The FIDIC Carbon Emissions Management (CEM) Guidance for Services Agreement, developed by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), complements the FIDIC Carbon Management (CM) Guide by embedding carbon management responsibilities into consultant services across the entire project lifecycle. 

Unlike works-based CEM provisions, this Guidance applies comprehensively from project inception through design, construction, operation, and end of operation. It integrates carbon management into the Client/Consultant Model Services Agreement by enhancing the Scope of Services, other appendices, and particular conditions to include lifecycle carbon assessments, strategy development, calculation methodologies, reporting, and performance-based incentives. 

Maintaining FIDIC’s core principle of balanced risk allocation, the publication positions consultants as strategic advisors supporting the Client’s carbon objectives while preserving the integrity of existing contract structures. It provides a practical framework for delivering continuous, expert-led Carbon Management services that ensure sustainability objectives are embedded throughout every phase of project development. 

Structure 

The CEM provisions for Part B – Particular Conditions introduce minimal but strategic additions to the Particular Conditions, including supply chain obligations extending CEM requirements to subconsultants and service providers where appropriate. 

The section on Appendix 1 (Consultant’s Scope of Services) receives the most comprehensive enhancement, providing detailed guidance for Carbon Management  services across all project phases: 

• Complete lifecycle coverage from Inception Phase through End of Operation Phase.
• Development, lifecycle analysis, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance support. 
• Flexible service frameworks that accommodate different project types, scales,and Client requirements.
• Professional expertise areas covering carbon calculation methodologies, design optimisation, and Carbon Removal Measures.

The section on Appendix 2 (Client-Provided Resources and Support) gives examples on what could be Client-provided resources essential for providing effective Carbon Management services. 

The section on Appendix 3 (Remuneration and Payment) includes performance-based incentive mechanisms that align consultant interests with Carbon Management goals. 

The section on Appendix 4 (Programme) presents timeline considerations specific to Carbon Management services. 

The section on Appendix 5 (Rules for Adjudication), introduces environmental consciousness provisions for dispute resolution processes. 

The Annexes to this Guidance include examples of the Carbon Balance Sheet, Scope of Services for different types of consulting services, calculation of GHG emissions for consulting services, and on establishing a formula for the calculation of CE Damages and CE Incentives. 

The CEM provisions are characterised by several key features that distinguish them 

from traditional consultant service approaches: 

• Professional expertise in GHG emissions is treated as a specialised advisory service requiring appropriate qualifications and experience, with clearly defined service scope and deliverables. 
• Carbon Management advisory services are integrated throughout project phases, providing continuity and strategic guidance from inception through to project completion.
• Collaborative service delivery supports the Client’s Carbon Managementgoals.
• Flexible service frameworks accommodate different project types, scales, and specific Carbon Management requirements whilst maintaining consistency with the FIDIC CM Principles.