Transport managers say ‘too little support’ for net zero
More than half of project managers in the transport sector believe their company is not doing enough to support the UK’s 2050 net zero targets, according to a new survey by the Association for Project Management (APM).
The APM, which is the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, reported 56% of transport project managers answered “too little” when asked if they felt if their company was doing too much, too little, or enough, to support the government’s commitment to ensure the UK reduces its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% from 1990 levels by 2050.
This figure was among the highest of 17 sectors polled in the survey of over 900 project professionals carried out by national research company Censuswide on behalf of APM. Another 16% said their company was doing “enough” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and 28% said “too much”. The survey also revealed the vast majority of transport project managers – 84% – said their company does incorporate net zero carbon emissions planning into their projects.
The three most common ways were: keeping project scale to minimum requirements; using new technologies; and querying/challenging efficiency of designs. Other methods included: ensuring minimum carbon footprint across supply chain(s); reducing project-related travel; and eliminating waste.
Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM, said: “Rising to the challenge of meeting the UK’s 2050 net zero target requires a huge amount of co-ordination, collaboration and championing, among much else.
“It is therefore slightly surprising to find that over half of project managers working in transport think their company isn’t doing enough to support the UK’s signature net zero policy, whether that’s promoting the unique benefits of innovative new technologies, embracing hybrid work patterns, or being firm enough on supply chain partners who fall below acceptable standards.
“Project professionals are value-driven and cherish the wider social, economic and environmental aims and benefits of their projects. Whenever a mismatch involving core values arises, we support and encourage our members to speak with their employer to identify suitable opportunities to help enhance and reshape their company’s sustainability strategy and activities.”
Image of Adam Boddison courtesy of APM
