Structures’ carbon footprint 

Carbon footprint calculations will soon be required in all construction projects, which is why we have integrated it into our structural planning services. The carbon footprint of structures can be included in information models at the pre-planning and draft stages to support the comparison of different options. The information model is refined as the choices are narrowed down, so carbon awareness will steer decision-making at all stages of the project. 

Carbon footprint guidance as a part of structural planning

Low carbon emissions have become one of the most valued goals in construction projects. In energy-efficient new buildings, the structures may account for as much as 70 per cent of a building’s carbon footprint. This is why low-carbon construction must also pay attention to the carbon emissions of materials, and not only to energy efficiency. 

We integrate carbon footprint calculation into structural planning for our clients to receive information about the different structural solutions’ impact on the building’s carbon footprint as easily and as early as possible. Producing carbon data as a part of planning saves time, and the client does not need to purchase additional services or adopt new tools. 

An information model of the site can be created in the early stages of the project, and, at the same time, the monitoring of the carbon footprint can be launched sufficiently early. With this method, the emissions are not just observed, but they can also be influenced. In addition to this, the structural engineer will ensure that the low-carbon solutions will function in practice and meet the industry standards as well as the requirements of the client and the worksite. 

A visual view of CO2 emissions

We connect information models to various types of 3D viewing software. Thanks to this, the whole project team will have access to a visual of the implementation options proposed and their outcomes, starting from the very first planning meetings. Everyone will be able to see how the different structural solutions affect the project’s technical feasibility and carbon emissions, for example. 

The software developed by us will calculate the materials’ carbon footprint based on the Emissions Database for Construction of the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) and the Ministry of the Environment. As the planning progresses, the information model can be refined with the emissions factors of individual products. This way, a focus on low carbon emissions will steer the decision-making at all stages of the project, and the automated carbon calculations will increase the project parties’ awareness of the environmental impact of construction.