A new book co-authored by CSIC Investigator Dr John Orr explains why overdesign is so prevalent and its impact on material consumption and carbon emissions.
Published by the Institution of Structural Engineers and titled ‘Design for Zero’, the guidance is presented in three parts and covers the design process, through to fabrication, assembly, use, and deconstruction.
‘Business as usual’ is incompatible with climate emergency, and deep changes across the design, construction, use, and re-use of buildings and infrastructure are required if we are to have any chance of providing a sustainable environment for the 9.7bn people who will share our planet in 2050. Overdesign results in carbon-intensive buildings. We must make carbon considerations as important as our safety calculations – every project must change. Dr John Orr, CSIC Investigator
Part 1 examines the origins of certain design practices and sources of carbon emissions. Part 2 presents a vision for the future, supported by case studies of real projects that have successfully reduced carbon. The case studies have been deliberately chosen – highlighting commonly-encountered scenarios, rather than showcasing glamourous extremes. Part 3 offers advice on how to advocate for improved design, and the ways an individual can contribute.
Dr Orr, who co-leads the Automating Concrete Construction (ACORN) project that is a collaboration between the University of Bath, University of Cambridge and University of Dundee, and recently featured in RIBA Magazine, said: “’Business as usual’ is incompatible with climate emergency, and deep changes across the design, construction, use, and re-use of buildings and infrastructure are required if we are to have any chance of providing a sustainable environment for the 9.7bn people who will share our planet in 2050. Overdesign results in carbon-intensive buildings. We must make carbon considerations as important as our safety calculations – every project must change.”
• ‘Design for Zero’ is written by JJ Orr, T J Ibell, C Smith and N Watson. Read more and purchase the guide at the website for the Institution of Structural Engineers here.