Unlocking sustainability in infrastructure: The role of PAS 2080 in carbon management
Written by Andrew Buxton from Auditel UK
In an era where sustainability is increasingly central to business strategies, reducing carbon emissions in infrastructure projects has become a critical focus.
Infrastructure alone accounts for nearly 50 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, with construction and maintenance activities contributing a significant 30 per cent to that total. For organisations in these sectors, this calls for actionable frameworks and standards to effectively tackle emissions—and PAS 2080 is leading the way.
What is PAS 2080?
PAS 2080 is a pioneering standard for carbon management in infrastructure, developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) with the support of the UK government.
It provides a clear framework for organisations to measure, manage, and reduce their carbon emissions throughout an infrastructure project’s lifecycle. This approach encompasses everything from design and procurement to construction, operation, and decommissioning, making it a holistic solution for achieving sustainable, low-carbon infrastructure.
The growing importance of PAS 2080
With PAS 2080, organisations in the construction and utilities sectors can adopt consistent methodologies to measure and reduce carbon emissions across all stages of their projects.
Many of the industry’s leading companies—such as Shell, BP, and HSBC—are already leveraging this framework to address their carbon footprints more transparently and effectively. The result? Reduced emissions, cost savings, and a market advantage in an increasingly sustainability-driven economy.
How PAS 2080 benefits your business
Implementing PAS 2080 can help organisations gain a competitive edge and deliver on sustainability promises in several impactful ways:
1. Accurate carbon measurement and management
PAS 2080 standardises the way companies account for emissions, helping them make informed decisions to reduce carbon footprints. From identifying high-impact areas to tracking progress, the framework enables organisations to address emissions systematically and transparently.
2. Effective emission reductions
Beyond simply measuring emissions, PAS 2080 provides guidance on how to reduce them across the infrastructure lifecycle. This can include innovative design choices, sustainable material sourcing, and optimisation of energy usage—all of which contribute to long-term sustainability.
3. Enhanced competitiveness in tender bidding
Many clients, including government bodies, prioritize sustainability in their procurement processes. Companies with PAS 2080 accreditation are well-positioned to win bids by showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices and carbon reduction.
Alignment with global standards
One of the most valuable aspects of PAS 2080 is its alignment with international standards like ISO 14064 and the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.
This makes it easier for organisations to compare and integrate their carbon management efforts with other frameworks, fostering a unified approach to sustainability across industries.
Preparing for the future: The 2025 sub-contractor requirement
The importance of PAS 2080 will only grow as we approach 2025, when many companies working with major clients like National Highways will be required to implement PAS 2080-compliant carbon management systems.
For sub-contractors and suppliers, achieving this standard will not only be essential for compliance but will also establish their place as leaders in sustainable practices.
Ready to start your PAS 2080 journey?
For organisations in the infrastructure, construction, and utilities sectors, embracing PAS 2080 is a significant step toward sustainability and operational resilience.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore carbon management or are ready to formalise your approach, PAS 2080 offers a structured path to achieving your goals.
If you’d like to learn more about how PAS 2080 can help your organisation reduce emissions, meet client requirements, and gain a competitive edge, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your journey to net zero and create a positive impact on the environment and your bottom line.
By educating your team on the benefits of PAS 2080, you’ll be well-positioned to meet future standards, attract clients who prioritise sustainability, and contribute to a greener, more resilient infrastructure sector.