COP26 Careers Media Projects Supply chain Contact Contact Menu Expertise Menu About Skanska c Home About Skanska Sustainability Green Carbon Climate change Climate change Combatting the rise in the Earth’s temperature is one of this generation’s biggest challenges Global warming Climate change means global warming, caused by human activities. Over the last 100 years, the Earth has warmed up significantly. Scientists believe that if immediate action is not taken to reduce a predicted global temperature increase of around 1.5°C, then the effect on the planet will be irreversible. There is a scientific consensus that the prime cause of climate change is an increase in carbon emissions – greenhouse gases – caused by human activities. Carbon emissions explained When greenhouse gases – carbon emissions – are released into the atmosphere, they cause it to warm up. They are produced by a range of human activities. The most commonly known greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2). We breathe it out and it is also released when fossil fuels – such as oil, coal and gas – are burned. However, there are range of other similar gases, which include methane (CH4) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Each gas has a different warming effect on the atmosphere. For example, releasing 1kg of methane into the atmosphere has equivalent effect of around 25kg of CO2. The CO2 equivalent measure gathers together all the various greenhouse gases and expresses their total environmental effect as tonnes of CO2. The impact of climate change Experts believe that millions of people could be affected by climate change. Global sea levels will rise as it becomes warmer. For example, if the temperature in the UK rises 2°C by 2050, estimates suggest that 2.6 million people will be living in areas with a significant flood risk. In addition, scientists believe that climate change will lead to more outbreaks of extreme weather, such as hurricanes or severe thunderstorms. Estimates also suggest there will be significant damage to the global economy, possibly running into billions of pounds. The construction industry The construction industry is responsible for a sizeable proportion of the UK’s total carbon emissions, although estimates vary about the precise amount. As a whole, the built environment – buildings and infrastructure – produces a significant amount of emissions. The same is true of transport, which includes car, lorry and vehicle use. Because of this, Skanska believes that the construction industry has a big role to play in reducing emissions. We would prefer to lead the transition to a low carbon future rather than follow it. Resources Skanska uk low carbon roadmap Skanska UK low carbon data 2020 Skanska UK carbon management system (technical report) PPN 0621 Carbon Reduction Plan Share Last updated: 30/04/2019 About Skanska UK Skanska, one of the UK’s leading contractors, helps to construct, upgrade and maintain the country’s buildings and infrastructure. Skanska UK in brief Projects History Purpose and values 51 Moorgate Map data ©2021 Google View larger map Shortcuts Find information on our website. Careers Code of Conduct Organisation and governance Statement on modern slavery and human trafficking (PDF) Skanska pension fund Contact us About Skanska Group Skanska is one of the world's leading project development and construction groups. Our projects Our people Our markets Information for investors Latest share price 23/11/2021 17:30 CET SKA B: SEK 217.0 -0.3%g Skanska AB is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm and traded under the SKA B symbol. View the share graph on Skanska Group website Change country Change country : United Kingdom Czech Republic Denmark Finland Hungary Norway Poland Romania Slovakia Sweden United States Skanska Group Follow us on social media © 2021 Skanska Terms of use, Processing of personal data and Cookies - Sitemap cookie preferences Skanska UK Plc, Registered Office: Maple Cross House, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Herts. WD3 9SW. Registered in England - Registration Number: 784752 Your Consent for Cookies Cookies provide us with data to analyze our traffic and allow for a more personalized experience. Please click on “Allow cookies” below to enable or adjust your preferences by clicking on “Change settings”. You can alter these at any time. Change settings Allow cookies