Overview

This piece of work will look at future proofing procurement processes so that they can deliver projects that enable the delivery of net zero.  Some of the key aims will include to:

• Look to disprove that carbon reduction delivery = increase costs.
• Connect current procurement models with decarbonisation.
• Examine the unintended consequences of procurement practices and the biases these can cause e.g. social value.
• Examine the potential to streamline procurement processes to prevent waste of capital

Why attend this event?

• Hear in detail the anticipated content for this paper and learn how it will help influence future decisions being made in the sector.
• Listen to industry experts about their experiences.
• Increase your level of understanding and awareness of how procurement can be used as a tool to reduce carbon.
• Take up the opportunity to help shape and inform the development of this technical paper.

Format – Webinar and Workshop

The first half of this event will be a webinar with updates on the work being carried out by the task and finish group. 

Areas being discussed include whether current legislation is fit for purpose, over complicated and will it stand up to the changes we are all facing.  Discussions are also being held around using contracts to incentivise and / or penalise and mechanisms to manage the risks.  The group is exploring what behaviours do we need within the sector and how do we develop them, can there be a choice of procurement routes and what successes are coming through from a mission-led procurement approach. The fourth area within this project is looking at is whole life carbon, how value can be measured with the many standards already being used, but little guidance available to the sector.

Delegates will be invited to take part through interactive poll questions and there will be the opportunity to hear from a guest speaker. 

The second half of this event will be a workshop where delegates can discuss and give feedback on the various areas: 

• Policy and Legislation
• Contracts and Supply Chain
• Leadership, Culture, Behaviour Change and Education
• Whole Life Carbon Costing 

Who is this event for?

This event is open to all employees from our Partner organisations and CIHT members.

Speakers

Mike O’Dowd-Jones is Strategic Commissioner for Highways and Transport Services at Somerset County Council.  He has more than 32 years of experience in public sector services focusing on long-term strategic planning, policy development, regeneration, and growth.

Mike is a Member of CIHT, Member of the South West Regional Committee, Council Member and Member of the Learned Society & Technical Strategic Board.  He is also the Chair of the task and finish group.

He will present the purpose and direction of the Task and Finish Group ‘Building carbon reduction into procurement processes’.

David Ogden is Executive Director for Asset and Maintenance at Colas Ltd.  For over 20 years, David has successfully delivered divisional and national accountabilities in operational, commercial, procurement, and financial disciplines within the Construction, Utilities, and Highways sectors.  His responsibility in the company lies within the regional contracting activities in highways and aviation across the UK.

David is a Fellow of CIHT, Council Member, Member of the Learned Society & Technical Strategic Board and is co-Char of the task and finish group.

During this event, he will present the Task and Finish Group's current progress and elaborate on further steps.

Dr. Natasha Watson is Buro Happold's Embodied Carbon Lead for UK Structures. After completing her doctorate in low-impact building materials in 2016, Natasha has become one of the experts leading the development of knowledge on the embodied impacts of construction materials within the construction industry and on Buro Happold projects.

Natasha delivers advisory and consultancy services in the area of Embodied Carbon. During the event, she will share her experience on building carbon reduction into procurement processes and address related questions during the Q&A session. 

Help & Support

For CIHT Members, if you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the CIHT Technical Team on +44 (0)20 7336 1555 or technical@ciht.org.uk

For CIHT Partner employees, if you have any questions regarding the content or registration for this event, please contact partners@ciht.org.uk

If you have any difficulties with joining the event virtually on the day, please contact the CIHT Conferences & Events Team on +44 (0)20 7336 1555 or conferences@ciht.org.uk