Library
Our publications.
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Why are bridges different?
The Net Zero Bridges Group explains why specific guidance is needed on how bridge engineers can reduce the environmental impact of their bridge projects.
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Timelines
What action should engineers take to reduce the global warming potential of new build bridge projects and when should they do it?
This paper aims to raise awareness of the decarbonisation of sectors relevant to bridges in order to help inform how engineers can most effectively respond.
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Accelerating progress towards Net Zero bridges
Summarising the context of Net Zero for our industry and what bridge designers need to be doing to support this initiative.
It’s time to take our feet off the brakes, and together, start accelerating progress towards Net Zero bridges.
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Guidance Note: Carbon Calculations for Bridges
Following the approach of the IStructE How to Calculate Embodied Carbon, this guidance note provides detailed specific guidance on how to calculate embodied carbon for bridges.
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Carbon of Concrete Bridges - An Introduction
This note explains why concrete used in bridges has a high capital carbon, and discusses the factors that contribute to this.
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NZBG Member Survey Results 2023
In February 2023 the Net Zero Bridges Group surveyed our member organisations to understand their views on progress with decarbonisation of bridge works. All organisations surveyed are engaged in the design or engineering of bridges in the UK or Ireland.
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Case Study: Reliability-based Assessments for South Wales Trunk Road Agent
Build Nothing, Existing Bridges
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Case Study: Net Zero Carbon Management of Rochester Bridge
Build Nothing, Build Less, Existing Bridges
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Case Study: A13 River Lea Crossing Refurbishment
Build Less, Build Nothing, Existing Bridges, Steel Bridges
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Case Study: Hampton Footbridge
Build Clever, Build Efficiently, New Bridges
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Case Study: Van Brienenoord Bridge Renovation
Build Less, Existing Bridges, Circular Economy, Steel Bridge
Publications we support.
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Design for Zero
This informative guide explains why overdesign is so prevalent, and its impact on material consumption and CO2 emissions. The guidance covers the design process, through to fabrication, assembly, use, and deconstruction.
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How to Calculate Embodied Carbon Guide
Second revision of the very useful guide by the Institution of Structural Engineers. This includes a bridge specific appendix written by two of our members.
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SCORBS
Structural carbon rating scheme for bridges proposed by COWI.
In this article the authors also reinforce ‘the need to adopt (and hold ourselves to) low targets that are periodically updated and that tend towards zero, starting immediately’.
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The Carbon Footprint of Bridges
Information from a database of bridges is used in this research to estimate the capital carbon of 200 bridges. The data show the trends for different bridge loading types, materials and spans. The database can be used to assist with the reduction of carbon in bridges by benchmarking current carbon footprints.
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Low Carbon Concrete Routemap
The Routemap sets out recommendations and actions to drive out carbon from concrete. It has been published jointly by the Green Construction Board and the Institution of Civil Engineers to ensure ongoing ownership, commitment and drive.
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IStructE Climate Emergency
The IStructE’s Climate Emergency Task Group has generated guidance, training and other useful resources, much of which is freely available to both members and non-members.