AtkinsRéalis — Enabling carbon-led sustainable design delivery

“One Click LCA is an invaluable tool, the best on the market. It serves as a 'golden thread' that brings together all of our carbon information. We have integrated One Click LCA into all of our internally-developed tools and it's been helpful to bring carbon into the conversation, and ultimately deliver low carbon results.  "

 — Charbel Charbel, Embodied Carbon Consultant, AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear organisation, connecting people, data, and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. Their sustainability experts pioneer strategies that deeply embed carbon management into their operations. This dedicated approach aims to move the industry toward more sustainable practices by mitigating carbon footprints across a broad spectrum of projects. Looking closely at their methods reveals a blend of innovation, strategic planning, and rigorous application of advanced tools, resulting in a scalable model for carbon-led design delivery.

Strategic framework and implementation of carbon management

At the heart of AtkinsRéalis' sustainability ethos is a comprehensive carbon management framework that integrates environmental considerations from the very start of each project. This process begins with a carbon workshop involving all project stakeholders, ensuring a unified focus on carbon reduction throughout the project lifecycle. The workshop fosters a common understanding and aligns the project's goals with sustainable outcomes.

Following the initial alignment, AtkinsRéalis implements targeted training for architects and engineers, focusing on the integration of low-carbon strategies into daily practices. This education is crucial, equipping the project teams with the knowledge and tools needed to prioritise and implement carbon reduction measures effectively.

The true measure of this approach lies in its cyclical nature — measure, reduce, and learn. By not just measuring carbon outputs but actively using these metrics to drive design decisions, AtkinsRéalis ensures continuous improvement. This iterative process involves setting clear carbon reduction targets, measuring outcomes, and refining strategies based on real-world data, thereby improving the sustainability of the projects.

Advanced tools and technologies for carbon reduction

Adopting innovative carbon reduction tools has been a key part of AtkinsRéalis' strategy. The company has developed tools designed to meet the specific needs of different disciplines within the firm, including applications for assessing and optimising structural elements, internal finishes, and facades. Each of these is tailored to the workflow and preferences of the respective specialists.

One of the most significant advancements in their toolkit is the adoption and integration of the One Click LCA platform. This centralises carbon data management, allowing for a unified and consistent approach across all projects. It provides the teams with robust data analysis capabilities, enabling them to track carbon reduction progress and make informed decisions based on comprehensive life-cycle assessments (LCAs).

Case studies: Practical application of carbon management tools

The effectiveness of AtkinsRéalis’ carbon management strategies is demonstrated through their real-world applications. Two notable projects, the Oxygon Master Plan in Saudi Arabia and the Surrey Quays Station in London, demonstrate how the firm applies its tools and methodologies to achieve substantial carbon reductions.

• Oxygon Master Plan: In this expansive development project, AtkinsRéalis utilised its carbon management tools to evaluate various structural frameworks based on their carbon output. The assessment included options like concrete, steel, and timber frames, each analysed for its environmental impact. This early-stage analysis helps guide the selection of materials and structural approaches that align with sustainability goals while considering local environmental and material conditions.
• Surrey Quays Station Project: This detailed design project involved a collaborative workshop that brought together designers, contractors, and clients to focus on integrating low-carbon solutions into the station’s redevelopment. The project team employed AtkinsRéalis’ specialised tools to redesign elements such as the roofing and cladding systems, choosing materials and methods that offered significant reductions in carbon emissions. The project not only met but exceeded its initial carbon reduction targets, showcasing the practical benefits of integrated design and carbon management.

Future directions and industry impact

AtkinsRéalis continues to refine its approach, seeking new ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its carbon management practices. The firm is committed to advancing the industry’s understanding and implementation of sustainable practices, sharing insights and learnings through industry forums and collaborations.

As the construction and design sectors evolve, the example set by AtkinsRéalis provides a compelling blueprint for others to follow. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of integrated carbon management, AtkinsRealis not only contributes to the sustainability of its projects but also influences the broader industry to adopt similar practices.

The ongoing efforts of AtkinsRéalis in driving sustainability forward represent a significant step toward addressing the global challenge of climate change, marking the firm as a leader in the journey toward a more sustainable future for the construction and engineering industries.

How One Click LCA helps to decarbonise construction

One Click LCA is the world’s leading end-to-end sustainability software platform — offering easy-to-use, automated (LCA) and environmental product declaration solutions. The all-in-one LCA software enables you to conduct thorough assessments of your construction projects, providing precise data on the carbon footprint of materials and processes throughout the project lifecycle.

Find out more:

• One Click LCA design and construction software
• Case study: Maximising value through early-stage carbon optioneering