Considered design engineering to reduce embodied carbon
We’re nothing if not passionate about our work and our philosophy of considered engineering. This is brought to the fore in every project we work on, delivering designs that help our clients build more carbon-efficient and cost-effective projects.
What’s more, we love talking about it too. Last year, renaissance’s own Patrick Clayton took to the stage at the Structural Engineers Declare Summit 2023 for the IStructE, presenting a talk focussed on considered design engineering to reduce embodied carbon. You can see the video of his talk here.
We thought given how important this ethos is to our work, we’d put together a short blog to run through the main topics of Patrick’s talk and give you a glimpse into how we work week in and week out to achieve practical everyday wins that contribute to sustainability.
Carbon reduction and practical measures
Carbon reduction in structural engineering applies to both radical and conventional projects. The essence of achieving workable reduction isn’t about just doing it on the big projects that will hit the headlines. It’s about making it a part of every project, even the run-of-the-mill ones. We can’t just commit to it when there’s an opportunity for a prototype or a one-off build, we have to start making efforts to improve the carbon efficiency of all our work.
In engineering, there’s a prevailing trend of waste and inefficiency, which on its own presents a substantial opportunity for improvement. By focusing on leaner, more efficient design practices, we’re able to significantly reduce our carbon footprint, while also cutting out needless waste and lost profits. What’s not to like?
This simple approach doesn’t require a new state-of-the-art material or approach. It just requires us to take the tools we have at our disposal and a commitment to considered design. That’s all that’s needed to make a difference to a project’s sustainability.
Until the perfect option is available, the perfect is the enemy of the good!
Four ways to reduce carbon
1. Do nothing, build nothing principle:
Challenging traditional construction industry norms, the “Do Nothing, Build Nothing” principle advocates for minimal intervention. It poses a fundamental question: Is every structural change necessary? By deliberating on the necessity of removing or altering structural components, we can make the choice to radically reduce carbon by building nothing. Difficult in practice when our industry is dependent on building more, but powerful nonetheless.
2. Regenerative design:
Regenerative design goes beyond the traditional goal of minimising harm to actively contribute positively to the environment. This is all about finding ways to improve biodiversity, deliver carbon sequestration and using sustainable building methods. The Tulse Hill London community project is a great example of this approach in practice. It used sustainable materials like timber frames, straw bale infills, and recycled tyres and illustrated how environmentally friendly materials can not only achieve sustainability goals but forge a deeper, more meaningful connection between the built environment and its inhabitants.
3. Adaptive reuse:
Adaptive reuse, particularly in the context of heritage projects, emphasises the significance of repurposing existing structures. By minimising interventions, these projects preserve historical integrity and contribute to carbon reduction. Heritage projects like the Press and Ashton Old Baths are just a couple of examples of how renaissance has worked with historical buildings and repurposed much of the existing building fabric.
4. Lean design:
Lean design is applicable across all projects, no matter the details. By eliminating waste and optimising resources, you can powerfully reduce carbon. Collaboration with contractors to understand the construction process is crucial for this and will be particularly useful when you work with contractors across multiple projects. These partnerships enable us as structural engineers to routinely deliver lean designs to the benefit of all.
Key takeaways for structural engineers
When it comes to the pursuit of sustainable building, there are two crucial things you have to do.
Challenge the brief: You have to question project briefs critically to steer projects towards sustainability from the outset. Engaging early in the design process and making a strong case for a sustainable approach is vital in shaping the project’s direction.
Understand the supply chain: A comprehensive understanding of the construction process and supply chain can open opportunities for waste reduction and efficiency improvement. Only by understanding all the moving parts of the project can you see how to design leanly and remove needless excess.
The bottom line
To see the sustainable gains we want, we have to consciously make efforts to change the way we work. The positive moves we make now will set us in good stead to make the changes needed for a more sustainable projects and a healthier planet.
