it are worthwhile in the race to prevent catastrophic global warming and climate change. In whatever capacity they’re operating, civil engineers can – and should – exert their full professional know-how and influence to ensure that each project they work on is as sustainable as it can be.

This explainer outlines the decarbonisation challenge facing the UK infrastructure sector and sets out several areas where engineers can contribute significantly to this effort. It highlights the importance of effective leadership and collaboration among all key stakeholders, while also advising on how to stay abreast of advances in this fast-moving field. 

Learning outcomes

After reading this explainer, you will: 

• Appreciate the risks of taking a business-as-usual approach to decarbonisation
• Understand how engineers can best wield their influence to achieve decarbonisation throughout the value chain 
• Know how to keep up with the latest developments and best-practice guidance