The rise of green building in civil engineering
Whilst the built environment has made significant improvements in recent years to combat carbon emissions and ensure the net-zero targets are met, there is still a way to go. Infrastructure projects including power plants, buildings, and transport are responsible for a staggering 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
As a result, green building application has become a prominent focus in the civil engineering industry as firms carry out plans to reduce their carbon emissions. The benefits of a green technology application in construction are enormous and can offer significant benefits to both new facilities and existing structures.
At AtkinsRéalis , our mission for civil engineers is to create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to design, deliver and operate the most complex projects.
Here, we take a look at how civil engineers are adopting green building practices to help build a better future for us all.
Net-zero energy building design
Green building practices typically include technology and processes that help lessen energy consumption and, in turn, reduce carbon emissions. The global net-zero energy buildings market is on the rise and is set to reach a value of $2.1 billion by 2024.
The design of zero-energy buildings combines innovative renewable energy sources with energy efficiency to consume only as much energy as it produces. Zero energy buildings often have designs that reduce the dependence on energy sources such as air conditioning and interior heating.
Civil engineers take into account the layout of a building as well as the technology involved to ensure it has net-zero energy capabilities. For example, civil engineers can strategically place the windows within a building to encourage the use of daylight and minimise the use of electric light sources. The implementation of renewable energy applications, such as solar for electricity, is a crucial aspect of a zero-energy building design and advancements in technology are helping civil engineers achieve their green goals.
Sustainable resources
The construction industry is one of the key sectors that’s most dependent on natural resources, such as wood, stone, and clay for its materials. However, civil engineers are now taking steps to use sustainable resources as they have a lower carbon intensity.
Using recycled materials falls into the sustainable resourcing category and is contributing to the reduction in the extraction and processing of raw materials. Civil engineers are increasingly implementing circular environment ideas such as switching to renewable materials like timber or hemp. Additionally, the construction industry is also seeing a rapid emergence of innovative techniques, such as prefabrication. These processes help to improve the efficiency of projects, whilst decreasing costs, waste and carbon.
Distributed Energy Systems
As green building begins to rise in popularity, Distributed Energy System (DES) is a development that civil engineers are increasingly using in construction projects. By using a range of innovative sensors and meters, a DES can observe and manage a building’s energy and provide data that can be used to cut costs and improve efficiency.
Many civil engineers have decided to integrate a DES into their sustainable designs to reap the benefits, which include:
- Reduced operational costs
- An improvement in energy reliability and efficiency
- Substantial reduction in carbon emissions
- Data to help improve current and future projects
AtkinsRéalis’ push for a sustainable future
At AtkinsRéalis , taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future is our number one priority. That’s why we have made strides on our sustainability journey and will continue to embark on projects that are beneficial for our planet’s long-term future.
As signatories to the United Nations Global Compact, we have set a range of planet-saving goals, including pledging to become Net Zero Carbon by 2030. As part of the Race to Zero strategy, over the coming years we will:
- Streamline our portfolio of projects to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and facilities,
- implement digital communication tools to cut down on business travel and initiate behavioural change to lower energy usage,
- design buildings and infrastructure that are energy efficient throughout the project lifecycle in collaboration with clients.
As part of this pledge, we have agreed to manage, observe and report greenhouse gas emissions regularly, apply decarbonisation processes throughout our business, and neutralise as many remaining emissions as possible.
Join us on our journey to Net Zero and apply for a job in civil engineering
We are committed to achieving our target of Net Zero emissions by partnering with clients to effect genuine change across every aspect of our projects, pioneering new technologies and ways of working, throughout our entire Group.
It is an exciting time to be starting a career in engineering and there is a huge opportunity to build a greener, safer and more resilient future for our planet and its people. Are you going to seize it?
Join us on our journey and apply for a civil engineering job today.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/04/2025
Summary
Hi, I'm Ahmad, the regional leader of AtkinsRéalis' Power New Build team here in the Northwest of England. Why did I join AtkinsRéalis? I wanted to be part of a world-class engineering services p

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
Sophie, a Building Surveyor at AtkinsRéalis, tells all about life in Bristol You’ve probably already seen the photos of hot air balloons drifting over Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Clifton Suspensi

Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
The rail sector is at the heart of Australia’s infrastructure revolution, spanning more than 36,064km of track and powering economic growth, innovation, and connectivity. Once reliant on imported as

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
Do you want to fuel your career with purpose and watch your impact grow? Would you like to make an impact and join the global net zero revolution? Do you have what it takes to lead the nuclear r

by
Shailaja Mantha

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/29/2025
Summary
The future of electrical engineering is bright, and its influence on industries like automotive, energy, and wearable technology is growing exponentially. At AtkinsRéalis, electrical engineers are a

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/28/2025
Summary
What does it take to transform an industry? Hard work, innovative technology, and a culture that fosters creativity. This is how AtkinsRéalis, a global leader in project management, engineering

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/28/2025
Summary
If you are thinking of global career move to KSA, head on to read Sarah’s story on how she relocated to KSA for her work. Hi I’m Sarah, and I joined the AtkinsRéalis Graduate Program to work in T

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/24/2025
Summary
Infrastructure in the Middle East is developing at a rapid rate. With projected growth of 2.9% by 2030, opportunities in the region aren’t slowing down any time soon. Central to this transformati

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/24/2025
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we’ve had a big part to play in shaping the skyline and infrastructure of the UAE. Having contributed for over 50 years, we’ve been proud supporters of the rapid growth and ambitio

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/24/2025
Summary
Hello, I'm Amalia, a senior billing specialist at AtkinsRéalis in Romania. On my first day at the organization, I had mixed feelings— I felt a little fear but also confidence that I would be fine

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/23/2025
Summary
Our journey began in Bangalore, India, as six professionals representing various disciplines from the Global Technology Centre (GTC) embarked on a month-long secondment to lead the Project off

by
Akash Kumar

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/23/2025
Summary
Breaking into a career in civil engineering can feel like navigating uncharted territory. However, Venus Chan, a Graduate Engineer at AtkinsRéalis in Hong Kong, offers an inspiring example of h
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Bangalore
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Category
Permanent
Location
Bangalore
Riyadh
Description
We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world class Engineering Services and Nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our i
Reference
R-126751
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project controls
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Cost Control Manager (Estimation Manager), in Abu Dhabi, UAE.About AtkinsRéalis:Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéali
Reference
R-126680
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Process engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engi
Reference
R-126614
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Information technology
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis Business is hiring an experienced Information Manager for our Middle east delivery team. This person will be carrying out a mix of functions that span from internal process improvements t
Reference
R-126349
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Structural engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is currently looking for Structural Engineer.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering s
Reference
R-126348
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Abu Dhabi
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Structural engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Abu Dhabi
Description
AtkinsRéalis is currently looking for Structural Engineer.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering s
Reference
R-126345
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
The Society of Professional Engineers and Associates - Operations & Administration
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a be
Reference
R-126308
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Abu Dhabi
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Electrical engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Abu Dhabi
Description
AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading design, engineering, and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We are active
Reference
R-126187
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Transport planning
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering, and project management organization. We connect people, data, and technology t
Reference
R-126069
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Jeddah
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Linxon - NewCo
Category
Permanent
Location
Jeddah
Description
Job Title: HR AssistantLocation: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Join Linxon!We combine AtkinsRéalis project management expertise and Hitachi Energy’s deep technological knowledge to create a company dedicated t
Reference
R-125854
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more