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The M1 Junction 6 Bricket Wood scheme involved the full replacement of a pedestrian and equestrian crossing over the A405 North Orbital. The upgrade required new NAL sockets, ducting, traffic signals, poles, loops, fencing and kerbline adjustments - providing a modern, compliant crossing for all users. The scheme was a collaboration between CPS, Octavius and National Highways, all committing to reduce carbon where possible.  

Connect Plus Services’ sustainable commitments shaped every decision on the crossing upgrade, turning a routine technology scheme into a strong example of practical carbon reduction. With the design fixed, the challenge was to reduce carbon without redesigning the scheme or delaying delivery. 

The team adopted a reduced carbon approach aligned with PAS 2080 construction stages, drawing on CPS experience, the National Highways carbon register, OIL’s environmental specialists and lessons from previous schemes. A carbon tracker helped identify the most effective interventions, focusing on materials and fuel use where the biggest gains could be made. 

Material choices delivered significant reductions.  

• Durakerb, made from 88% recycled polymer, cut kerb emissions by 49% 

• The Yunex Plus+ cabling system reduced embedded carbon by 57% through lower copper use and shorter cable runs 

• Recycled steel for guardrails achieved a 59% reduction 

• Warm mix asphalt added a further 4% saving 

• Construction emissions were reduced by switching from diesel to Syntech Advanced Smart Biofuel, sourced entirely from UK feedstocks, delivering an 82% reduction 

• Battery tower lights and hydrogen fuel cell lighting eliminated emissions entirely for those activities 

These combined actions reduced the scheme’s footprint by 39%, saving 11.8 tCO₂e - proof that even small, fixed design schemes can deliver meaningful carbon reductions. The project now stands as a blueprint for future maintenance work, showing how thoughtful material selection, cleaner fuels and collaborative planning can help drive the M25 toward a lower carbon future.