Decarbonisation Technology Accelerator: Supporting the Environment Agency’s Drive for Net Zero

The Environment Agency aims for a 45% carbon reduction by 2030 and Carbon Net Zero by 2045. Its capital program, responsible for half its emissions, needs accelerated decarbonization. The Decarbonisation Technology Accelerator (DTA) focuses on low-carbon designs and decarbonizing materials and construction. As a change program, it aims to develop and deploy decarbonization opportunities in the supply chain, making them standard practice. Unlike typical testing programs, the DTA supports solutions until they replace higher carbon options, ensuring new technologies and processes are scaled up and widely adopted.

A total of 37 solutions have been identified, categorized into six themes: Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), Earthworks Optimisation, Concrete (Novel Products), Concrete (Optimisation), Steel and Asset Management. Each Collaborative Delivery Framework (CDF) partner co-leads at least one theme, championing solutions in their regional Hub. Partners collaborate to test, trial, and adopt solutions as standard practice. The DTA also supports CDF Partners in achieving their decarbonization targets, ensuring new methods are integrated into regular operations.

Jacobs is lead consultant on two themes: Earthworks Optimisation and Asset Management, working in collaboration with VolkerStevin and JBA Consulting. 

Highlights from the Jacobs-led Earthworks theme project include the proposed development of a universal carbon metric baseline, improved integration and adoption of existing best practice, and an optimized approach to the implementation of geo-digital tools and visualization software. As the most significant carbon reductions are often made long before a scheme reaches site, we are using for example automated design tools to optimize material management and drive down carbon emissions.

Similarly, the Asset Management theme project includes developing a ‘check engine light’ system for asset appraisal, advancing fixed asset monitoring techniques and energy storage and recovery. By identifying a potential fault early on in the process, we are facilitating an optimized point of intervention for carbon reduction.

"The net zero carbon innovation pilots are key in driving forward the next generation of lower-carbon construction materials, products and techniques” says Tony Andryszewski, Deputy Director, Engineering & Technical Assurance, Environment Agency. “Rather than seeing them as one-off trials, it is important that we make sure we see these as incremental steps towards fundamentally changing our approach and our engineering standards to deliver carbon reduction and much wider benefits."

The DTA moved into the delivery phase at the start of September 2024, with site trials anticipated within 6 months. The ambitious program will begin to deliver meaningful carbon reductions over the coming months and lay the foundations for a lower carbon future.