Lifecycle carbon assessment – the process of monitoring the total carbon footprint of a structure from the first spade in the ground to demolition – sits at the confluence of engineering and sustainability. As we adapt our processes and understanding of the built environment, LCA is a critical measure to guide our decision making.

The nature of the work is truly holistic, in winter an icy road might have salt spread on it. This in turn could corrode rebar, which needs to be replaced. That work might close part of the road, which increases vehicle idling times and stop-start driving. All of this impacts LCA.

Ali Amiri was an early adopter of the technique, and has devised a means of calculating a building’s carbon impact before it’s even reached the ground-breaking stage. His team now include lifecycle carbon assessment (LCA) as a routine part of their process.

This episode also looks at the intergenerational aspect of the work, where, younger members of the team are bringing the data science related skills that allow them to deliver the LCA as standard.

Guest

Ali Amiri, Regional Director for Building Engineering and Sustainability, Egis

Partner

Egis is a leading global architectural, consulting, construction engineering, operations and mobility services firm. Egis creates and operates intelligent infrastructure and buildings that both respond to the climate emergency and contribute to balanced, sustainable and resilient development.
Its 22,000 employees operate across over 100 countries, deploying their expertise to develop and deliver cutting-edge innovations and solutions for clients. Through the wide range of its activities, Egis plays a central role in the collective organisation of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world.

The post #359g An Intergenerational Approach to Sustainability first appeared on Engineering Matters.