SE2050: The Structural Engineer’s Role in Sustainable Design

Authors: Ryan Krusko, PE, SE, Associate | Project Manager and Will Shirley, EIT, Project Engineer With buildings and construction accounting for approximately 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions, there is a significant opportunity for structural engineers to play a role in decarbonizing the built environment thereby paving the way for a more sustainable future. As structural engineers, we are in a unique position to foster collaboration in the AEC industry and promote a net zero future. There are three conceptual strategies that PES considers when reducing embodied carbon in our projects:

1. Build smarter through early design decisions
2. Evaluate design methods and materials for opportunities for a more efficient design
3. Consider implementing circular design principles through the use of recycled materials and/or designing for adaptability or deconstruction.

SE2050 Program and Key Terms

One way that structural engineering firms can demonstrate commitment to sustainable design is by joining the SE2050 program. In 2019, the Sustainability Committee of the Structural Engineering Institute developed the SE2050 commitment program in response to a challenge issued by the Carbon Leadership Forum to eliminate embodied carbon in new construction projects by 2050. The primary goals of the program are to:

1. Plan through the development of an Embodied Carbon Action Plan
2. Implement by engaging in sustainable goals on projects
3. Share embodied carbon data from real-world projects

Signatory firms are required to submit a commitment letter as well as an Embodied Carbon Action Plan (ECAP) that outlines how they plan to educate, advocate, report, and reduce embodied carbon in their projects. Additionally, firms must submit embodied carbon project data to the SE2050 database for a minimum of 2-4 projects per year depending on firm size. Sustainable Engineering Key Terms Understanding key terminology is essential for advancing sustainable engineering practices and meeting SE2050 goals. These terms are frequently used in the context of embodied carbon in buildings, sustainable design strategies, and carbon reduction initiatives. Familiarity with these definitions can help structural engineers, building operators, and project teams align on sustainability goals, action plans, and industry best practices.

• Embodied Carbon– All CO2 emissions associated with materials and construction processes.
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)– In-depth study of the energy and environmental impacts of a certain material or element. Provides a holistic view of the embodied carbon of a structural system. Typically performed by 3^rd party companies that specialize in offering this service.
• Environment Product Declaration (EPD)– Executive summary of a building material’s LCA or its “nutrition label”. LCA Study + PCR (below) = EPD. An EPD is used to obtain a quick, high-level understanding of a product’s carbon impact and is provided by the product supplier.
• Product Category Rule (PCR)– Standardized guidance for suppliers that defines the rules and requirements for developing an EPD for a specific product category.
• Global Warming Potential (GWP)– Embodied carbon is calculated as GWP and expressed in carbon dioxide equivalent units. This value is used to evaluate the sustainability of a material and is provided in an EPD.

Why and How is PES involved?

At PES we recognize the critical need to design and build more sustainably. The vision of the SE2050 program resonated with our firm’s core values. To achieve the goal of SE2050, a collaborative approach is necessary and at PES we are always striving to win as a team. We are committed to being an industry leader, always seeking opportunities to drive for improvement through innovation. Most importantly, we recognize it is time for our profession to own it – the work we do as structural engineers can make a difference. PES became a signatory firm of the SE2050 program in December of 2022. Since then, we have developed and enhanced our ECAP plan to align with our core values. Additionally, we have submitted eight (8) projects to the SE2050 database across a variety of building use sectors. Through our commitment to sustainable engineering, PES continues to integrate low-carbon materials and support carbon reduction strategies across diverse projects. As structural engineers, we recognize the significant role we play in reducing CO2 emissions and driving net-zero goals through smarter design practices. Our involvement in SE2050 reflects our broader mission to lead in sustainability and shape the future of the built environment. As part of our commitment to the SE2050 program, PES has submitted several projects for embodied carbon tracking and sustainable design efforts. Notable submissions include:

• Bainbridge 95 Building C – Port Deposit, Maryland
• San Pablo Home 2 Suites – Jacksonville, Florida
• Douglasville City Hall – Douglasville, Georgia
• Gainesville Public Safety Building – Gainesville, Georgia
• Hoshizaki – Peachtree City, Georgia
• Horizon View Apartments – Montville, Connecticut
• Woodstock Mixed Use – Woodstock, Georgia
• Johns Creek Fire Station #63 – Johns Creek, Georgia

We look forward to sharing more details on these projects as dedicated case studies become available.

Educate

At PES, we have always promoted knowledge sharing within the company and consider it to be a key practice for internal development. Through the internal sustainable design committee that we have created, we provide internal education opportunities for all firm employees to more fully understand sustainable design practices. Some initiatives of our committee include presenting webinars and lunch and learns to the entire company and developing internal resources highlighting embodied carbon information and reduction strategies.

Report

Between our Atlanta and Hartford offices, we have submitted four (4) projects to the SE2050 database each year that we have been a member of the program. We have established internal processes that allow us to measure embodied carbon across a variety of project types, and at different phases, during the design and construction process. This is achieved through a combination of leveraging information from our BIM model in conjunction with the Embodied Carbon Construction Calculator (EC3) and other internal tools developed to track and report project embodied carbon.

Reduce

At PES, we are committed to reducing embodied carbon in our projects while also maintaining a high level of quality to best serve our clients. For projects with sustainability goals, we have the capability to integrate EPD requests and embodied carbon reduction requirements into project specifications. Each year we collect more project data that is used to inform design decisions to reduce embodied carbon in our projects.

Advocate

We have been a strong advocate and promoter of the SE2050 program since joining in 2022. Our project teams are equipped with the resources to be an active player in project discussions around sustainability and embodied carbon reduction goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the SE2050 program? SE2050 is a national initiative by the Structural Engineering Institute aimed at eliminating embodied carbon in structural systems by the year 2050. It encourages structural engineering firms to adopt sustainable design practices and track embodied carbon through action plans and project reporting. What is PES’s ECAP? Our Embodied Carbon Action Plan (ECAP) outlines the steps PES is taking to educate staff, report project data, advocate for sustainable design, and reduce embodied carbon in structural projects. How does sustainable engineering impact CO2 emissions? Sustainable engineering practices directly reduce CO2 emissions by promoting low-carbon materials, efficient design strategies, and lifecycle-based decision-making in building construction. Why is embodied carbon important in buildings? Embodied carbon represents the total CO2 emissions associated with building materials and construction. Reducing it is critical for lowering the environmental impact of the built environment.