Climate action, sustainability, & embodied carbon in structural engineering

This technical panel discussion features three expert speakers sharing practical insights on integrating embodied carbon into structural engineering, including updates on sustainability standards, a pioneering low-carbon case study, and hands-on carbon calculation techniques.

(In-person and online options)

We will hear from three expert speakers, each addressing different facets of sustainability with practical advice on integrating embodied carbon considerations into everyday structural engineering work.First, Penny Gowler, Senior Engineer & Sustainability Consultant at Cooper & Withycombe, and member of the Institution’s Climate Emergency Task Group will provide an important update on the institution’s sustainability initiatives, outlining both the new standards expected of members and the resources available to support compliance.Next, Steve Peet, Associate Director at Engenuiti, will share a compelling case study of Eclipse - the UK’s first Passivhaus wet & dry leisure centre, demonstrating how low embodied carbon and sustainable design principals were effectively integrated into the project design stage.Following this, David Rivers from Cundall, will deliver a concise CPD briefing, offering practical techniques to calculate embodied carbon quickly and accurately in your own projects.The evening will conclude with a dynamic panel discussion featuring all three speakers, offering an interactive Q&A session to explore your questions and insights further.

Speakers

Penny Gowler, Senior Engineer & Sustainability Consultant, Cooper and Withycombe Penny is a Chartered Structural Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist who has nearly 20 years’ experience working in the industry. She is a member of the IStructE's Climate Emergency Task Group working closely with Will Arnold to drive forward the Institution's climate emergency response. In 2023 she was lead author for the IStructE's guide "Circular Economy and Reuse" and wrote the steel reuse chapter of this book. She was head of sustainability at Elliott Wood until last year where she set up a sustainability consultancy team and was very active in championing reuse of buildings and materials. Penny now works for Cooper and Withycombe where she's primarily focused on building conservation, where reuse of original material is the priority.

Steve Peet, AD (Structural Engineer), Engenuiti

Steve has a particular interest in developing efficient low carbon designs with a key focus on mass timber engineering. He has worked on over 50+ mass timber projects across various sectors and stages and enjoys collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the best structural arrangement and material is selected appropriately for a holistic approach to sustainable design.

David Rivers, Partner, Cundall.

David is a Fellow of the IStructE, who also sits on the IStructE Sustainability Panel and the steering group for Structural Engineers Declare. He plays a leading role in Cundall’s commitment to minimising embodied carbon in structural design, helping to direct and manage carbon calculation and specification methodology and working closely with clients to advocate for more sustainable solutions, including an increasing amount of building reuse.

Climate action, sustainability, and embodied carbon in structural engineering - The Institution of Structural Engineers