PAS 2080:2023 - Understanding the Basics
What is PAS 2080?
You may be familiar with the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) related to Carbon Management in Buildings and Infrastructure. Its most recent revision in 2023 has led to increased attention and application from all types of businesses within the construction-related value chain.
The specification was originally released in 2016 and laid out a framework for carbon management and reduction within the infrastructure sector. The update in 2023 made strong strides forward in its alignment to net zero ambitions and the inclusion of buildings as well as wider infrastructure projects, amongst other improvements.
Key changes included:
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Increased supply chain collaboration, engagement and challenging: Acknowledgement that carbon emissions must be considered and approached in unison across the value chain
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Emphasised focus on whole-life carbon: Ensuring carbon management is tackled across the entire building / infrastructure asset life cycle rather than in isolated life-cycle stages
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Consideration to wider sustainability: To be incorporated along with carbon reduction approaches
The specification is broken down into 12 clauses as well as multiple annexes and guidance sections. The core sections of PAS 2080:2023 include:
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Scope
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Normative references
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Terms and definitions
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Decarbonisation principles
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Leadership
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Integrating carbon management into decision-making
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Whole life carbon assessment principles to support decision-making
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Target setting and baselines
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Monitoring and reporting
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Procurement
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Continual improvement
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Claims of conformity
What do we mean by the value chain?
PAS 2080:2023 defines a value chain as the organisations and stakeholders involved in creating, operating and managing buildings, infrastructure assets and/or networks. Examples can include asset owners and managers, designers, constructors, product and material suppliers, and more.
The term is used consistently throughout the specification and signifies the importance of tackling whole-life carbon emissions, instead of looking at an individual role in isolation. This ensures that carbon management is considered within the sector, from the outset planning stages for the project, through to operation and maintenance, and beyond to end-of-life. In turn, carbon hotspot reductions are identified and prioritised, such as through lower embodied capital carbon in the construction products used, lower operational and user carbon in maintenance and asset management processes.
The concept of a value chain encourages collaboration and engagement where all participants work together to identify lower carbon solutions and efficiencies. Value chain members are also expected to challenge each other, and themselves, to move away from ‘business as usual’ practices. In turn, this challenges the status quo and drives low-carbon decision making, promoting transparency and accountability, and resulting in lower emissions for the sector.
Why is it important?
Global warming is one of the most pressing issues we face, with a detrimental risk to the planet and future generations. Urgent action is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strive for sustainable solutions before the damage becomes irreversible.
The buildings and infrastructure sector is one of the largest contributors to overall greenhouse gas emissions within the UK. With the UK Government’s net zero target for 2050 being legally binding, PAS 2080:2023 is a powerful tool to assist with achieving this. The industry is subject to increasing pressures to adopt lower-carbon and more sustainable practices, and through securing PAS 2080:2023 verification it solidifies an organisation’s commitment and progress on climate action.
Not only this, PAS 2080:2023 offers a number of attractive benefits associated with implementing the specification. Organisations are able to meet regulatory and stakeholder requirements, gain a competitive advantage, reduce risks, identify cost savings, improve project efficiencies and much more.
What do our experts think?
NQA’s Carbon and Sustainability Services Director, Stephen Burt, is a driving force for moving PAS 2080:2023 forward within NQA’s network. Stephen shares his view on the specification:
“With decarbonisation of the UK’s buildings and infrastructure sector being critical to national success in achieving net zero, there has never been a more important time to consider PAS 2080. The emphasis on value chain collaboration, engagement and challenging in PAS 2080 is also resulting in it becoming an increasing requirement for commercial success in the sector. To quote one of our PAS 2080 clients, ‘business success is no longer only about price and programme, it is about price, programme and PAS’.
As an independent, third-party global Certification and Verification Body, NQA provides the highest standard of verification to PAS 2080, ensuring your PAS 2080 claims are credible and robust. Our team of PAS 2080 Verifiers are experienced and competent in both the construction sector and in whole-life carbon assessment, thereby ensuring we provide an added value approach to the verification process at all times. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your needs, no matter what stage in the PAS 2080 development and implementation process you are at.” 
Did you know?
Leaders in this space, such as National Highways, have asked contractors and sub-contractors to implement their own accredited PAS 2080:2023 carbon management system by the end of 2025. It seems very likely that other infrastructure agencies and the wider construction industry will follow suit.
Understand the requirements and expectations incumbent upon your business to maximise commercial opportunities and mitigate risk.
NQA is actively supporting customers with verification needs and timescales to meet supplier expectations and to maximise the benefits of PAS 2080.
How can NQA support you?
⇒ Come along to one of NQA’s PAS 2080 webinars with expert speakers
⇒ Attend our PAS 2080 tutor-led training or take part in our PAS 2080 E-Learning training
⇒ Keep an eye on our tools and resources page for updates on blogs, case studies, and more
⇒ Speak to our knowledgeable team for quotes and queries.
