{"id":160145,"date":"2026-03-11T14:17:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T14:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=160145"},"modified":"2026-03-11T14:17:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T14:17:11","slug":"what-good-carbon-management-looks-like-on-3-flagship-programmes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/energy-news\/what-good-carbon-management-looks-like-on-3-flagship-programmes\/160145\/","title":{"rendered":"What \u2018good\u2019 carbon management looks like on 3 flagship programmes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Major national programmes are now setting a benchmark for carbon management across the UK infrastructure pipeline<\/h2>\n

This year more than ever, these projects have opened up about the steps taken and carbon management innovations made to help set the tone across the country.<\/p>\n

What follows is a view of what \u2018good\u2019 carbon management<\/a> looks like in practice \u2013 the actual methods being required, audited, and scaled \u2013 giving a handy overview of expectations for the years ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Lower Thames Crossing (LTC)<\/h3>\n

Cutting baselines and building a low carbon programme<\/h4>\n

LTC began their carbon journey by setting carbon baselines and have already reduced them by nearly two thirds through design optimisation, material efficiency, and active engagement across the supply chain. Its Development Consent Order locks in legal obligations for carbon and biodiversity, making sustainability part of the critical path. The scheme is targeting a 70% reduction against the original baseline.<\/p>\n

Diesel free construction and better materials<\/h4>\n

The project is removing diesel from site<\/a> by using electric and hydrogen powered plant, supported by on site hydrogen generation and renewable energy. It is trialling lower carbon ground treatment and reinforcement, alongside soil mixing techniques to reduce embodied carbon.<\/p>\n

Circular economy and ecology<\/h4>\n

Tunnel arisings are being reused for landscaping and parkland<\/a>, while dedicated habitat creation supports migratory bird species and protects rare finds such as the fiery clearwing moth. Archaeology is programmed early to avoid carbon heavy disruption later. A low carbon footbridge design contest is also driving innovation for a crossing on the A127. Carbon education is rolled out to suppliers to embed good practice across delivery.<\/p>\n

London Power Tunnels (National Grid)<\/h3>\n

Cement free concrete at scale<\/h4>\n

The London Power Tunnels programme involves constructing 32.5km of underground routes to carry high-voltage cables beneath South London. This will reduce surface disruption and allow additional capacity for future demand.<\/p>\n

At the Hurst Substation shaft, the team used a cement free concrete mix<\/a> activated with industrial by products, cutting embodied carbon by about 64% compared with traditional concrete. This was applied at scale \u2013 736,000 litres \u2013 to complete a 55 metre deep shaft, supporting National Grid\u2019s net zero construction target for 2025\/26.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Simister Island Interchange (M60\/M62\/M66)<\/h3>\n

Aligning to PAS 2080 and DMRB LA 114<\/h4>\n

The scheme follows PAS 2080 and DMRB LA 114<\/a> to drive whole life carbon reduction.
\nA carbon workshop and monthly interdisciplinary meetings at preliminary design have been used to review hotspots, prioritise reductions, and integrate actions into the design. Opportunities under consideration<\/a>, subject to supply and feasibility, include:<\/p>\n