CECA has published new guidance to help small and medium-sized businesses in the civil engineering sector to understand carbon reduction and to put the principles of PAS 2080 into practice
Carbon Reduction and PAS 2080 Demystified brings together two complementary publications: an introduction explaining the terminology and concepts, and a practical how-to guide covering the steps businesses can take to measure, manage and reduce their carbon emissions
The new guidance was developed with the expertise of CECA members working in the environment and sustainability space and draws on contractors’ real-world experience to make carbon management more accessible to smaller and specialist firms working in UK infrastructure.
CECA director of policy & public affairs Ben Goodwin said: “Decarbonising the UK infrastructure sector is the most significant challenge facing our members and will only be possible if businesses of all sizes are able to implement the required changes to day-to-day delivery.
“An SME contractor should be able to pick up carbon guidance and understand what to do next: what information to collect, which questions to ask and where changes to its work could make a difference.”
Helping SMEs work towards low-carbon certification
The introductory document explains the relationship between carbon, construction, and cost, alongside key terms such as Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, embodied carbon, and whole-life carbon.
The accompanying how-to guide takes users through establishing a carbon emissions boundary, gathering data, calculating and reporting emissions, and setting reduction targets.
It includes real-world case studies, worked examples, and links to supporting tools and resources, helping businesses align with PAS 2080 or work toward certification.
“These two guides explain the terminology, break down the practical steps, and share experience from businesses that are already applying carbon management to projects,” Goodwin commented.
Why SMEs are best placed to help with carbon reduction strategies
Goodwin explained: “Smaller contractors bring detailed knowledge of materials, plant and construction methods, and make up a majority of the UK infrastructure sector.
“Involving them early gives the whole project team a better chance of identifying opportunities to cut carbon, avoid waste and reduce costs.”
He concluded: “Whether a business is taking its first steps or working towards PAS 2080 certification, we want this guidance to give it the confidence to get started and build on its progress.”
