Engineering a sustainable future for Asia: Atlas’ impact at AtkinsRéalis

Sustainability is no longer a choice but an imperative for modern engineering. Today, it is woven into every decision, every project, and every goal. At AtkinsRéalis, we have the privilege to work with some of the brightest minds, driving impactful sustainable solutions globally. Today, we explore the story of Atlas Fung, a seasoned leader in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Carbon, and Sustainability service lines at AtkinsRéalis. His story inspires how growth, curiosity, and collaboration can pave the way toward a sustainable engineering future.

Building the foundations of a greener future

Atlas’s career with AtkinsRéalis began as a transport engineering graduate from Imperial College, University of London. Starting under the Early Careers Program in the UK Transportation Division, he gained invaluable hands-on experience, honing technical expertise while achieving professional qualifications with the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Curiosity and ambition led him to AtkinsRéalis' Global Mobility Program in the Middle East, taking on assignments in Abu Dhabi with the Consultancy, Strategy and Advisory division and Qatar's property division. While in Qatar, he played a pivotal role in our Program Management Office (PMO) commission for the FIFA World Cup. This exposure to a mega project showcased his ability to manage scale and complexity.

Atlas's thirst for world-class business knowledge prompted a sabbatical to pursue an MBA in Hong Kong. Upon return, he played a pivotal role in launching the Infrastructure Advisory Division in 2016. Now, as the Head of the ESG, Carbon, and Sustainability service line for AtkinsRéalis Asia, he brings insightful leadership to projects that leave a positive impact on people and the planet across the region.

His story exemplifies the ability to combine technical excellence, hands-on experience, and an intrinsic passion for sustainability into making real-world differences.

Award-winning sustainability project at AtkinsRéalis Asia

AtkinsRéalis has consistently set benchmarks for sustainable practices that impact the community and environment meaningfully. One flagship achievement is the Kwun Tong Balancing Tank project for Hong Kong's Drainage Services Department. The innovative "single-site, multiple-use" concept transformed a sewerage facility by introducing a landscaped deck above it, addressing local aesthetic and odor concerns.

This sustainable engineering feat has been globally recognized with the following accolades:

• Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) Grand Award – InfrastructureCategory
• Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) Grand Award with a Special Citation on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG)
• Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA) Gold Award in the Excellence of Public Development Category
• Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) Merit Award in the Construction (Infrastructure) Category

Not only did this project push the boundaries of sustainable engineering, but it also strengthened our expertise and instilled pride in delivering community-focused projects that solve pressing urban challenges.

The future of sustainable engineering consultancy

Leading first-of-its-kind projects

Atlas’s role as a sustainability leader exemplifies innovation and action. He has spearheaded sustainability consultancy for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, assisting clients in analyzing and reporting Scope 1, 2, and 3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The development of the event’s first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report in 2022 underpins AtkinsRéalis’ expertise in maintaining environmental responsibility, even for large-scale and fast-paced events.

Driving new market propositions

With the formation of the AtkinsRéalis AMEA (Asia, Middle East, and Australia) region in 2024, opportunities in sustainability consulting are expanding. Atlas collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and clients to develop pathways for sustainable infrastructure, carbon reduction, and resilience solutions. Exploring these prospects ensures AtkinsRéalis remains at the forefront of ESG consulting and sustainable engineering.

Strengthening internal sustainability awareness

Beyond external projects, actions like Sustainability Week in Asia have promoted awareness of carbon reduction, sustainable engineering practices, and ESG among colleagues. Inspired by the phonetic similarity between “six” and “green” in Mandarin and Cantonese, this initiative has fueled practical projects and outreach to the wider community to inspire future leaders in sustainability.

Raising regional & global profiles

In 2024, Atlas had the incredible opportunity to be among the first 36 employees globally selected for AtkinsRealis’ inaugural Carbon Academy. This six-month technical development program, led by our in-house experts and the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), was designed to deepen our knowledge in carbon and sustainability.

As the sole in-person participant from the Asia business, Atlas attended the event at our Global Technology Centre in Bangalore, India in 2024. The experience was transformative, not just for the technical and non-technical insights gained, but also for the invaluable networking with passionate colleagues from around the world.

This journey has strengthened our commitment to integrating carbon-conscious practices into our projects and client interactions, as we strive to Engineer a Better Future for our Planet and its People.

Participation in international events and conferences amplifies AtkinsRéalis’ expertise to a wider audience. Initiatives like GradConnect workshops help infuse sustainability values into new career paths, preparing graduates to tackle future challenges with valuable ESG knowledge. These programs serve as a testament to the company’s influence and proactive approach within the engineering community.

What makes a sustainable leader?

For aspiring engineers looking to make their mark at AtkinsRéalis, Atlas emphasizes three core values to grow professionally and stay resilient in a dynamic field:

• Curiosity– Questioning norms and seeking innovative answers are vital to overcoming modern challenges.
• Creativity– Bridging tradition and advancement is key. A noteworthy project of integrating modern systems into a cityscape showcased the importance of respecting history while innovating for efficiency.
• Collaboration– Success in engineering lies in teamwork. Whether working locally or across international offices, collaborative problem-solving leads to project breakthroughs and client satisfaction.

Your career in sustainability awaits

Atlas’s inspiring career trajectory highlights how perseverance and passion can harmonize technical engineering with lasting social impact. Through ground-breaking projects, global opportunities, and collaborative mentorship, AtkinsRéalis fosters a working environment where every professional can thrive.

Click here to explore current opportunities and join us at AtkinsRéalis.