As the UK Government initiates plans for housing and new towns, new research aims to sharpen industry’s focus on decarbonising the masterplanning of enabling infrastructure. To date, the focus of carbon reduction in construction has been on buildings – relevant to housing – and major infrastructure projects. However, new research by Expedition Engineering – part of sustainable design and consultancy group Useful Simple Trust – looks at the enabling infrastructure that supports housing projects. Coordination and integrationThe report covers enabling infrastructure across four categories: surface water drainage infrastructure; utilities infrastructure for power, water and sewage; access infrastructure including roads, kerbs, footpaths and cycle paths; and earthworks. Developing the drainage network in line with the existing landform leads to low-carbon drainage infrastructure and better enables the integration of nature-based solutions.