Environment

Together we protect

We’re creating a decarbonised UK through energy transition solutions alongside increased biodiversity and a cleaner environment. Creating a sustainable future is simply part of who we are. We are tackling the twin crises of climate and nature together, not only in how we deliver but also by integrating these considerations into the solutions provided to our clients. 

We’re focused on creating a more sustainable world by ensuring our projects and programmes deliver sustainable infrastructure through low carbon engineering, efficient use of resources, circular economy principles and by incorporating resilience to climate change. We promote nature-based solutions and measure and set biodiversity net gain targets across all our projects. 

Costain’s environmental management system is certified to ISO 14001:2015, which sets the standard for environmental performance, minimising our impact on the environment and ensuring continual improvement.

We also operate to a PAS 2080:2023 verified carbon management system, integrating carbon management into decision-making and embedding carbon reduction into our leadership, design, procurement and contract delivery, driving accountability and measurable action. We’re committed to minimising the impacts of delivering large-scale complex infrastructure and contributing to a net positive future (net zero emissions and nature positive). 

Find out more about our sustainable outputs we delivered as part of the delivery of the Eastern section of the Thames Tideway Tunnel. 

Decarbonisation

Our Decarbonisation Plan defines our route to net zero emissions across Scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2045. This will be achieved by embedding low-carbon, circular and resource-efficient approaches into our design, procurement and decision-making. Our plan focuses on priority pathways and associated key actions, which reflect our emission hotspots, the specific challenges of our industry, and the focus of our customers. This includes rigorously applying PAS 2080:2023, driving the uptake of low carbon materials and decarbonising our energy use.    

To support our environmental and sustainability ambition, we work with our supply chain to influence and accelerate change. We operate to an ISO 20400 aligned Sustainable Procurement system to ensure we deliver value for our customers while addressing mutual sustainability-related challenges.   

Nature and biodiversity

Our Nature Positive Plan sets out how our nature-positive commitments are delivered through collaboration with customers to minimise harm and enhance biodiversity. Our approach evolves as we grow our understanding of nature and indirect supply chain impacts.

We're committed to a nature-positive future by 2030, a global goal that aims to halt and reverse nature loss against a 2020 baseline. By adopting Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN), investing in nature-based solutions, and working to eliminate environmental impacts across our supply chain, we will support the protection and restoration of vital ecosystems to benefit both biodiversity and long-term resilience. 

Learn more about the biodiversity benefits delivered for Cornwall Council.

Resource efficiency

Our production thinking processes encourage consideration of whole life impacts during the design and pre-construction process, ensuring we deliver sustainable solutions that adopt circular economy principles. By taking this approach we minimise environmental impacts, eliminate waste and maximise efficiencies. 

Find out more about reducing materials through our production thinking processes, and how we delivered a 21% reduction in CO2 emissions on the A30 project.