28th May 2025

The structural engineer’s crucial role in net zero

The pivotal role of structural engineers in net zero development

The drive towards net zero carbon is reshaping the construction landscape, as property owners and investors increasingly recognise the environmental and economic necessities of sustainability. In the pursuit of net zero carbon, a crucial, often unsung, player is emerging at the forefront of achieving this goal: the structural engineer.

It’s no exaggeration, as the profession plays a pivotal role in the delivery of low carbon buildings; their work directly affects the embodied carbon levels, energy efficiency, and overall sustainability of a completed asset. And it goes even further; their expertise influences material selection, design optimisation, and the integration of innovative solutions, making them central to achieving a low-emission built environment. Calculating embodied carbon in structures and sharing results with investors helps to inform them of the environmental impacts of their decisions.

Navigating the challenges of sustainable construction

Indeed, early collaboration and engagement with structural engineers is crucial in guaranteeing sustainable project delivery. First and foremost, structural engineers are integral to overcoming many of the common investment hurdles faced in the journey towards more sustainable construction, particularly superficial costs and the lack of immediate return on investment.

Sustainable materials and innovative construction techniques can sometimes carry a higher price tag, leading to understandable hesitation in a sector typified by tight budgets and paper-thin margins. Furthermore, the long-term benefits of reducing embodied and operational carbon, enhancing building performance, and future-proofing against climate change may not always be immediately apparent in short-term financial projections.

The problem is intensified by the lack of robust and consistent support from the Government in incentivising and facilitating the transition to net zero within the built environment.

However, our profession is perfectly equipped to remove these barriers, and here’s how we do it.

Embracing a long-term vision

For us, when we come onto a project, a critical starting point comes with changing perceptions on sustainability. We help by identifying the opportunities unlocked when they embrace net zero principles rather than view things solely through the lens of upfront cost. We show them that the advantages of applying the hierarchy of net zero design far outweigh the perceived drawbacks. Furthermore, we can point to the growing societal and investor emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, which is driving demand for sustainable buildings.

Moreover, we highlight that the trajectory of legislation, including Net Zero 2050 and the UK Government’s Future Homes Standard[1], is driving the industry towards transformation. In addition, the development of the UK NZC Buildings Standard is promoting a more optimistic outlook on future design approaches.

Finally, we make clear that early adopters of sustainable practices will contribute to a healthier planet and gain a competitive edge; future-proofing their assets and attracting environmentally conscious tenants and buyers.

The indispensable role of a structural engineer

Once hearts and minds have been won over, and everyone’s on board, the structural engineer’s core strengths and skills become indispensable.

They possess a unique understanding of materials, construction methodologies and know-how to apply principles of the hierarchy of net zero design. Critically, they can tailor structural framings to clients’ aspirations and requirements.

Moreover, engineers are in a great position to advise clients during the early stages on cost-effective sustainable solutions that don’t compromise structural integrity or long-term value. This involves considering the fundamental material choices made at a project’s early stages.

Material choices: Balancing embodied carbon

UK guidance from the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) highlights that embodied carbon from construction materials, especially steel and concrete, can account for up to 50% of a building’s total lifecycle emissions[2]. As we’ve already established, engineers are responsible for producing structural framing, so they have the ability to guide clients towards more sustainable choices and solutions.

Where framing cannot be optimised for maximum reduction of embodied carbon, then specification of low-carbon materials can be introduced. Examples of good practices in reducing the carbon footprint on projects include use of recycled steel, responsibly sourced timber, or low-carbon concrete mixes.

There’s also a degree of nuance to consider and the choice isn’t always a simple ‘either/or’.  For instance, hybrid solutions, intelligently combining the strengths of different materials, can yield the most sustainable and cost-effective outcomes. A structural engineer with a deep understanding of embodied carbon, closely collaborating with other consultants, can help clients make informed decisions, optimising material use and minimising environmental impact without sacrificing structural performance.

Optimising design for energy efficiency and circularity

Yet, the role extends beyond material selection. A structural engineer’s consultancy can also improve a building’s energy efficiency through their input into passive design strategies, where they collaborate with architects and specialists.

Structural engineers are also critical in promoting circular economy principles within construction.

This involves designing for disassembly and reuse, specifying recycled materials or those with high recycled content, and minimising construction waste. By adopting a holistic lifecycle perspective, structural engineers can help clients move away from a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient approach.

A collaborative path to a greener built environment

Ultimately, the march towards a low-carbon built environment necessitates a collaborative and shared commitment across the entire construction sector. Structural engineers, leveraging their specialised technical expertise and comprehensive understanding of buildings’ structural performance, are essential partners in this journey. Through the application of the hierarchy of net zero design and proactive adoption of innovative materials and methodologies, engineers can collectively guide clients and contribute to the realisation of a more environmentally sound and resilient future for the built environment, project by project.

How Perega can help you achieve your net-zero goals

From where we stand, we have a team of experienced structural engineers at the forefront of this net-zero transition. Our projects range from reuse, repurposing and refurbishments to new builds and extensions, giving us valuable insight into many aspects of the built environment and the various opportunities for reducing carbon.

– Monika Rogers, Associate and Net Zero Carbon Lead, Perega

For more information, view our Net Zero Carbon initiatives.