Clark Nexsen Joins the SE 2050 Commitment to Reduce Embodied Carbon in Structural Systems

Clark Nexsen is among the first architecture/engineering firms to sign the Structural Engineers (SE) 2050 Commitment, taking a formal pledge to a path of substantive embodied carbon reductions within structural systems. The goal of the movement is to provide an accessible sustainability program for individual structural engineers and engineering firms. With an accountable strategy of active engagement on projects and consistent information sharing, committed firms will work towards achieving zero net carbon structures by 2050.

Buildings and structures currently contribute roughly 40 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide. On a deeper level, embodied carbon consists of all GHG emissions associated with building construction, including those that arise from extracting, transporting, manufacturing, and installing building materials on site. Now more than ever, architecture, engineering, and construction professionals play an essential role in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

“We are proud and excited to be part of this initiative to counter climate change. Addressing embodied carbon in structural materials is a critical part of our design process, working toward the ultimate net-zero goal,” said Peter Allen, senior structural engineer at Clark Nexsen.

By using the multi-step Embodied Carbon Action Plan, Clark Nexsen will create a structured strategy to measure, track, and report embodied carbon levels of ongoing and future projects. Additionally, the firm will outline its embodied carbon reduction strategies by creating a detailed implementation plan.

Clark Nexsen joined the AIA 2030 Commitment in 2015.

The overall concept of SE 2050 is modeled after the AIA 2030 Commitment’s reduction targets for operational energy. SE 2050 will run parallel with this for structural embodied carbon.

The Structural Engineers 2050 Commitment Program was established in response to the SE 2050 Challenge issued in 2019 by the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) and the SE 2050 Commitment Program developed by the Sustainability Committee of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

See the full list of SE 2050 Signatory Firms here.