Paving the Way to Net Zero
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15 May 2025
Reaching Net Zero: A Defining Challenge
Reaching net zero by 2050 is a defining challenge for the UK, with profound implications for every industry, including street works and road works. These works are essential for keeping our infrastructure functional, but they also produce significant carbon emissions from machinery, materials, assets, waste and traffic disruptions.
As the street works and road works sector moves closer to a net zero future, there is a growing need for local authorities and utilities to discover practical tools that support the decarbonisation of street works and road works to help deliver cleaner, more sustainable projects.
Why Decarbonising Street Works and Road Works Matter
Street works and road works are an essential part of life, and, now more than ever it is crucial for the sector to move towards a more sustainable future. Heavy machinery, carbon-intensive materials, and congested traffic during road closures collectively contribute to rising carbon emissions. Identifying smarter ways to measure and interpret the carbon emissions generated by street and road works is essential for creating effective decarbonisation strategies.
By accurately tracking the impact of works, stakeholders can pinpoint inefficiencies and develop targeted solutions. This level of visibility not only helps reduce the industry’s overall carbon footprint but also strengthens environmental compliance, fosters innovation, and ensures that street works and road works remain efficient and future focused.
The Role of Digitalisation
Digital technologies are transforming how we plan, manage, and execute street and road works. Increasingly, local authorities and utilities are seeking data-driven insights to guide their net zero strategies. However, this must be met with efforts across the industry to collaborate to achieve net zero goals.
Collaboration is the Catalyst
Achieving net zero is a complex challenge that demands innovative solutions, and cross-sector collaboration to drive lasting, meaningful change. Visibility of data in this industry will help sectors align on goals, track progress consistently and drive better decision making by bringing together expertise and resources. This collaborative approach across the entire sector will eliminate barriers for local authorities, governments, utilities, and contractors, enabling more comprehensive solutions to be implemented more efficiently.
Supporting Local Authorities and Businesses
As we move closer to 2050, the need for practical, scalable solutions becomes more urgent. Local authorities and businesses are already under pressure to decarbonise — but they need support.
That means giving them access to tools that are:
- Easy to adopt
- Provide data-rich insights and actionable outputs
- Support collaboration
By investing in digital innovation and encouraging sector-wide cooperation, we can empower people in all levels of the industry to make real, measurable progress toward net zero.
Looking Ahead
Decarbonising street works and road works isn’t just about reducing emissions; it’s about building a future where critical infrastructure can coexist with a thriving environment and a growing economy. Embracing digital tools, forging strong partnerships, and committing to collective action will be instrumental in meeting the UK’s 2050 net zero goal. It’s a challenging journey, but with the right mindset, data, and teamwork, the road to net zero is well within reach.
Our Net Zero Transition Team
Our Net Zero Transition team work with a range of sectors nationally and internationally to help them better understand their journey to decarbonisation. Whether supporting electricity networks, local authorities, or commercial enterprises, we deliver tailored insights and practical strategies to enable the decarbonisation journey. Through comprehensive analysis, innovative problem-solving and strategic consultancy, we work to remove barriers, enabling a sustainable and resilient energy future.
