Architect asking how to specify that a contractor track GHG in construction

Thanks, Stacey and Julia!  Anyone else interested in being part of this response? Do we want to organize a quick little working group to generate some spec language that we can all get behind? If not, I can respond on the Green Gurus forum with the Skanska & Turner leads.   

Here are notes from the call. Note that, toward the end, we get to an actual answer to the question--the spec language from the architect/owner can be as simple as: “Contractor shall track, manage, and show reductions of their Scope 1 & 2 emissions.”   Specifications for Carbon Tracking in Construction call notes: June 11, 2019, ad hoc call Steven, Stacy, Conor, Patty, Vandita Stacy Smedley: Skanska tracking construction site carbon emissions—equipment, material transport, craft worker transit—for 5 years. Now have clients obligating them to do it. For one client have developed specific language. On that project have:

1. practical language that put in exhibit requiring subs to do carbon reduction plans,
2. spreadsheet that allows us to track it,
3. reporting mechanism shared with subs so they can provide info that we can import into spreadsheet
4. actual cover sheet on how report that to owner on monthly basis.

  The tracking includes:

1. Construction carbon emissions
2. Waste-associated emissions and diversion
3. Water use

  Putting that into a document for Skanska-wide process. Should be able to share it with this group in week or so.   Big project, first time have resources. Had largest suppliers and subs on board early. Had specific meetings with them around carbon reporting.   Listened a lot, to hear what kind of information they have and how they get it, so they could report in a way that wasn’t going to require a lot of extra work. Used all that to build up how were going to obligate them. So carbon reduction plan was created based on input from the major subcontractors. Started with: What do we have? How do we normally get it? How to make it as easy as possible to translate that into this?   We report to CDP, so roll stuff up that. Created own tool, that imports into excel. Like with EC3—couldn’t find a tool that makes this easy for us.   Conner & Stacy: Don’t aim for perfection. Go after what can get easily, then dig in for the rest. Push is not as much on limitation of what suppliers and contractors can give us, and more on how are reporting on own equipment   Conor: Suggests that we leverage our demand and collectively send signals to market, even about things that aren’t yet happening, like delivery via electric vehicle. Conor shared spreadsheet on the forum for Carbon WG of Contractors Commitment, looking for comments on it.   Stacy: Carbon Reduction Plan—common language that goes out to every sub. “We’re targeting this reduction, how are you helping us get there?” Plus some suggestions, e.g.: Ask for newest equipment, when are leasing equipment.   Trying to get to a number on carbon per hour per piece of equipment. Many GCs/Subs using Telematics on equipment; can help with tracking emissions.   Can’t manage what don’t measure. People like to have benchmarks and reductions that can talk to. Give them a story that actually made a reduction. Leadership needs talking points; also report actual numbers to CDP.   Have a dual purpose to manage in this initiative:

1. Generating actual numbers for leadership/reporting
2. Signaling positive actions that want to see.

  What are the things we can start doing to make large-scale market transformation happen, through collective action?   Steven: Specification language on GHG reductions: How complicated does it have to be?   Stacy: “Contractor shall track, manage, and show reductions of their Scope 1 & 2 emissions.” Nothing is further developed to say out. Now there is no standard way to do it; contractors will figure it out. Hopefully this group can help make it easier for people, more aligned.   As long as contract says it somewhere. Is a requirement of the job; have to do it. Can be a 2-sentence statement.   Vandita: Contract language—anyone pushing for EPA tier 3 and above tools on the site, as a mandate?   Stacy: Be careful about costs associated with that.   Talk to subcontractors early, ask if they have ability to use higher tier equipment. Know the market, know what’s available, figure out where can ask that question without creating a risk to the company. Where can it be done so it’s not a cost add.   Patty: If required by municipalities, just reference that ordinance. Don’t put it own language.   Follow-up: Review Conor’s spreadsheet. Stacy can share her spreadsheet soon. Mark Chen, Sustainability Engineer, doing carbon accounting work at Skanska.