ECOLOGICAL & PRACTICAL
Sustainability & Embodied Carbon
Civil Structures Studio recognises the impact of material choices and structural forms on embedded carbon, environmental, social and project costs. We aim to enhance engineering design with a strong focus on sustainability.
SustainabLE PRACTICES
Sustainability in Design
At CSS, we are committed to incorporating sustainable development practices and initiatives into all of our designs. Our motivations include enhancing the resilience of our designs against climate change impacts, cutting costs through efficient resource utilisation (energy, materials, water), and effectively managing environmental risks. As a proud member of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, we are engaged with adopting, promoting and contributing to the latest industry best practices. We are able to provide input to projects undertaking the latest version of the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Design and As-Built rating scheme.
We understand our clients’ targets for net-zero and their sustainability plans for a circular economy to meet the global Paris Agreement commitments. At CSS, all of our designs are guided by the central philosophy of the Institution of Structural Engineers' net-zero structural design hierarchy. The philosophy which is illustrated in the diagram below provides guiding principles for producing more sustainable designs and reduce embodied carbon.
Our extensive experience enables us to add value to the projects we undertake, particularly by designing optimised and highly efficient structures and selecting appropriate materials and substitutes that balance cost, environmental, and social outcomes. Within our specialism of rehabilitation and strengthening of existing structures, we prioritise repurposing, refurbishing and reusing existing infrastructure assets wherever possible.
The CSS Bridge Engineering team works in partnership with clients to incorporating sustainable development practices
CARBON
GHG & Embodied Carbon Capability
CSS has developed an in-house carbon calculation tool using globally accepted quantification techniques and industry best-practice. This includes the modular approach to GHG emissions quantification from BS EN 15978:2011 with guidance from the Institution of Structural Engineers “How to calculate embodied carbon” and in particular Appendix C: “Supplementary information for bridges”. This tool allows us to quickly determine the amount of carbon in different parts of the design, identify carbon hotspots with opportunities for material reductions, understand differences during design optioneering and to communicate decision-making impacts to clients and stakeholders.
ACCREDIATION
ISC Membership and Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Professionals
As members of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC), we possess a robust understanding of the Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme, empowering us to provide support for projects aiming to achieve or enhance their IS rating. Our team is proficient in proposing and implementing targeted sustainability initiatives, contributing valuable inputs, and meticulously preparing the necessary evidence to support your project’s sustainability objectives.
Moreover, we specialise in enhancing IS rating scores through strategic materials substitution and optimising quantities. Our expertise extends to developing design initiatives that significantly improve performance in critical IS rating categories such as Energy (ENE), Environment (ENV), and Heritage (HER). By focusing on these areas, we help projects not only meet but exceed sustainability standards, ensuring they achieve the highest possible IS rating and contribute positively to their environmental and social contexts.
