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How is the Scaffolding Industry Working Towards Net Zero?

27th July 2022

Industries across the globe are taking action against climate change by putting strategies in place to help them operate in a more environmentally friendly manner.

In line with UK government targets, the construction industry in particular has pledged to achieve Net Zero Carbon by the year 2050.

This is a target that the construction industry as a whole must work towards together, at all stages of the supply chain. Each area of construction will have its own specific strategy depending on the works carried out and their impact on the environment, and the scaffolding industry is no different.

Scaffolding industry working towards net zero

The three scopes of carbon emissions

Essentially the industry will achieve Net Zero Carbon by reducing our emissions drastically, offsetting emissions via schemes and implementing greener practices. Carbon emissions can be placed into three distinct scopes:

Scope 1 – Direct emissions

There are activities produced directly from our business, e.g. the use of a fleet of vehicles or plant/ machinery.

Scope 2 – Indirect emissions

These are emissions that come from secondary sources within a business, e.g. the electricity used within offices.

Scope 3 – Supplementary emissions

Emissions via the business’ supply chain and employees travelling to work.

Achieving net zero in a steel dominated industry

Of course, many question is scaffolding can truly achieve Net Zero in an industry that is dominated by the use of steel, the manufacture of which accounts for 11% of global COemissions. But many steel manufacturers worldwide have also pledged Net Zero and are exploring carbon reduction and capture methods.

Businesses are also, more and more, utilising used materials as opposed to investing in new to reduce demand for the raw materials.

How is SIMIAN supporting net zero targets?

With a strong focus on reducing the construction industry’s impact on the environment, SIMIAN is actively supporting the next generation of construction professionals through our Green Skills Hub at our LASC centre, which equips trainees with the skills that will be required for future projects.

Want to learn more about our Green Skills Hub and what training you can receive at LASC? Contact Business Development Executive, Sara Calvo by emailing scalvo@simian-risk.com.