Infrastructure is responsible for 79 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions and 88% of all adaptation costs. This calls for a radical change in how decisions on infrastructure are made. Our objective is for 70 per cent of our assets under management to be aligning or aligned to net zero by 2030. Key initiatives include supporting our assets to set targets and decarbonise. John Laing is also an active member of initiative Climat International, the private market climate initiative, where we continue to participate in an industry dialogue to align on infrastructure-specific net zero guidance.
Infrastructure has a major role to play in the transition towards net zero. Currently, 36 per cent of our portfolio value is in targeted low-carbon investments. These include renewable energy, electric buses, electric rail transport and electrified trackside infrastructure.
Road testing our decarbonisation plans
Our aim is to make the A16 in the Netherlands the world’s first energy-neutral highway. During construction, we reduced GHG emissions by using biofuels and piloted less emission-intensive equipment. Once operational, the road will use a Direct Current (DC) power system for tunnel installations, which is more energy efficient than the Alternating Current (AC) system. The tunnel also uses LEDs and reflective paint to reduce the amount of lighting needed. Solar panels generate electricity for the road, which uses noise-reducing asphalt and noise barriers. In 2020, the project won a ‘Duurzame Parel’ sustainability award.
An independent charity
The John Laing Charitable Trust is an independent charity established in 1962 to care for the welfare of former and current employees of the John Laing group of companies and to improve the lives of people in need.
Society's backbone
Infrastructure is the backbone of society, facilitating access to energy, education and healthcare while increasing productivity and creating jobs. We help communities located near our assets by improving access to essential services, supporting local employment and supporting sustainable livelihoods and land rights.
