This case study explores Breheny’s path to PAS 2080 certification, the benefits of verification, and how their partnership with NQA has strengthened their approach to carbon management.

Standard:

• PAS 2080 (Carbon Management in Infrastructure)

An introduction to Breheny Civil Engineering 

Since its formation in 1963, Breheny have been providing Civil Engineering services to two-thirds of the UK, from offices in Suffolk, Kent, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire and Yorkshire. They deliver a diverse portfolio of works in all aspects of civil engineering, for a diverse range of private and public sector clients.

They recognise the impacts of climate change will disrupt the natural, economic, and social systems on which society depends. This disruption is expected to affect global food security, damage infrastructure and jobs, and harm human health. As a result, they are fully committed to supporting the Government’s ambition of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and is actively collaborating with its Supply Chain Partners and Clients to achieve this goal. 

Learn more about their carbon reduction plan here.

Why PAS 2080 verification?

Since achieving ISO 50001 verification in 2015, Breheny has been actively measuring energy outputs and greenhouse gas emissions, recognising the global shift towards a lower-carbon future.

With a clear target to lead the industry in carbon monitoring and management, Breheny has consistently prioritised minimising its carbon footprint across operations and projects. Achieving PAS 2080 verification reinforces this commitment and sets them apart from competitors when bidding for tenders and frameworks.

The audit experience

Breheny prepared for the audit led by Stephen Burt, NQA's “meticulous yet pragmatic lead auditor”. Understanding the PAS 2080 requirements for constructors proved invaluable, helping the team navigate a new standard.

Additionally, members of Breheny's Carbon Working Group attended NQA webinars on PAS 2080 too. These sessions provided insights into the standard at a time when the team had limited knowledge of the verification process. This training equipped them to confidently align their processes with PAS 2080 requirements.
The audit itself was a “dynamic and smooth process”. Stephen's collaborative approach allowed the assessment to integrate with Breheny's existing carbon management systems, strengthening confidence in their practices.

Why Breheny chose NQA

As a trusted client for over eight years, NQA's approach and adaptability has consistently supported Breheny in achieving essential verifications. Their choice to engage NQA for PAS 2080 reflects their confidence in our services and expertise, and the trust we have built through many years of collaboration. We at NQA are proud to be continuing this partnership and look forward to many more successful years together.

Next steps and future aspirations

Breheny is one of the first construction companies of their scale to achieve PAS 2080 verification. This achievement reflects their solid commitment to decarbonisation and reinforces their position as an industry leader.

PAS 2080 allows Breheny to advise clients on carbon reduction and low-carbon alternatives, thus giving them an edge in tenders and frameworks like National Highways.

With PAS 2080 as a foundation, Breheny is focused on leading the way in carbon monitoring and management. Their plans include improving their systems, promoting low-carbon solutions, and continuing to set new continuing to set new standards for sustainability in construction.

Final Thoughts from NQA

NQA’s Carbon & Sustainability Services Director, Stephen Burt, comments:
As NQA’s PAS 2080 auditor for Breheny, I found both the efforts and commitment to decarbonise the construction sector, and the innovate methods used to establish and evidence PAS 2080 conformance at the company, to be of a particularly high standard.

The arrangements in place at Breheny to encourage value chain decarbonisation through collaboration and engagement were excellent, and the tools developed by the company for the whole life carbon assessment process were noted to be an example of best practice in the industry.

Whilst Breheny clearly had a highly knowledge and competent team in place to manage the PAS 2080 processes they had developed; the PAS 2080 processes were noted to be well integrated throughout the entire company.

Overall, I had no hesitation in recommending certification to PAS 2080 for Breheny, and on behalf of all the Carbon and Sustainability team at NQA, would like to pass on our congratulations on an excellent result. I’m looking forward to seeing the ongoing improvements in action again at the next audit. 

 

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