January 2025
Tackling Climate Change Through Systematic Carbon Reduction
The scientific consensus on human-induced climate change is now indisputable, and the urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions is widely acknowledged. However, the challenge lies in how to achieve this reduction effectively, equitably, and at a reasonable cost. While focusing on CO₂ reduction is crucial, there is a risk that an overly narrow approach could trigger negative social, environmental, and economic impacts elsewhere. Addressing these complexities requires a systemic approach — one that considers the wider impacts of every intervention and seeks to avoid unwanted outcomes.
Adopting a System-Wide Perspective
Every action taken to reduce carbon can be seen as an intervention within a specific system — whether it’s transport, energy, a utility service, or any urban or rural system. But no system operates in isolation. Changes in one system will usually impact others, often in unpredictable ways. Recognising these interdependencies allows for more informed decision-making, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are engaged. This approach also enables a more comprehensive view of potential impacts, helping to prevent unintended negative consequences and promoting better overall outcomes.
For example, a change to street works and road works procedures might impact road users, local businesses, public services, and biodiversity. Viewing these systems as connected rather than separate allows for a more balanced assessment of benefits and costs. It also reveals previously hidden opportunities for improvement.
Applying Systems Thinking to Street Works and Road Works
The Road to Net Zero project seeks to reduce CO₂ emissions from street works and road works by identifying and promoting alternative design methods and construction practices. A widespread misconception is that lower-carbon alternatives are always more expensive. In reality, while some more sustainable approaches may involve higher direct costs, they often generate greater long-term value. Costs should not be viewed solely in financial terms but in the context of "total value" — which includes social, environmental, and cultural impacts.
For example, road closures caused by street works and road works may affect local businesses, reduce access to healthcare and leisure facilities, and increase stress and inconvenience for the public. If these "hidden" costs are accounted for, it becomes clear that the true cost of a project extends well beyond materials, equipment and labour. In many cases, lower-carbon methods can actually reduce total costs by minimising disruption and improving public satisfaction. Recognising this broader concept of value is essential for making better decisions that support carbon reduction goals.
Exploring Alternative Methods for Infrastructure Works
Buried infrastructure — the veins and arteries that support daily life — can be repaired, upgraded, or installed using a range of different methods. The most common techniques are trenching (open-cut), minimal-dig (keyhole) methods, and trenchless operations. Each method has distinct benefits and drawbacks. Open-cut trenching, for instance, allows standard construction equipment and procedures to be used but causes extensive damage to roads and disruption to traffic and pedestrian access. Keyhole and trenchless methods, while often more expensive to initiate, reduce surface damage and disruption and can greatly reduce traffic delays, air pollution, and access issues.
Emerging technologies like robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to revolutionise infrastructure works. By allowing for more precise and remote-controlled operations, these technologies could reduce disruption further and minimise the indirect social and environmental costs of works. As these technologies develop, they will enable even greater efficiency in street works and road works, reducing CO₂ emissions and supporting the broader Road to Net Zero mission.
Rethinking Costs and Embracing Opportunity
Another common misconception is that carbon reduction is an unnecessary expense. In reality, it represents a chance to deliver system-wide benefits. Every street works and road works project is an opportunity to support public health, protect biodiversity, and sustain local businesses. To understand this fully, it is helpful to think of the public as "the ultimate customer" for all the systems affected by a given project.
When a street works project is labelled "cheaper," the question should always be asked: "Cheaper for whom?" While a contractor or utility provider may achieve cost savings on materials or labour, the broader public may face increased costs in terms of disrupted commutes, reduced access to services, or health impacts caused by air pollution. These "hidden" costs are ultimately paid for by the same people who pay for utility services, local taxes, healthcare, and retail products.
By taking a whole-systems view, it becomes clear that some "cheaper" options are, in fact, false economies. Conversely, some higher-cost interventions can yield greater long-term benefits. This is why focusing on overall value — rather than simply reducing direct costs — is essential for achieving net-zero goals.
The Role of CoP29 in Driving Change The recent CoP29 conference has focused global attention on the urgency of limiting temperature rises to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The UK has made notable progress in this effort. According to the Climate Change Performance Index, the UK’s position has improved from eighth to third, placing it only behind Denmark and the Netherlands. This improvement has been attributed to the Labour Government’s commitment to end new oil and gas projects, allow onshore wind turbines, and close the UK’s last coal-fired power station.
The UK’s revised target is to reduce CO₂ emissions by 81% by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels). Sir Keir Starmer has argued that this target can be achieved without requiring significant lifestyle changes from the public. While this claim is open to debate, it is clear that collective action, particularly in the areas of industry and infrastructure, will be crucial. If national policies and community-level behaviours continue to align, the UK's performance on climate change could improve even further.
The Role of Industry and the Road to Net Zero
While national policy and personal actions are vital, it is in the area of industry and commercial practice that some of the greatest opportunities for carbon reduction lie. The Road to Net Zero project is a key initiative in this space. Its goal is to make lower-carbon street works and road works the default option. To achieve this, an optioneering tool is being developed by the Road to Net Zero project team to support decision-making.
This tool will allow construction firms, local authorities, and utility providers to see the environmental, economic, and social impacts of alternative design choices. It will offer clear, evidence-based insights into the outcomes of different construction methods, materials, equipment, and traffic management strategies. By promoting transparency, the tool will encourage decision-makers to select the most sustainable option, making it easier for all parties to "do the right thing."
A Call for Collaboration
The outcomes of CoP29 have provided both a wake-up call and a source of inspiration. The UK has demonstrated that meaningful progress on carbon reduction is possible, but further efforts are required. The Road to Net Zero project aligns perfectly with this agenda. By taking a collaborative, systems-based approach, it aims to make more sustainable street works and road works the norm rather than the exception.
This shift requires the combined efforts of local authorities, contractors, utility providers, policymakers, and communities. Collaboration is essential for embedding best practices, sharing knowledge, and driving change. The optioneering tool will be a critical enabler in this process, providing clear guidance on how to achieve better outcomes for people, the planet, and the economy.
The call to action is clear. CoP29 has raised global awareness, and the UK’s improved performance in reducing carbon emissions provides both momentum and motivation. By working together, stakeholders can take the next step toward a more sustainable future. We invite you to join us in this collaborative journey.
We gratefully acknowledge the valuable contribution of Professor Chris Rogers, Professor of Geotechnical Engineering and Director of the Centre for Future Infrastructure and Cities at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, for his work on this article.
