National Highways has created a brand new division for environmental sustainability as part of its commitment to the environment and achieving net zero carbon.

The new 50-strong division, headed by Stephen Elderkin, will work with National Highways’ executive directors and board to deliver an ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions to net zero across England’s motorways and major A-roads by 2050. 

Bringing together National Highways’ environmental teams and a new carbon team into one central division, the government agency says it will raise the profile of environment within the organisation and create additional capacity and capability on this vital subject.

As well as driving towards net zero, the division of 50 people will also develop National Highways’ new environmental strategy – a key theme that will be central to any future road investment strategies.

Elderkin has extensive experience from both major project delivery and economic and chief analyst roles. He’s moving into the new post having led the £1bn A12 upgrade scheme for the last three years.   

His career prior to joining National Highways focussed on environmental sustainability, including working for the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Defra. His roles included leading the government analysis for the Climate Change Act, carbon budgets and energy efficiency policies.

Elderkin said: “It’s a privilege to take on this role at such a critical time. We’ve seen how COP26 has brought heightened public recognition of the need for action on climate change. National Highways connects the country, playing a vital role in national prosperity. But we must do that sustainably, making our contribution to achieving a net zero economy and showing ambition and leadership to leave a positive legacy through our approach to the environment.

“The challenge to us and the industry is to demonstrate how we are delivering improved environment outcomes; rapidly decarbonising transport and supporting biodiversity to create the cleaner, greener network a zero carbon Britain needs. The environmental challenges we face can only be achieved by working together - I look forward to working with our supply chain partners and stakeholders to achieve our ambitious goals.”

Moving forward, the division will have several key objectives, including:

• Implementing the net zero plan; achieving net zero for corporate emissions by 2030, net zero for construction and maintenance emissions by 2040 and net zero for road user emissions by 2050;
• Developing the long-term vision for an environmentally sustainable National Highways and a strategy to get there;
• Enhancing biodiversity;
• Reducing local environmental impacts from the National Highways network.

Mike Wilson, National Highways executive director of safety engineering and standards, said: "We’re committed to our ambitious vision of net zero by 2050 but recognise the scale of the challenge that faces us. Being able to call on someone with Stephen’s experience will make a real difference in our capability to deliver that promise. Our net zero carbon plan and the new division will put roads at the heart of the low carbon economy, while preserving the convenience and economic benefit of an efficient road network.”

Click here to read the National Highways net zero plan.