Carbon Reduction Plan
Climate change represents one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation are stark reminders of the urgent need for decisive action. In response, around 200 countries adopted the Paris Agreement in 2015, a landmark international treaty committing the world to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Achieving this goal requires a rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a global transition to Net Zero by 2050.
Commitment to Achieving Net Zero
At LCS Civils Ltd, we recognise our responsibility to contribute meaningfully to this transformation and are committed to aligning our operations with the UK’s Net Zero objectives in line with the Paris Agreement. We recognise the environmental impact of civil engineering operations and are actively working to reduce emissions across all scopes. This Carbon Reduction Plan outlines the steps we are taking across our offices, sites, workforce, materials and supply chain to support that commitment. We are also committed to continual improvement, data transparency and employee engagement.
Baseline Emissions Footprint
A baseline emissions footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by an organisation, project, or process over a specific period of time, which serves as a starting point for measuring future emission reductions.
At LCS Civils Ltd, we follow a structured approach to carbon reduction: identify, develop, implement, and measure. We begin by identifying key emission sources such as fuel use. From there, we develop targeted initiatives like switching to low-carbon alternatives. These actions are then implemented through updated site practices, procurement, and workforce engagement. Finally, we measure progress using data on fuel, materials, and waste, enabling us to track performance, report accurately.
As well as working with the Supply Chain Sustainability School and maintaining our ISO 14001 accreditation, in the near future, we will seek independent accreditation and support with our carbon reduction strategy to ensure independent verification, validity and credibility is maintained.
For the construction and civil engineering industry — one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions — this presents both a significant challenge and a vital opportunity. The sector is heavily reliant on carbon-intensive materials like concrete and steel, energy-intensive plant and machinery, and widespread transportation and logistics networks. Meeting the Net Zero target demands a fundamental shift in how infrastructure is designed, procured, delivered, and operated. It also requires greater collaboration across the supply chain, adoption of low-carbon technologies, and a commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability performance.
Key Drivers for Change
At LCS Civils Ltd we are driven by a range of factors including increasing legislative requirements such as PPN 06/21, rising expectations from main contractors and clients, and the need to future-proof our business. There is growing demand for accurate and transparent emissions reporting, and greater accountability across the supply chain.
We are also committed to building a culture of environmental awareness by providing all employees with relevant training and education on sustainability, carbon emissions, and resource efficiency. This includes introductory carbon literacy for office and site staff, toolbox talks on environmental best practices, and clear communication around our Net Zero targets. We also aim to equip managers and supervisors with the skills to accurately record and report carbon-related data, including vehicle mileage, material use, waste segregation, and energy consumption. By empowering our people with the right understanding and tools, we can embed sustainability into everyday decision-making and ensure that everyone plays an active role in reducing our environmental impact.
Current Emissions Reporting
Data tracking is currently being redeveloped across all scopes. LCS Civils Ltd have always tracked some elements of reportable carbon data including fuel usage on owned plant, commercial fleet mileage and waste removal from sites. We have periodically tracked office staff commuting and concrete usage. As we are currently based in shared office space we are not solely responsible for electricity or heating usage making it difficult to track or manage due to the unable to switch to renewable energy tariffs. As our business grows we will look to expand our own space, which will make it possible to move to a more carbon neutral position by using renewable energy tariffs, motion sensor lights and reducing heating costs.
Carbon Reduction Initiatives
LCS Civils Ltd is implementing a series of targeted carbon reduction initiatives. We are starting to transition our company vehicles to electric or hybrid alternatives and working closely with plant hire suppliers to prioritise low-emission and hybrid equipment. We are committed to reducing embodied carbon by engaging with suppliers to use lower-carbon materials such as GGBS concrete, and by challenging over-specification in design where possible. Waste segregation has been introduced across our sites, with a focus on reuse and recycling to reduce landfill. We also encourage sustainable commuting, remote working where appropriate, and provide carbon awareness training to our staff. These initiatives are part of our broader strategy to minimise our environmental impact and actively contribute to the UK’s Net Zero goals.
Governance & Accountability
This carbon reduction strategy sets out LCS Civils Ltd’s corporate ambition to reduce the carbon emissions associated with our operations and support the transition to a Net Zero economy. Our senior leadership team fully endorses this strategy and accepts overall accountability for ensuring our environmental commitments are delivered. Oversight of our carbon reduction activities is managed through clear internal leadership, with responsibility assigned to a designated Environmental and Sustainability Lead, supported by operational managers and directors across the business.
Environmental and Carbon Lead for LCS Civils Ltd: Paula Williscroft, HSQE Advisor