Tuesday 28 January 2020

Business leaders join forces to launch net zero infrastructure taskforce

Business leaders from across the engineering and environmental technologies sectors have joined forces to explore how the UK’s infrastructure can be redesigned to help meet the 2050 net zero goal.

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) have formed the Net Zero Taskforce, which is chaired by Sarah Prichard of ACE member BuroHappold Engineering.

The Taskforce intends to launch two reports during the COP26 climate change summit taking place in Glasgow later this year.

The first report will showcase the role members of the organisations have to play to help reach the net zero targets and the second will be aimed at helping SMEs to adapt to the new working environment.

Sarah Prichard, UK Managing Director at BuroHappold said: “I am delighted to be chairing the Taskforce 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.”

Paul Reilly, ACE Chair 2020 added: “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.”