In this episode of PropTech Power Talks, Zeenish talks to Mark Rogers, Head of Net Zero Carbon Cost Management at Turner & Townsend.
With years of experience at the forefront of carbon strategy in the built environment, Mark offers valuable insight into how the industry is evolving in 2025—and what needs to happen next.
Q: Mark, great to have you on the show. Let’s start with the big picture: Is interest in carbon measurement still growing in 2025?
A: Absolutely. We've seen a significant increase in carbon assessment and measurement. For example, we launched our carbon calculator in 2022, and over the past three years—especially the last six months—the demand from clients has really surged.
That said, clients are at very different stages in their understanding. Some know exactly what they need from a carbon assessment, while others still require guidance on how these tools can support better net zero outcomes and overall project value. There’s still an industry-wide education piece required.
Also, in the UK, we're facing high energy prices, rising construction costs, and increased funding pressures. Clients are under pressure to do more with less. That’s why it’s crucial we communicate that lower-carbon design doesn’t necessarily mean higher cost. In fact, if we address carbon and cost together, we can unlock value on both fronts.
Q: That tension between net zero goals and budget constraints is a recurring theme. How do we encourage more investment in carbon reduction amidst these financial pressures?
A: First, we need to embed carbon as the fourth project dimension—alongside cost, time, and quality. That begins with clear client briefs that incorporate carbon from day one.
Then, we must bring carbon measurement into the early stages of design—ideally by RIBA Stage 1 or 2. If you wait until design is developed, it becomes expensive and time-consuming to make impactful changes. Early integration increases the chances of achieving both cost and carbon goals.
It’s also critical to look at whole life costs—not just capital expenditure. Clients maintaining assets for decades need to understand both the operational carbon and the operational cost of what they’re building. Thinking beyond just a single point in time can reveal better long-term solutions.
Ultimately, this shift should be government-led. Mandating carbon measurement—even just embodied carbon initially—gives the industry a clear framework to work within and encourages continuous improvement.
Q: That long-term view is essential. Are big businesses helping lead the shift with their own net zero goals?
A: Yes—and they’re not just talking about it, they’re acting on it. Many of the blue-chip commercial developers we work with are taking real ownership of their carbon ambitions. They’re integrating carbon into their project frameworks from the outset and making smarter design decisions as a result.
One great example—though I can’t name the client—is a project where 75% of the structural steel was reused from another building. That move cut embodied carbon by 90%. It shows how strategic thinking across a portfolio can reduce environmental impact dramatically. Businesses that approach it this way are definitely driving change.
Q: If parts of the private sector are already moving forward, why do we still need a government mandate? And how quickly do we need it?
A: It's a fair question. While leadership from businesses is great, a mandate creates consistency—something we really need.
The UK’s Part Z proposal has been in draft form for years. Formalizing it would provide focus and set a common standard for how carbon is measured. It would also create a bit of healthy competitive tension, where clients benchmark their embodied carbon against others and strive to improve.
Think of it like we do with costs: if we want to improve, we need to measure first, then benchmark, then act. It’s the same with carbon.
As for timing? We need to be doing this now. The UK has a 2050 net zero target, and many public and private clients are aiming for 2030. We’ve been discussing this for years—but action is overdue. With the climate crisis intensifying, we can't afford more delays.
This episode of PropTech Power Talks highlights the urgent intersection of carbon, cost, and accountability in the built environment. As we look toward a net zero future, collaboration between government, industry, and clients will be more critical than ever.
