NEC publishes consultative version of new option X29 to promote net zero emissions

NEC’s new secondary option to incentivise supply chains to support clients in their drive towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions (see Issue 116) has been named X29. It was published in consultative form in April and the closing date for responses has been set at 13 May 2022. All NEC users are invited to trial X29 and provide detailed comments on the new option, which is available to download from the NEC website.

According to Ian Heaphy of the NEC contract board, ‘Achieving net zero emissions and sustainable outcomes is principally a technical issue that can be addressed in the scope. However, there is now a growing view that standard contract conditions can be used further to support a reduction in the climate change impact of built assets. NEC has therefore developed a new secondary option specifically to address the issue.’

In addition to supporting the client’s emissions and sustainability targets, the option will encourage contractors to proposed changes to the scope that will reduce the climate change impact of the both the construction and operation of the client’s asset.

For further information and to download the consultative version, please visit neccontract.com/x29