Achieving net-zero carbon emissions has become a fundamental requirement for modern infrastructure, particularly for projects expected to operate for decades and influence national or regional development. Meeting global climate objectives, such as the 1.5°C goal, now requires structured, whole-life approaches to decarbonisation across planning, procurement, delivery, and long-term operations.
For large-scale developments, including high-speed rail, new cities, and major mixed-use programmes across regions such as the MENA, an enforceable net-zero construction roadmap is no longer optional. These projects inherently embed significant material use and long-term emissions; without early intervention, they risk carbon lock-in, regulatory challenges, and misalignment with international finance requirements.
Extensive infrastructure accounts for a significant proportion of global material consumption and associated emissions. A structured roadmap establishes clear strategies for both embodied carbon (materials and construction) and operational carbon (energy performance over the lifecycle).
An effective roadmap typically spans four interrelated phases:
Design choices carry the highest carbon influence. Key actions include whole-life carbon assessments, applying lean design principles, reducing material quantities where feasible, and specifying low-carbon products supported by recognised environmental product declarations (EPDs). Embedding carbon intelligence at the concept design stages is critical to avoiding downstream carbon and cost lock-in.
Carbon requirements must be embedded contractually. This involves integrating whole-life carbon targets into tender documents, requiring transparent reporting from suppliers, and applying green procurement policies to prioritise low-carbon materials throughout the supply chain.
Construction activities can be optimised by reducing site-based emissions through electrified machinery where feasible, low-carbon fuels such as HVO, and continuous monitoring of energy use and material efficiency. DG Jones regularly advises on energy-efficient site operations to support measurable carbon and cost reductions during delivery.
Net zero must extend into long-term asset use. Key measures include integrating renewable energy systems, long-term monitoring of energy and carbon performance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring climate resilience. These strategies help maintain performance in line with corporate net-zero commitments.
Effective implementation requires a coordinated, whole-project approach supported by clear governance, reliable data, and consistent oversight. A robust roadmap typically includes the following components:
A detailed greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory establishes the project’s whole-life carbon baseline across materials, construction activities, and operations. This audited baseline informs early design decisions and provides a verifiable reference for future reductions.
Science-based, project-specific targets translate organisational net-zero commitments into measurable performance indicators aligned with programme milestones, funding strategies, and procurement timelines.
Carbon requirements must be integrated into cost plans and financial models, procurement frameworks, value engineering processes, and contractual documents. Governance structures, defined responsibilities, and cross-functional coordination ensure consistent application throughout design and delivery.
Digital tools track actual versus target emissions in real time, enabling early identification of variances and supporting transparent reporting. Verified data, independent assessments, and auditable records maintain credibility with regulators, investors, and programme stakeholders.
Net-zero delivery introduces material, supply chain, and cost risks. Proactive risk assessment, early market engagement, and alignment with commercial strategies help maintain technical feasibility and budget certainty throughout the programme lifecycle.
Net-zero performance relies on coordinated action across internal teams, contractors, suppliers, regulators, and financiers. Training, capability development, and clear communication ensure that carbon requirements, data expectations, and reporting standards are consistently understood and delivered.
BIM-enabled carbon modelling, digital material passports, and centralised carbon dashboards support accurate forecasting, improve decision-making, and ensure long-term performance monitoring throughout the asset’s operational life.
Integrating carbon considerations into cost planning, investment criteria, and potential incentive mechanisms ensures that net-zero objectives remain commercially viable and compatible with available funding and procurement approaches.
DG Jones & Partners provides independent, multidisciplinary guidance across the commercial, contractual, and financial dimensions of net-zero construction roadmaps. Our teams can support clients in integrating carbon metrics into cost models, defining enforceable contractual requirements for low-carbon materials, and managing the associated risk profile of supply chain decarbonisation.
To discuss how DG Jones & Partners can support the development and delivery of a robust net-zero construction roadmap, contact an expert in your region.
