by Jacqueline Sampah-Adjei
Decarbonisation of the infrastructure sector is an essential and urgent task that must be undertaken to combat climate change. Infrastructure projects, such as buildings, transportation systems, and utilities, play a vital role in societal development and economic growth. However, it is important to acknowledge that these projects are responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions throughout their entire lifecycle, including construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning. As populations worldwide increase with the pressing needs for food, clean water, and even their very survival, the stakes couldn’t be higher. While technical solutions remain integral, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) recognizes that alone are inadequate as there is the need for effective governance and innovative financing mechanisms. With its vast influence in the infrastructure sector, FIDIC and its stakeholders hold significant power to transform the industry’s approach to decarbonization across all phases of project lifecycles. This transformation represents a significant step towards achieving the Paris Agreement’s ambitious goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, reinforcing FIDIC’s commitment to engineering and sustainable future. As FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) marks its 110th anniversary in 2023, it stands as a steadfast advocate for the consulting engineering industry in our increasingly interconnected world and therefore the publication on “Decarbonisation of the infrastructure sector” which was developed by the Global Leadership Forum Think Tank for sustainable development as part of the efforts to accelerate decarbonisation in the global infrastructure sector is a step in the right direction.
The report outlines key considerations at various stages of the infrastructure project lifecycle, emphasizing the need for sustainability and decarbonization. The considerations encompass planning, design, construction, operation, and end-of-life phases of Infrastructure development. Some of the considerations suggested in the report include the importance of early-stage carbon analysis, circular economy principles, and sustainability evaluations in the design phase. Additionally, it emphasizes reducing resource use, using low-carbon materials, and supporting biodiversity throughout the lifecycle as Climate experts emphasize, “The earlier in a project the decarbonization issue is addressed, the greater the potential emissions reduction and positive impact that can be achieved,” reinforcing the urgency of addressing carbon emissions from the outset. Furthermore, the report underscores the significance of reporting actions and materials used during procurement processes toimprove tracking as well as showcases a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental concerns in global infrastructure projects.
In this endeavour, international and national standards play a pivotal role in managing carbon in infrastructure, ranging from explicit carbon management to broader sustainability considerations. However, carbon sequestration remains an evolving area not yet fully standardized. Key lifecycle phases, such as design and use, are central to carbon accounting, particularly regarding embodied carbon.
The document also explored real-world examples that illustrate how the infrastructure sector can actively reduce carbon emissions across the various stages of a project’s lifecycle. These case studies showcase best practices in areas such as design optimization, material substitutions, and sustainable procurement. As we explore these instances, it becomes evident that sustainability, including carbon reduction, is intricately linked to long-term financial viability.
The global infrastructure sector stands at the forefront of efforts to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from infrastructure projects. Through these examples, insights into quantifying and mitigating emissions at different lifecycle stages, from land use and planning to end-of-life considerations. These case studies underscore the importance of aligning sustainability objectives with carbon reduction goals and emphasize that a holistic approach to carbon management is vital for a sustainable future. While the case studies provide the infrastructure sector still infrastructure sector still lacks consistency in effectively integrating sustainability and holistic life impact considerations into project lifecycles.
To accelerate decarbonization efforts, the infrastructure sector needs to embrace best practices across all lifecycle phases.FIDIC has recommended foster a culture of sharing best practices and knowledge; collaborate with stakeholders, identify common challenges, and partnerships with peers in the industry; use standardise delivery methods and transparent carbon accounting to support sustainability goals; development training programs and information tailored to different stakeholders as some of the key elements industry players can leverage on in accelerating decarbonisation efforts. Again, this publication set out action for FIDIC members have set out must in adopting best practices and promoting sustainability.
The report emphasizes that the infrastructure currently being planned and designed will significantly impact carbon emissions in the future, underscoring the importance of adopting low-carbon solutions now. In response to the climate emergency and the Paris Agreement’s goals, governments and major infrastructure operators are committing to reducing emissions. However, there is a need for more concrete plans and action to meet these targets. Furthermore, the paper highlights the role of circular economy thinking in achieving net-zero emissions and the significance of considering environmental impact assessments during infrastructure planning. Overall, the paper aims to inform FIDIC stakeholders and infrastructure professionals about the importance of decarbonizing infrastructure projects to address the global climate crisis.
In the quest for a sustainable future, the infrastructure sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. The challenges posed by climate change demand not just innovation but a fundamental shift in how we conceive, plan, design, construct, and maintain our infrastructure. The commitment to accelerate decarbonization by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) is remarkable and therefore Industry leaders, policymakers, engineers, and innovators must all join in on the journey toward decarbonization as it is a shared endeavours that transcends borders and disciplines.
