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Arup and Autodesk team to address whole life carbon challenge
Arup brings technical expertise on whole-life carbon data management with Autodesk aiming to use this to develop carbon management solutions for built environment.
Global built environment consultancy Arup and Autodesk, a design and make software provider, have announced a collaboration aimed at transforming carbon management across the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industries.
This engagement is the first of its kind between Autodesk and a customer under a new collaboration model focused on enabling sustainable outcomes at scale.
Actionable carbon reduction solutions
The built environment sector is responsible for more than one-third of energy-related carbon emissions worldwide, accord to UN Environment Programme, more than the entire transportation sector. With global building floor area expected to double by 2060, and three-quarters of infrastructure that will exist in 2050 yet to be built, this collaboration addresses an urgent need for actionable carbon reduction solutions.
Autodesk reports this agreement marks the beginning of a broader initiative by the company to partner more deeply with industry leading companies to develop actionable tools and frameworks for decarbonisation. Arup’s leadership in this inaugural collaboration sets a strong example of how strategic alignment between technology and domain expertise can accelerate industry transformation.
By collaborating to bring streamlined AECO technology solutions for carbon assessment, the companies are seeking to drive an industry-wide scale of built environment decarbonisation in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
By combining our technical expertise in whole life carbon assessment with Autodesk’s innovative technology platforms we’re creating data-driven solutions that will inform early design decisions focused on reducing carbon and costs”
This work will particularly target asset owners and investors as ultimate decision-makers in the built environment and will look to include other companies and partners as the work expands.
Key initiatives include:
- The development of Building Information Modelling (BIM) guidelines for carbon assessment through the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
- Exploring the whole life carbon data journey through industry standardisation efforts, leading to a co-authored, industry-verified whitepaper
- Enabling BIM-integrated automation of Whole Life Carbon Assessment methods for building projects
- Collaborating on research and development to use AI to drive decarbonisation of buildings.
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Arup brings technical expertise in industry practice and significant insights on whole life carbon data management from developing its global data scheme, and this expertise will inform the ongoing development of Autodesk’s carbon management solutions.
“Collaboration with industry is critical for accelerating the development of sustainable solutions – such that we can better measure, manage and mitigate carbon impacts associated with the built environment,” said Joe Speicher, chief sustainability officer at Autodesk.
“Engaging with Arup and other industry leaders will allow us to validate carbon management technologies with our customers, such that we can collectively accelerate the AECO industry’s transition toward a low-carbon future.”
This announcement comes at a critical time when the AECO industry faces multiple pressures, including technological advancements, rising material costs, and shifting labour markets. According to the partners, these factors are accelerating the need for businesses to be more agile, adaptable, and collaborative while balancing complex trade-offs among cost, compliance, performance, and environmental impact.
“Collaboration with industry is critical for accelerating the development of sustainable solutions – such that we can better measure, manage and mitigate carbon impacts associated with the built environment”
Jo da Silva, Arup fellow and global sustainable development leader, at Arup: “By combining our technical expertise in whole life carbon assessment with Autodesk’s innovative technology platforms we’re creating data-driven solutions that will inform early design decisions focused on reducing carbon and costs.
“Together we’re not just developing tools but driving towards a unified path for net zero buildings that aligns with the Buildings Breakthrough, coordinated by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, and delivers value for our clients and the sector.”
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How can BIM guidelines improve accuracy in whole life carbon assessment?What role does AI play in accelerating building decarbonisation efforts?How will data standardisation enhance carbon management across AECO industries?In what ways can early design decisions reduce carbon and construction costs?How does collaboration between Arup and Autodesk support net zero building goals?climate actionCommercial buildingsConnectivity & DataDataData marketplace/PlatformPlanningurban space
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