Built environment consultancy company Arup and software provider Autodesk have partnered to support carbon management within the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industries.
In a statement, the consultancy touted the partnership as the “first-of-its-kind”.
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This collaboration is set to develop “actionable” tools and frameworks for decarbonisation and address the built environment sector’s carbon footprint, which accounts for approximately 34% of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide.
The statement added that the urgency of this initiative is underscored by projections that the global building floor area will double by 2060, with three-quarters of the infrastructure existing in 2050 yet to be built.
Autodesk’s broader initiative to partner with companies such as Arup is intended to expedite the transformation towards a low-carbon industry.
The partnership will focus on streamlining AECO solutions for decarbonisation in the built environment, aligning with the Paris Agreement goals, targeting decision makers such as asset owners and investors, with plans to include more partners and companies in the future.
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By GlobalDataKey initiatives of this collaboration include the development of building information modelling (BIM) guidelines for carbon assessment through the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Plans include exploring whole life carbon data journey standardisation, integrating BIM automation for Whole Life Carbon Assessment methods, and leveraging AI for decarbonisation research and development.
Arup’s “technical expertise” and insights on whole life carbon data management, derived from its global data schema, will inform Autodesk’s continuing development of carbon management solutions.
Arup fellow and global sustainable development leader Jo da Silva said: “This work demonstrates our commitment to radical collaboration across the industry to tackle decarbonisation.
“By combining our technical expertise in whole life carbon assessment with Autodesk’s innovative technology platforms, we’re creating data-driven solutions that will inform early design decisions focused on reducing carbon and costs. Together we’re not just developing tools but driving towards a unified path for net-zero buildings that aligns with the Buildings Breakthrough, coordinated by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, and delivers value for our clients and the sector.”
Autodesk chief sustainability officer Joe Speicher said: “Collaboration with industry is critical for accelerating the development of sustainable solutions – such that we can better measure, manage and mitigate carbon impacts associated with the built environment. Engaging with Arup and other industry leaders will allow us to validate carbon management technologies with our customers, so we can collectively accelerate the AECO industry’s transition toward a low-carbon future.”
Last month, Arup was selected by the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) for the state’s first comprehensive coastal resilience study.
