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Executive summary How digital solutions can drive sustainable outcomes across the project lifecycle

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The built environment is responsible for a substantial portion of global emissions. In the UK alone, it contributes approximately 40% of the nation’s total carbon footprint, with similar figures seen globally.

Embracing digital solutions is essential to mitigate this impact. Tools such as data analytics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) represent powerful ways to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices.

Autodesk hosted an industry webinar, in conjunction with The Engineer, joined by industry experts Tristan Gerrish (associate at Buro Happold) and award-winning sustainability-focused designer Dr Leyla Acaroglu. The panel discussed how digital solutions can drive sustainable outcomes across the project lifecycle, discussing the role of data, AI and the cloud, as well as the importance of upskilling the talent base in the industry.

It is more urgent than ever to prioritise decarbonisation within the engineering and construction sectors, and the role of digital tools will be crucial in driving sustainability goals.

https://www.architecture.com/about/policy/climate-action/2030-climate-challenge/faqs https://www.architecture.com/about/policy/climate-action/2030-climate-challenge/faqs

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Data is the cornerstone of advanced technologies like AI and digital twins, making it essential for engineering firms to establish robust data practices before tackling anything more complex. Accurate and comprehensive local data allows them to measure emissions and track progress towards sustainability goals, enabling informed decision- making that drives meaningful change.

A common data environment (CDE) solution is critical for managing the vast amounts of project data generated from multiple sources. By consolidating data within a CDE, engineering firms can ensure consistency, improve collaboration, and streamline workflows. This foundational step is crucial for leveraging more complex technologies that can drive sustainability.

However, Autodesk’s recent report with Deloitte Access Economics revealed that the European built environment had much more to do to reach full data maturity.

“There is great scope to improve how we leverage data,” says Marek Suchocki, Senior Manager, Industry Engagement, Autodesk. “When talking about sustainability, I often say to people that the only way to demonstrate improvement is by measuring, and you need data to set a baseline against which you can show change.”

36% of UK construction businesses currently capture progress data but do not analyse it, which is partly due to a lack of integration.

37% agreed that they were having difficulty integrating data across various platforms.

43% of leaders acknowledged that their organisation was storing data on too many different platforms, while

Data is the foundation

https://www.autodesk.com/blogs/ construction/navigating-the- future-of-construction-leveraging- data-for-strategic-advantage/

https://www.autodesk.com/blogs/construction/navigating-the-future-of-construction-leveraging-data-for-strategic-advantage/ https://www.autodesk.com/blogs/construction/navigating-the-future-of-construction-leveraging-data-for-strategic-advantage/ https://www.autodesk.com/blogs/construction/navigating-the-future-of-construction-leveraging-data-for-strategic-advantage/ https://www.autodesk.com/blogs/construction/navigating-the-future-of-construction-leveraging-data-for-strategic-advantage/ https://www.autodesk.com/blogs/construction/navigating-the-future-of-construction-leveraging-data-for-strategic-advantage/

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Collaborating in the cloud represents the future of sustainable construction. Cloud platforms enable real-time tracking of project progress, facilitating data-driven decision-making that optimises resource use and minimises waste. By enhancing project management efficiency, cloud solutions help reduce delays and ensure optimal use of labour and materials.

AI-enabled analyses can further drive sustainability by optimising material usage, reducing waste, and ensuring the efficient use of raw materials without compromising quality. For instance, AI can predict the amount of materials needed for a project, reducing over-ordering and providing the opportunity to explore environmentally friendly alternatives. Additionally, it can help architects and engineers to explore various design scenarios to create energy-efficient buildings, optimising aspects such as building orientation, insulation, and integration of renewable energy sources like solar panels.

Upskilling the workforce to maximise the potential of digital technologies is a critical priority. The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) forecasts significant shortages in engineering professionals across Europe.

Embracing the cloud and AI

Nurturing the skills of the next generation

By 2030, there is an expected shortfall of nearly 1 million engineers in the EU. While younger generations are highly engaged with sustainability and the environment, they do not see the engineering and construction sector as a career of first choice where they can make a difference.

“At Autodesk, we understand our biggest impact is to equip the engineers, designers and makers with the tools that will help them produce more sustainable designs,” explained Leo Li, Impact Sales Enablement Manager – EMEA lead at Autodesk. “Digital tools are one of the solutions for companies embarking on this sustainability path. They need a platform that connects different tools across the lifecycle, and different kinds of data into the same place where people across a project can work with the common goal of achieving more sustainable outcomes.”

https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/news/skills-forecast-trends-and-challenges-2030

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This presents an opportunity to attract new talent by highlighting the industry’s potential to drive sustainable change. What better way to make a tangible impact than by seeing a sustainable project built that they themselves were a part of? Tristan Gerrish from Buro Happold argues that part of the issue is “making the problems we’re trying to solve more marketable themselves”.

He explains: “It’s very easy to point to someone in a hard hat and a hi-vis jacket and see something being built. But you don’t necessarily see the design that goes into it and all the ideas and decisions made through the process. There’s software and tools that help us achieve that finished project and we need more people who can use them to create a more sustainable built environment.”

Dr Leyla Acaroglu summarises: Most people become an engineer or a designer because they want to solve complex problems, and sustainability and climate change are the complex problems of our age. The big opportunity really is to innovate because these parameters force us to think differently about how we design products and services. It’s so important that companies have a purpose and align to the big challenges of this time.”

Educational programmes and professional development initiatives focused on digital skills are essential to bridge this gap, pairing a passion for the environment with a flair for technology.

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The integration of digital solutions across the engineering project lifecycle offers significant opportunities to drive sustainability. By establishing strong data practices, leveraging cloud and AI technologies, and upskilling the workforce, firms can help achieve their sustainability goals while reducing project complexity. The benefits of these technologies extend beyond environmental impact, offering improved efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced project outcomes. Embracing digital tools is not just an option but a necessity for engineering and construction firms committed to a sustainable future.

The way forward