insights 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 Lavalin’s 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
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/31/2024
Summary
Meet Laurence, Director, Systems Engineering, a woman passionate about innovation and public transit. Through her own experiences, she will offer her perspective on managing complex projects and
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/25/2024
Summary
I'm Mei, a chartered engineer with extensive experience in water and wastewater engineering projects in the UK and internationally. I’m the Water Sector Lead and Project Director in AtkinsRéal
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/11/2024
Summary
Hello. I'm Karen, a Senior Programme Manager in Project & Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis in the UK. Born to Ghanaian parents and raised in North London, my journey has been one of resilience
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/10/2024
Summary
From engineering internships to leadership roles: My journey at AtkinsRéalis Discovering leadership through my civil engineering internships Allô, my name is Karolane. I work at AtkinsRéalis
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/08/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we believe that sustainability is more than just a goal - it shapes everything we do. For over a decade, our team members, like the one you'll meet today, have b
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
In the rapidly evolving world of energy, having the right foundation in nuclear and net zero energy is crucial. AtkinsRéalis stands at the forefront of this sector, offering abundant opportuniti
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/01/2024
Summary
We interviewed Turki Ghesheyan on his experience with the AtkinsRéalis Saudi Graduate Program. Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Turki, I am an Architectural Engineer who graduated from
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we have a team of local, regional, and international experts in the UAE who are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in the market to meet the needs of our clients. The UAE i
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Sherif, and I work at AtkinsRéalis in London. As a principal fire engineer, I'm proud to "engineer a better future" every day here, specifically as our work relates to shaping
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK since the 1990s. Technically complex and the country’s largest infrastructure project – our talented people from
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hi! I'm Alina, an associate director specialized in transport infrastructure engineering. I lead the North-West Estimating team in Project & Programme Services here in Manchester. Over the past
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/27/2024
Summary
Across the evolving landscape of the Middle East, Architects play a large part in designing and planning complex building structures that are in line with groundbreaking innovation. The constructio
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRealis are looking for an Airport Development Lead in AlUla, KSA.The Airport Development Lead is a senior-level professional responsible for the PMC Services provided to the Client to manage the
Reference
R-122542
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Quantity surveying
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, wi
Reference
R-121460
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Corporate communications
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
The Senior Advisor will focus on several key areas:Tailored Messaging: Craft and deliver targeted internal communications that resonate with our diverse workforce, keeping all employees informed and e
Reference
R-122448
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Abu Dhabi
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Cities & development
Category
Permanent
Location
Abu Dhabi
Description
AtkinsRéalis business is one of the largest multidisciplinary, multi sector engineering design consultancies.As one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultanc
Reference
R-122215
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Construction
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis are currently looking for a degree qualified Construction Director with over 20 years experience. This person must be forward thinking and experienced in running large, multi-disciplined
Reference
R-122087
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Courtice
Description
Project Director – Rail Sector 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
Reference
R-122086
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Jeddah
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Corporate communications
Category
Permanent
Location
Jeddah
Description
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 better fut
Reference
R-121999
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
**AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Civil/Structural Engineer (Design Review)** **About AtkinsRéalis** Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a wo
Reference
R-121998
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Jeddah
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Jeddah
Description
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 better fut
Reference
R-121996
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Jeddah
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Mechanical engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Jeddah
Description
AtkinsRéalisCreated 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 better futu
Reference
R-121995
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