NEC X29 And The Development Of Climate Change Clauses

A mindset shift

There is near universal acceptance that the construction industry remains shockingly polluting. Figures vary but built assets are thought to contribute as much as 25% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions¹. Globally, an estimated 40% of global carbon emissions² come from the building and operation of infrastructure with concrete alone being responsible for 8%³ of these. The construction industry therefore finds itself in the spotlight as a sector that needs to achieve far reaching reforms.

Participants at all levels in the industry are grappling with how to implement the required change. For those involved in preparing contracts, there are obvious questions around how climate related considerations should be reflected contractually. One view is that climate change requirements are principally technical matters to be addressed in the scope since the most relevant aspects relate to the works specification and performance requirements, choice of