THE University of Dundee is developing new software capable of calculating and managing carbon levels produced throughout construction projects.
Working with industry partner Project (EU) Ltd, and with funding from Innovate UK, the university’s school of science and engineering will develop the carbon analysis tool to allow the sector to utilise data to calculate emissions generated throughout the lifetime of projects.
Dr Moray Newlands, associate dean for industrial engagement in the school of science and engineering at the University of Dundee, said, “The construction industry is integral to the modern world, but there are dramatic inefficiencies in the way that it operates. By identifying the carbon output of any new building or piece of infrastructure before the first designs are rendered would allow stakeholders to consider the environmental cost of a project from the outset.
“The industry at present is often driven by cost or time constraints, but there is now overwhelming pressure for emissions to be at the forefront of the industry’s activities. The IT that we aim to develop will identify tailored best practice for every project, allowing developers to know that every design that is turned into a reality is done so in the friendliest way to the environment.”
The initiative follows last year’s warning from the United Nations Environment Programme that the construction sector was not on track to meet its target of decarbonising by 2050. The university added that, although there’s a willingness from the university, no system exists that allows for meaningful carbon analysis that spans the construction sector.
Project (EU) Ltd is a Dundee-based consultancy providing specialist business analytics and reporting solutions. The university said it intends to become a leading carbon IT consultancy, utilising a subscription tool that will allow individual companies to use data from existing Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems to inform best practice when undertaking new building projects.
Donna Butchart, MD of Project (EU) Ltd, said, “We are delighted to be part of this successful KTP project, working alongside the University of Dundee team,” said Donna Butchart, Managing Director of Project EU Ltd. Project EU has a rich background in developing niche data solutions for organisations using large enterprise systems. As reporting requirements increasingly involve Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics, we have been focusing on the carbon metrics for companies.
“This project looks at carbon throughout the life of construction projects, from design to build completion. The technology will allow companies to compare and benchmark their performance against industry best practice – and against their own previous projects – to build in a virtual cycle of continuous improvement.
“We see this as an important aspect in becoming recognised as a leading carbon IT consultancy, and the carbon tool project is one of a number of carbon solutions we are involved with.”
Andrew Pratt, development executive at North of Scotland KTP Centre, said, “We have been delighted to support the University of Dundee and Project EU throughout their innovation journey together. This project is a great example of partnership working between the academic team and industry partner that has built a solid relationship from the initial Interface funded Innovation voucher through to the KTP project which is about to begin.”
