Business leaders from the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) have joined forces for a new campaign to analyse how best UK infrastructure can be redesigned to enable net zero emissions by 2050.

Chaired by Sarah Prichard of ACE member BuroHappold, a joint net zero group will bring together experts and leaders from ACE and EIC member companies. 

The group's initial activity will culminate in two reports to be launched during COP 26 in Glasgow in November. The first report will showcase the role the respective business members will have to play if society is to meet net zero targets, while another is aimed at helping SMEs to adapt to this new working environment.

Paul Reilly, ACE chair, said: “How we work in a net zero future will be at the forefront of all industry leaders’ minds, but with ACE members’ day-to-day focus and the huge expectations on carbon free infrastructure, buildings and construction, we will have to work collaboratively. It will only be by pooling talent, resources and ideas that we will be able to solve the biggest challenge that society has faced in recent times.”

Sarah Prichard, chair of the net zero group and UK managing director at BuroHappold, commented on the campaign launch: “I am delighted to be chairing the group which harness the extensive expertise, experience and knowledge of our two membership bases. Our industries are renowned for their approach to problem solving and this will be crucial in deconstructing the complex processes that guide infrastructure delivery and rebuilding them carbon free.”

Matthew Farrow, EIC executive director, added: “With COP26 taking place in Glasgow later this year, the UK has a huge opportunity to demonstrate leadership on a global scale. Our campaign will input into the debate and show that both our membership bases are vital if we are to find the solutions that society is demanding.”

The UK government has made a legally binding commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. It will host COP26, also known as the UN Climate Change Conference, in Glasgow this November.

Updates to the campaign will be shared on ACE and EIC’s respective websites in due course.