How we shape a better world Sustainability: Our year in perspective 2013/14 Explore...
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How we shape a better world: 2013/14
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How we shape a better world Sustainability: Our year in perspective 2013/14 Welcome to the 2013/14 edition of Sustainability – Our year in perspective, which covers our work in the UK, Middle East and Africa region, and reflects on our own performance. Here we give a snapshot of the past year, illustrating the ways we have helped build resilience and delivered sustainable solutions for clients, founded on the cornerstones of economic security, social betterment and environmental stewardship. We constantly challenge ourselves to push the boundaries of what is possible, to design with a social purpose and fulfil our mission of shaping a better world.
Our stories:
Delivering solutions Read about some of the practical solutions we have delivered for our clients.
Encouraging innovation Our innovative approach has helped build resilience for our clients.
Sharing knowledge See how collaboration translates into results for clients and progress for our industry.
Our performance in perspective See how we measure up in terms of our sustainability performance.
Looking forward Find out more about our plans for the coming year.
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Meeting our clients’ objectives always comes first. Whether we are working to fulfil an organisation’s vision, drive efficiencies, build resilience against an uncertain future, or to deliver on a social agenda, our aim is to provide practical solutions that move clients closer to their goals. We offer an approach that is highly responsive, seeking to resolve challenges in an imaginative and efficient way to ensure project success.
A green transport corridor Luton Dunstable Busway, UK
Adaptation to climate change White Collar Factory, UK
Enhancing biodiversity Rodley Weir Fish Pass, UK
Contemporary bus depot sets benchmark Rea Vaya Bus Depot, South Africa
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Mitigating risk to support renewables Scatec Solar, South Africa
Supporting zero waste in Scotland Anaerobic digestion plant, UK
Creating a regeneration strategy Haringey Council, UK
4-Star Green Star SA design rating NMMU Business School, South Africa
A vision for sustainable mobility Guildford Movement Study, UK
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Mitigating risk to support renewables Scatec Solar, South Africa Arup has been involved in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) projects since 2010, acting as Lender’s Technical Adviser (LTA) from the pre-bid stage through to financial close and construction.
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A first in South Africa The 75MW nominal capacity Kalkbult solar photovoltaic (PV) facility was the first utility-scale PV facility to connect to the grid in South Africa. It is one of 18 projects in the opening round of the REIPPPP.
Utility-scale output Developed by Scatec Solar, Kalkbult consists of 312,504 PV modules and covers an arid area of 105 hectares in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The plant is estimated to produce 135GWh of electricity annually.
Global technical support Fulfilling a multi-disciplinary role, Arup has supplied PV experts together with electrical, structural, geotechnical, transport-planning and transaction advice specialists from offices locally and abroad.
Diversifying away from coal The output is sufficient to power 33,000 households and avoid annual greenhouse gas emissions of 115,000 tonnes. REIPPPP is the first major initiative to allow for large-scale private power suppliers and to diversify the electricity mix away from coal power.
312,504 PV modules at Kalkbult
135GWh of electricity annually
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Creating a green transport corridor Luton Dunstable Busway, UK The busway will provide a major boost to the local economy, reduce congestion, and ensure journeys are quicker and more reliable. It will also help to improve the health of the local community and enable residents to make a meaningful contribution to improving the environment.
Diverse ecology The challenge Arup faced was to protect and enhance the diverse ecological and landscape resource alongside the introduction of the guideway infrastructure. A co-ordinated approach This demanded a carefully co-ordinated approach to ensure that there was no net loss, and preferably introduced gains, to biodiversity. Plans were developed to guide the project during construction and for five years beyond completion.
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Protecting species and habitat Successes include the translocation and safeguarding of around 400 slow worms and several hundred square metres of species-rich grassland turfs known to support common and pyramidal orchids, as well as enhancement of reptile, bat and badger habitats. A green corridor Local people travelling the busway enjoy a green corridor that passes sensitively through the unique chalkland landscape of Dunstable Downs. It offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to car use.
