Introduction

Decarbonisation, the process of reducing carbon emissions to mitigate climate change, has become a
global imperative. In the realm of civil engineering, this paradigm shift is crucial to address the
environmental challenges posed by the built environment. Civil engineers play a pivotal role in
designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure that is both sustainable and environmentally
friendly. This essay explores the various aspects of decarbonisation in the context of civil
engineering, encompassing the need for action, strategies, technological advancements, and
potential challenges.

The Need for Decarbonisation in Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the
construction and operation of buildings, transportation systems, and energy infrastructure. As global
population and urbanization rates continue to rise, the carbon footprint of the industry escalates. To
curb climate change and meet international commitments such as the Paris Agreement, it is
imperative to decarbonize the sector. Several key reasons highlight the need for decarbonisation:

Climate Change Mitigation: The construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure account
for a significant portion of global carbon emissions. Decarbonising civil engineering is essential to
meet emission reduction targets and limit global warming.

Resource Efficiency: Traditional construction practices often involve resource-intensive processes,

such as cement production and energy-intensive material extraction. Decarbonisation can promote
resource efficiency, reducing waste and conserving valuable resources.

Energy Transition: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is a key component of
decarbonisation. Civil engineers are instrumental in designing and implementing sustainable energy
infrastructure, such as wind farms, solar arrays, and grid enhancements.

Resilience to Climate Change: Civil engineers must adapt infrastructure to withstand the impacts of
climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation
patterns. Decarbonisation strategies can enhance the resilience of built assets.

Strategies for Decarbonisation in Civil Engineering

Achieving decarbonisation in civil engineering involves a multifaceted approach. Several strategies
are pivotal in reducing carbon emissions:

Sustainable Design: Civil engineers must prioritize sustainable design practices, including energy-
efficient building designs, eco-friendly materials, and low-carbon construction techniques.

Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and
hydropower into infrastructure projects is crucial. Engineers should focus on designing efficient
energy storage and distribution systems.

Electrification of Transportation: Promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and developing electric
transportation infrastructure can reduce emissions from the transportation sector.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): CCS technologies can capture and store carbon dioxide
emissions from industrial processes. Civil engineers can design and implement CCS systems to
mitigate emissions from various sources.
Green Infrastructure: Incorporating green infrastructure elements like green roofs, urban forests,
and permeable pavements can help mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce energy
consumption.

Sustainable Materials: The use of low-carbon and recycled materials in construction can significantly
reduce the carbon footprint of projects. Civil engineers should prioritize materials with a lower
environmental impact.

Lifecycle Assessment: Implementing lifecycle assessments helps engineers evaluate the

environmental impact of infrastructure projects from design to demolition. This approach ensures
that decisions prioritize sustainability.

Technological Advancements
Technology plays a pivotal role in decarbonising civil engineering. Several technological
advancements have emerged to support sustainable practices:

Building Information Modelling (BIM): BIM enables engineers to create digital models that facilitate
efficient design, construction, and maintenance. It allows for better decision-making to reduce waste
and optimize energy efficiency.

Advanced Materials: The development of innovative materials, such as carbon-neutral concrete and
sustainable composites, helps reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects.

Smart Infrastructure: IoT (Internet of Things) technology can be used to monitor and optimize the
performance of infrastructure, reducing energy consumption and emissions.

3D Printing: Additive manufacturing technologies are being explored to construct buildings and
components with less material waste and more efficient designs.

Challenges and Barriers

While decarbonisation in civil engineering is essential, it also faces various challenges and barriers:

Cost: Many sustainable technologies and materials come with higher initial costs, which can deter
adoption, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions.

Education and Training: Civil engineers need to acquire new skills and knowledge to implement
sustainable practices effectively. Education and training initiatives are vital but require time and
resources.

Regulatory Hurdles: Outdated regulations and standards may hinder the integration of new
sustainable technologies and practices.

Resistance to Change: The construction industry is known for its resistance to change. Convincing
stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices can be challenging.

Conclusion
Decarbonisation in civil engineering is a critical endeavour to combat climate change and create a
more sustainable built environment. This multifaceted approach involves sustainable design,
renewable energy integration, technological advancements, and a commitment to reducing carbon
emissions throughout the entire lifecycle of infrastructure projects. While there are challenges to
overcome, the benefits of decarbonisation, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, resource
efficiency, and enhanced resilience to climate change, make it a necessary transformation for the
civil engineering industry. As civil engineers continue to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing
world, they hold the key to building a more sustainable and resilient future.

DECARBONISATION
Intro: Civil Engineers have designed and constructed infrastructure that has helped millions access
essential services and live comfortable for generations > This physical infrastructure carries a high
environmental cost: during construction, operation and use. (a third of total emissions) > duty to
decarbonise our industry.
Importance: Decarbonisation refers to the reduction of the carbon footprint of an activity. This is
important because: i) world's ecosystems and biodiversity need protection, ii) to maintain a
profitable manufacturing and construction industry. ili) to deliver Net Zero: (ind. emissions need to
fall 90% by 2050, otherwise won't meet) Rachel Skinner 'Shaping Zero': 35 billion tones CO₂ released
per year - double since 1970s. 70% of emissions can be traced back to infrastructure. 23% reduction
in infrastructure emissions between 2010 and 2018. CO, has lifetime of 20-200 years in atmosphere.
Must seek to limit GW to 1.5 C by 2050 compared to pre-industrial levels.
Must halve CO, by 2030 to achieve this. 3 puzzle pieces: 1. Net Zero system equilibrium (tap and
drain analogy) 2. Mitigation - reduce absolute levels of CO₂. Rethink everything in terms of CO, 3.
Adaptation to changing climate. BUT CARBON REDUCTION IS THE PRIORITY. July 2020 - The Carbon
Project (ICE): 1. Carbon measurement / 2. Capabilities, skills, codes / 3. Carbon system thinking

How:
i) Changing product outcomes: Objectives for infrastructure prioritise reducing whole-life carbon.
ii) Design and specification: Availability of low carbon materials and lean design early doors.
iii)Circular economy: Minimise extraction and re-use waste.
iv) Supply chain integration: Business model and supply chain management > improve flow w/ end-
to-end supply chain > long-time partnering > economies of repetition > productivity > carbon
reduction. New behaviours: collaboration.

Challenges:
a) Essential low-carbon technologies are in earlier stages of development.
b) Low carbon manufacturing is more expensive than traditional methods > firms at a competitive
disadvantage. These two reasons can lead to 'Carbon Leakage' (exporting emissions) > avoid by
industry-wide effort: i) funding and incentivisation of low-carbon schemes. Government support.
Carbon pricing to remain competitive. li) systemic carbon: concrete (calcination of limestone > CO, as
byproduct > Carbon capture.
(c) Low profit margin industry > conservative approach to innovation for decarbonisation >
Digitalisation to improve product. and performance. Role of data in measuring targets.
Decarbonisation – gov industrial decarbonisation strategy
Construction + operation 1/3 UK CO2 emissions. Embodied CO2, around 10%. Duty to decarb
industry to avert the environmental catastrophe and protect world's resources. UK 53% reduction in
absolute CO2 emissions since 1990, faster than the UK economy as a whole. More still needed to
meet the UK’s targets of 68% emissions reduction by 2030 and 78% by 2035, compared to 1990
levels, and ultimately to meet net zero by 2050. UK emissions in 2019 were 45% lower than in 1990.