Briefing: The Net Zero Bridges Group: how can bridge specialists address net zero together?

Abstract

The Net Zero Bridges Group (NZBG) was formed in July 2021, bringing together bridge design and engineering specialists with a shared commitment to decarbonisation. The group's 33 member organisations have declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and committed to taking meaningful and appropriate action. The group's mission is to accelerate progress towards net zero carbon bridges by sharing knowledge and ideas, and shaping best practice. The NZBG's approach is to be curious and open to challenge. It engages with other relevant bodies, including groups representative of bridge owners. The aim is not to duplicate other net zero initiatives, but to build on them to provide bridge specialists with practical data and guidance to use to reduce lifecycle emissions. The NZBG members are developing consistent methods for sharing and benchmarking carbon dioxide data, and considering how decarbonisation processes and philosophies can be applied to traditional and alternative structural materials. The group seeks to understand what makes bridges different to other structures in this regard, and to align with national and client timelines and decarbonisation pathways. This article describes the NZBG, its existing and proposed activities, outlines some essential findings and reflects on the progress and challenges to date.