400 slow worms safeguarded
30-minute reduction in transport time from Luton to Dunstable
10km of busway with 7.4km of guideway
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Adaptation to climate change White Collar Factory, UK
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Design of White Collar Factory, a new-build 16-storey office block that forms part of the Old Street Yard redevelopment project, specifically included examination of options to strengthen the building’s ability to adapt to climate change.
Climate modelling Ten adaptation options were identified and modelled against a weather file for the current climate and forecast files for the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s. A view of future energy use and comfort For each option, the impact of future climate on energy consumption and comfort criteria within the building was analysed. From the output, and taking into account cost-benefit, design recommendations were made. Two of the ten adaptation options have been developed further.
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Passive heating and cooling The decision to increase operable windows in the opaque area of the façade will enhance natural ventilation potential. Use of passive systems will also reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling to instances when temperatures are particularly high or low.
Experimental Award Future Projects, World Architecture Festival 2013
Real-life testing A 325m2 prototype was constructed to test concepts in operation, to refine the design prior to construction. The building is on track to achieve both BREEAM Excellent and LEED Platinum certification.
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Enhancing biodiversity Rodley Weir Fish Pass, UK The Rodley Weir fish pass provides a meandering rock-lined channel about 120 metres long with cascades and rest areas, enabling migratory fish to access spawning grounds further up the River Aire.
A need to bypass the weir Rodley Weir, owned by Yorkshire Water, presented the largest barrier to migratory fish and limited efforts to improve biodiversity in and around the river. Effective design to attract fish Arup combined engineering rigour with environmental sensitivity to deliver a robust structure that mimics a Pennine stream, providing an attractive, effective and low maintenance pass. Hard engineered features provide erosion protection.
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Enhanced biodiversity opportunities Compared to a technical fish pass, the migration channel provides habitat for a variety of species in addition to fish, and further enhances the value of the Rodley Nature Reserve to its urban surroundings. Reuse of excavated material To reduce the volume of waste removed from the site, material arising from the excavation was used to create flood defence bunds and rain-fed ponds that provide new wetland habitat.
Shortlisted by the Institution of Civil Engineers Yorkshire & Humber Awards, 2013
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Contemporary bus depots sets benchmark Rea Vaya Bus Depot, South Africa The Dobsonville Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Depot, constructed for Johannesburg Development Agency, occupies a a five-hectare site and comprises 270 bus parking spaces, maintenance and administration buildings, and fuelling, washing and drying areas.
A benchmark for future depots Dobsonville was the first BRT depot in sub-Saharan Africa and set a benchmark for future depots; delegations from other cities have visited to learn from this innovative and environmentally responsible development. Decontamination of the site The brownfield site had been used as an informal rubbish dump and needed clearing prior to development. Substantial excavation work was required, up to three metres in some places.
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Minimising energy use Lexan, a semi-transparent material that is similar to plastic, was used for the façades. Lexan has insulating properties and acts as a temperature regulator, thus minimising the need for air conditioners and heaters. Community participation The depot offers wide-ranging benefits to the local and wider community including job creation, increased property values close to the development and improved transport links.
270 bus parking spaces the largest depot in Johannesburg
80% electricity saving from daylight harvesting
80% of water used to wash buses is recycled
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Supporting zero waste in Scotland Anaerobic digestion plant, UK Arup supported Kelda Water Services (KWS) in their successful bid for the 20-year contract to design, build and operate a food waste anaerobic digestion treatment facility.
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From food to energy The facility, due to be operational in 2015, will treat 30,000 tonnes of food waste per year, collected by Edinburgh and Midlothian councils to support their Zero Waste project.
Minimising environmental impact By working closely with the technology suppliers, Arup minimised the environmental impact of the scheme, and then demonstrated that the proposed designs met, or went beyond, the required standards.
Collaborative consultation process Arup led a collaborative consultation process with the key regulators; this informed the design of the facility and elicited statements of support from stakeholders, contributing to the success of the bid.
Ongoing support Technical assessments, including noise, air quality and odour assessment were undertaken to inform the site design and support the planning application. Arup is continuing to work with KWS during construction.
30,000 tonnes of food waste will be treated each year
1,500 to 2,000 homes’ electricity equivalent supplied back to Scottish Water
© Kelda Water Services
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Creating a regeneration strategy Haringey Council, UK The Tottenham Physical Development Framework (PDF) produced by Arup creates an integrated strategy and vision for regeneration and change to support the Haringey Council’s ambitions for Tottenham.
