PAS 2080 Carbon Management in Infrastructure | Tunley Environmental

PAS 2080 is a vital framework that enables decarbonisation across the construction value chain. Developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI), sponsored by the ICE and launched in collaboration with the Green Construction Board (GCB), PAS 2080 provides a structured approach to managing carbon effectively in the planning, delivery, use and maintenance of infrastructures. Prioritising PAS 2080 carbon management in infrastructure development allows organisations to effectively reduce whole life carbon emissions, align with net zero strategies, meet sustainability targets, and enhance commercial competitiveness in an increasingly climate-conscious market.

What is PAS 2080?

PAS 2080 was developed by BSI as the world's first global standard dedicated to carbon management in infrastructure projects. The standard rests on key principles, including:

• Collaboration across the value chain to promote knowledge sharing and early intervention
• Quantification and monitoring of carbon emissions using accurate and consistent data
• Challenging assumptions by encouraging innovation in low-carbon solutions
• Integrating carbon considerations into design, materials, procurement, and operation
• Long-term thinking to ensure infrastructure resilience and low-carbon legacy

PAS 2080 spans the entire construction lifecycle from concept development through to operational phases and maintenance activities. As a Publicly Available Specification, it provides flexibility while promoting industry-wide consistency, helping both public and private sector organisations transition toward low-carbon infrastructure.

Managing Carbon Emissions from Infrastructure Projects

A report on infrastructure carbon review by the UK government states that infrastructure contributes 53% of the nation's carbon emissions, with 30% directly attributed to the construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure assets. This makes PAS 2080 carbon management in infrastructure more relevant than ever.

PAS 2080 champions a holistic approach to carbon management across the complete infrastructure lifecycle from initial planning and design through construction, operation and ultimately decommissioning. This whole life carbon perspective evaluates materials, construction methods, operational energy requirements and end-of-life considerations. The standard promotes early collaboration among value chain participants, establishes clear roles and responsibilities and integrates decision-making throughout an asset's lifecycle. PAS 2080 addresses both capital carbon (emissions from construction) and operational carbon (emissions from use and maintenance), creating a thorough framework for sustainable infrastructure development.

Who is PAS 2080 for?

PAS 2080 is intended for individuals who participate in the delivery of infrastructure.

This includes:

• Infrastructure asset owners and managers
• Designers and architects
• Constructors
• Material and product suppliers
• Regulators and financiers

Steps to Obtaining PAS 2080 Accreditation

A methodical approach is essential for successful PAS 2080 accreditation. Below are key steps that organisations should follow:

• Conduct a baseline review of current emissions practices
• Map internal policies against PAS 2080 expectations
• Identify data, training or resourcing gaps

• Define measurable carbon objectives
• Embed carbon thinking into business policies and frameworks
• Secure leadership support and resource allocation

• Collect Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (energy-related) and Scope 3 (indirect) emissions
• Ensure consistency with GHG Protocol and ISO 14064
• Use carbon calculators, BIM and software tools to streamline workflows

• Host carbon knowledge-sharing sessions with contractors and suppliers
• Embed carbon metrics in procurement and tender evaluations
• Co-develop reduction targets with key supply chain actors

• Prepare audit-ready documentation
• Engage with an accredited certification body
• Undergo a verification process with feedback for future refinement
  
  

Materials and Methods for PAS 2080 Implementation

Implementing PAS 2080 carbon management in infrastructure requires specific tools and methodologies to quantify, manage and reduce carbon emissions effectively. Practitioners often face data availability and quality constraints when beginning their carbon management journey; however, these challenges can be addressed through structured approaches and appropriate resources like the steps below:

Employing Effective Carbon Quantification Tools

Carbon quantification forms the foundation of effective PAS 2080 implementation. The Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE) database provides a free, accessible resource of embodied carbon data for building materials, serving as an essential starting point for many practitioners.

Researching Appropriate Baseline Setting and Emissions Scoping Techniques

Establishing reliable carbon baselines requires careful consideration of methodology, data availability and functional units. The functional unit, a measure of the useful product or service delivered by the infrastructure, should be identified at the earliest opportunity. Notably, baselines can be created at different levels depending on the type of asset being delivered:

• Asset owners typically set baselines against assets or service provision
• Constructors most commonly measure performance against baselines for activities

Practitioners should establish baselines even with limited initial data, acknowledging accuracy limitations while implementing continual improvement. Furthermore, organisations should consult value chain members to determine what data are available and what needs to be captured throughout delivery.

Design a PAS 2080 Carbon Management System Template Structure

A robust PAS 2080 Carbon Management Plan (CMS) addresses main clauses of the PAS 2080 standard and typically includes:

• Clause 4: Decarbonisation principles
• Clause 5: Showcasing leadership and establishing governance structure, roles and responsibilities
• Clause 6: Integrating carbon management into decision-making
• Clause 7: Understanding the principles of whole carbon management
• Clause 8: Baseline assessment methodology, target setting and results

• Clause 9: Reporting and monitoring procedures

• Clause 10: Procurement approaches that support PAS 2080
• Clause 11: Establishing approaches to enable continuous improvement across the whole value chain. This includes sharing good practice.
• Clause 12: Verification and validation protocols

Essentially, the CMS serves as the central document guiding carbon management throughout the project lifecycle, facilitating early identification of carbon reduction opportunities and establishing processes for ongoing monitoring, reporting and review. A CMS can also be referred to as a Carbon Management Plan (CMP).

The Importance of PAS 2080 Certification

PAS 2080 certification is a public demonstration of commitment to best practices in carbon management. Beyond environmental credibility, it enables organisations to:

• Stand out in public and private tenders, especially as green procurement standards rise
• Access sustainable finance and investor backing through verified climate credentials
• Meet evolving legal and voluntary disclosure frameworks such as TCFD, CSRD, and ESG standards
• Enable continual improvement through audit-ready carbon tracking systems

The Bottom Line

Project owners, suppliers and developers will find that PAS 2080 is a valuable framework for reducing emissions, optimising design and delivering long-term environmental value. It represents a major step forward in climate-resilient infrastructure delivery. Our sustainability scientists offer expert support to help organisations meet industry expectations and set new benchmarks for sustainable construction.