Transforming the Built Environment with Technology

Tristram Carfrae, an award-winning structural engineer and deputy chairman at Arup joined the Think.Future podcast to discuss his extensive career and the critical role of sustainable development in the built environment. Tristram shared his experiences working on iconic projects like the Water Cube for the Beijing Olympics and La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, while also delving into the importance of decarbonization and whole life carbon assessments. This blog post breaks down the key insights from the conversation with Tristram, offering actionable advice and expert recommendations for those interested in sustainable development and decarbonization.

Introduction to Tristram Carfrae

Tristram Carfrae has had an illustrious career spanning over 41 years at ARUP, where he has collaborated with leading architects on numerous award-winning projects. His work seamlessly blends structural integrity with aesthetic appeal, making him a prominent figure in the field of structural engineering. In this episode, Tristram reflects on his journey and shares valuable insights into sustainable development and the importance of decarbonization in the built environment.

Career Highlights

The Water Cube for the Beijing Olympics

One of Tristram's standout projects is the Water Cube, the National Swimming Centre for the Beijing Olympics. This project was groundbreaking in its use of innovative computer technology for both design and documentation. The Water Cube not only showcased cutting-edge engineering but also set a new standard for sustainable design in large-scale sports facilities.

La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Another significant project in Tristram's career is his involvement in the completion of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This iconic basilica, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is renowned for its historical and architectural significance. Tristram finds this project immensely rewarding, as it combines the preservation of cultural heritage with modern engineering techniques.

Sustainable Development and Decarbonization

The Importance of Decarbonization

Tristram emphasizes that decarbonization is the foremost priority in addressing climate change. The built environment must not only reduce carbon emissions but also be resilient to the impacts of climate change. He highlights the importance of being "nature positive," which involves restoring biodiversity and ensuring that all species can thrive.

Whole Life Carbon Assessments

Whole life carbon assessments are essential for understanding the carbon impact of design decisions. These assessments help determine whether to refurbish, adapt, or demolish existing buildings based on their carbon footprint. Tristram stresses that optimizing the operations of existing buildings is crucial, as new construction is typically more carbon-intensive than adaptation or reuse.

Insights from Carbon Assessments

Since 2021, ARUP has assessed 950 design assets across 30 countries. Tristram notes that the impact of their projects (the "handprint") is significantly greater than the organization's own carbon footprint. While operational energy and carbon have seen substantial reductions, embodied carbon remains a challenge. However, achieving a 40% reduction in embodied carbon by 2030 is feasible through efficient design and material selection.

Scaling for Net Zero

Tristram discusses the need for the entire industry to prioritize carbon reduction over the next five years. A collective focus on designing low-carbon solutions is essential to mitigate climate change effectively.

Assessment Process

The assessment process for whole life carbon data involves different levels of analysis:

• Level Zero Assessments: Provide rough estimates.

• Level One Assessments: Consider specific systems and materials.

• Level Two Assessments: Offer detailed evaluations of the actual design and its components throughout the building's lifecycle.

Challenges in Infrastructure

Assessing embodied carbon in infrastructure is more complex due to the difficulty in defining system boundaries. Operational carbon assessments for infrastructure require consideration of the entire network's performance, including user behavior.

Current State of Decarbonization

Tristram provides a global perspective on the decarbonization journey, noting that different regions are at various stages. Standardizing language and metrics around whole life carbon is crucial to facilitate collaboration and progress.

Embodied vs. Operational Carbon

Both embodied and operational carbon are critical. While operational carbon has historically been more significant, the growing awareness of embodied carbon's impact necessitates a balanced approach to decarbonization.

Role of Technology

Reducing Operational Carbon

Technology plays a vital role in reducing operational carbon. Simulation tools for design optimization and the potential of IoT for real-time monitoring and control of building operations are key advancements. However, addressing embodied carbon requires extensive data collection and analysis to establish benchmarks and budgets.

Adaptive Reuse of Existing Structures

Maximizing the utility of existing structures aligns with the principles of the circular economy. The percentage of needs met through adaptive reuse varies by region, with some areas having a greater capacity for reuse than others.

Accelerating Adoption of Technology

Several factors could accelerate the adoption of technology for decarbonization:

• Collective Attitude Shift: A shared commitment to sustainability.

• Increased Awareness: Educating stakeholders about the benefits of sustainable practices.

• Regulatory Support: Implementing policies that encourage low-carbon solutions.

• Common Standards and Practices: Establishing industry-wide benchmarks.

Conclusion

As the episode concludes, Tristram reflects on the critical role of the built environment in achieving sustainability goals. Tristram reiterates the importance of integrating nature-positive practices into design and construction to create a more sustainable future for all.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the ongoing conversation about sustainability and innovation in the built environment. The insights shared by Tristram Carfrae serve as a valuable guide for those looking to make a positive impact through sustainable development and decarbonization.

By focusing on the nuances of each topic and providing actionable advice, this blog post aims to inspire readers to take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable and resilient built environment.

To hear the conversation with Tristram Carfrae on Spotify click the link below.

Authored by Johanne Gallagher, Strategic Delivery Lead for Sustainability.

About ARKANCE

For over 20 years the brands under ARKANCE company, have been providing software solutions and professional services to Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing industries helping them to understand the role of digitalization for the built environment. Businesses both large and small utilize ARKANCE's dedicated industry experts to help navigate technologies as they emerge, driving efficiency and improving workflows. With a global focus on reducing emissions and increased focus directed towards industry, ARKANCE are now turning their attention to providing the linkages between using technology to digitize, and at the same time leveraging the valuable data insights it brings to build more sustainably. ARKANCE are passionate about helping their customers understand how the technologies they use today can help them to step towards net zero in the future, to build a better world.