Arcadis' UK infrastructure project targets 30% carbon reduction from baseline with One Click LCA

Arcadis: On a mission to improve quality of life 

Founded in 1888, Arcadis is a leading global partner delivering some of the most transformative projects alongside businesses, cities and industries. With over 35,000 people active in more than 30 countries, the company brings together the best minds from around the world to deliver intelligent products and solutions across the environment, energy, water, buildings, transport, and infrastructure sectors. As an enterprise partner of One Click LCA, Arcadis takes design, engineering, architecture, and consultancy to the next level, advising clients every step of the way. 

Case Study: Major mobility project in the UK's southwest region

For this project, Arcadis was tasked with improving a motorway junction in the South West region of the UK. The key objective was to deliver a solution that is in keeping with the local environment and meeting climate change requirements.

Arcadis focused on combining innovative design techniques with sustainability-focused strategies to create lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits. This was achieved through a whole-life carbon approach embedded from the project's outset. Aligned with the company's commitment to sustainability and supporting clients on their own sustainable transformation journeys, Arcadis started by using innovative design tools such as One Click LCA, as well as the National Highways’ Carbon Tool, and 3D BIM Modeling to forecast impactful and measurable results.

Benefits of using One Click LCA: Accurate, flexible, intuitive

Easy carbon optimization early on in the design process

Arcadis leveraged One Click LCA to explore the advantages of implementing carbon assessments at the early design stage. Although not a client requirement, the platform was integrated into the company's project workflow as part of an internal pilot study to help build awareness within the team and demonstrate Arcadis’ capabilities in delivering carbon reductions across different project phases.

Access to the world's largest construction LCA database

For Arcadis' design team, a key benefit of using One Click LCA is its continuously updated environmental product declarations (EPD) database, which allows for more accurate design assessments. 

One Click LCA’s ever-growing construction LCA database has over 250,000 reliable data points sourced from across the globe. All data entries go through a ten-point verification process that has been approved by the Build Research Establishment (BRE). Easily accessible, structured data sets can be tailored to align with a project's regional context and certification requirements. 

"The database's intuitive interface and visual reporting features helped our team to quickly identify high-emission materials and processes while exploring low-carbon alternatives, since it includes a collection of suppliers offering low-carbon materials currently available on the market, all linked to environmental product declarations (EPDs). The platform's flexibility was particularly valuable, as it facilitated easy modification of parameters, such as transportation modes." 

 

— Margarida Gonçalves, Global Sustainability Impact Specialist - LCA at Arcadis

Solution: Sustainability-focused designs that maximize carbon savings from the start

Using One Click LCA also helped Arcadis address key challenges in measuring and reducing whole-life carbon emissions. According to its design team, it was unlike other tools in providing a more detailed approach to carbon assessment with granular results, making it easier to track carbon reduction progress and meet regulatory and client requirements. 

"One Click LCA's seamless integration with Autodesk Revit meant we could factor in sustainability considerations early in the process with accurate data transfer, reducing errors, and providing real-time feedback on environmental impacts. Additionally, the tools' scenario analysis function allowed us to compare various design and material choices. This ensured we were able to make the most sustainable choices."

— Margarida Gonçalves, Global Sustainability Impact Specialist - LCA at Arcadis

Through proactive engagement in sustainability workshops, early collaboration with experts, and continuous enhancements to the preliminary design, the project was steered towards a more sustainable path.

Results: This project is expected to cut carbon emissions by 30% compared to the project baseline 

Arcadis' approach to this project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 30% compared to the project baseline while lowering costs and enhancing regional diversity. To date, this project has avoided approximately 26,700 metric tons of potential CO2e emissions (22% reduction) compared to a conventional design. Furthermore, Arcadis' inclusion of sustainability principles has ensured meaningful benefits for the client, the local community, and the wider environment. 

Conclusion

By incorporating One Click LCA into this project's workflow, Arcadis was able to assess and reduce whole-life carbon emissions from the early design stage. The software supported its design team in comparing material and design options, tracking carbon reduction progress, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and client requirements. One Click LCA's Revit integration enabled Arcadis to prioritize sustainable choices early on with accurate data transfer, reduced errors, and real-time insights on environmental impacts.