The Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) has long been committed to advancing structural engineering and promoting excellence in our profession. Recently, SEI underwent a strategic reorganization to better fulfill this vision, enhancing its ability to address pressing challenges and opportunities within the structural engineering field. Under a new strategic approach structure, the SEI Board of Governors identified four key focus initiatives: SE 2050 Commitment Program (SE 2050); Performance Based Design; Education and Leadership; and Young Professionals. SEI Focus Initiatives receive prioritized staff support, SEI resources, and Board of Governors promotion to accelerate the activities of each.
SE 2050 emerged in 2020 as a collective recognition within SEI of the urgent need to address the environmental impact of structural systems, specifically related to embodied carbon. SE 2050 is formally a response to the SE 2050 Challenge issued by the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) where SE was originally ideated.
This call to action signified a bold commitment to steer the profession towards a sustainable future. SE 2050 aims to achieve carbon neutrality of structural systems by 2050, setting a precedent for transformative action within the structural engineering community. SE 2050 has evolved into a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. SE 2050 facilitates a database with embodied carbon data of structural systems on real projects, fosters a community in which best practices in embodied carbon reduction are shared, and provides key resources and tools. As SE 2050 celebrates its three-year anniversary, we are proud to say that it has helped empower structural engineers to navigate the complexities of sustainable design and construction.
SEI’s commitment to the success of SE 2050 aligns with the growing emphasis on embodied carbon tracking and reductions globally. There is little doubt that the total carbon emissions associated with buildings requires massive reductions in a relatively short time. Because most embodied carbon emissions from new buildings come from the structural system, structural engineers are uniquely positioned to spearhead the paradigm shift of holistically reducing the environmental impacts of buildings. It is imperative that we, as structural engineering experts, embrace this leadership role, driving forward the necessary changes to ensure a more sustainable and resilient future. There is no one better suited for this than structural engineers.
While the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 may seem daunting, it is critical that we embrace it wholeheartedly. The building design and construction industry is changing and will continue to do so with or without us—why not take control and ensure this rapid shift works for all structural engineers? As structural engineers, we must step up. We must lead. There are far too many potential risks (and missed opportunities) of others leaning in and directing structural engineers on how to best integrate embodied carbon into our designs. Yes, it is challenging. We must deal with a seemingly continuous flow of competing priorities while upholding our ethical responsibilities as professional engineers. Oh, and do it quickly. And under budget. Structural engineers are incredible professionals. We are more than capable.
SE 2050 was established to support structural engineers in their pivotal role. Through quarterly calls attended by 60-70 engineers from signatory firms, we foster a safe environment for sharing experiences and best practices, aiming to enhance understanding of the evolving Standard of Care and risk mitigation. Additionally, we offer guidance on material selection, publish real project case studies, and provide tools like ECOM for measuring embodied carbon. A key aspect of SE 2050 involves publicly sharing each firm’s Embodied Carbon Action Plan (ECAP). Over 150 firms have committed to sharing their annual commitment goals.
SE 2050’s commitment to transparency and data-driven decision-making is further evident in its efforts to publish embodied carbon data of structural systems on real projects. Our first data analysis was presented at the recent SEICon24 in San Antonio and is the start of our effort to provide invaluable insights, offering the only data-driven U.S.-based guidance on real trends and benchmarks of embodied carbon of structural systems. By sharing real-world data, SE 2050 enables structural engineers to make informed choices and drive meaningful progress towards carbon reduction. Our next in-development database will not only include the collection of embodied carbon but will also collect structural material quantities of structural systems to provide detailed insights into the efficient use of materials.
As structural engineers, we must embrace our role as leaders and stewards of the built environment, driving meaningful progress and guiding the profession towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Through initiatives like SE 2050, we as structural engineers can make a lasting impact that benefits both current and future generations. Have you joined the movement? Check us out at: https://se2050.org/. ■
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