A single vision to inspire The PDF demonstrates that Tottenham is one of London’s key areas for growth and regeneration, and ripe for investment. Overcoming an existing patchwork of proposals and initiatives, the Framework presents an overarching vision. A path for growth It sets out a conceptual spatial framework showing the key opportunities for change and area-based action plans; these are now being used to drive projects and maintain momentum.
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Integrated urbanism Founded on social enterprise and employment, lowcarbon development, housing estate renewal and infrastructure improvements, the Framework ensures a balance of employment and educational opportunity.
10,000 new homes
Improved transport links Arup helped secure the commitment of significant Government investment in transport, including a £500m borrowing guarantee and an initial commitment of £2m for feasibility studies for Crossrail 2, to enhance public transport links.
90,000m2
projected between now and 2050
5,000 new jobs projected between now and 2050
of employment and commercial space planned
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4-Star Green Star SA design rating NMMU Business School, South Africa The post-graduate business school at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth is the first Green Star certified education building in South Africa.
Identifying opportunities Energy modelling was used to demonstrate opportunities for reducing energy demand. Arup then worked closely with the client and the design team to achieve the sustainability objectives. Saving water and energy The building uses rainwater for toilet flushing, saving on water consumption. Initiatives to reduce energy consumption include HVAC and lighting controls, and a photovoltaic installation, together reducing carbon emissions.
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Natural ventilation The building is designed such that the multivolume circulation and common areas open on to the protected central courtyard. They are naturally ventilated with fresh cooler air being supplied at ground level and extracted through vents at roof level.
50% saving anticipated in potable water consumption
50% saving anticipated in energy consumption
70% of waste from construction diverted from landfill
Supporting community projects Over two-thirds of all construction waste was diverted from landfill, either recycled, or donated to various community projects for reuse.
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A vision for sustainable mobility Guildford Movement Study, UK The Guildford Town and Approaches Movement Study is the first step in developing a long-term transport strategy for Guildford to secure the infrastructure needed to sustain the town as one of England’s leading centres.
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‘Transport Futures’ workshop Arup worked with Guildford Borough Council to develop a vision for Guildford in 2050, by leading the ‘Transport Futures’ workshop with key stakeholders such as local councillors, senior Council officers, business leaders, and the local community.
An innovative movement corridor Central to the strategy is a sustainable movement corridor based on green infrastructure principles, which creates an accessible pathway through the town for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a priority public transport route.
A shift in focus Developing the vision required a shift in focus from major highway infrastructure schemes to a programme of sustainable transport improvements, to be achieved through facilitating incremental changes in travel behaviour.
Sustainable travel modes The movement strategy will encourage active travel modes, thereby improving health and quality of life. It will also provide fast and direct connections between key locations, potentially reducing traffic delays on public transport routes by up to 27%.
33% traffic reduction forecast in the town centre by 2050
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© UNDP
© Rob House (concept – Arup)
We live in a rapidly changing environment. The issues we face globally are highly complex and their potential effects far-reaching. That is why we invest time and money to find innovative new ways to meet these challenges and pre-empt their effects, to help build resilience not just for our clients and their organisations, but also on a larger scale for cities and their communities, and for regions and their assets. We constantly question what we do and the way we do it, always asking if there is a better way.
Safer, cleaner, more resource efficient Arup’s Venturing Initiative
The future of urban space Arup’s Cities Alive project
Global health programme environmental safeguarding United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
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Practical steps to urban resilience City resilience research project
Modelling to minimise noise High Speed 2, UK
Optimised fire protection Nova Victoria, UK
Wireless charging technology Electric Bus Programme, UK
Defining natural capital Arup’s Out of the Blue project
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Saving construction costs First Direct Arena, UK
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Saving construction costs First Direct Arena, UK The £60m First Direct Arena is a world-class music venue in Leeds city-centre, the most sustainable arena in the UK. Despite its technical complexities and constraints, it is one of the lowest cost arenas built to date.
Measurable savings BAM Construction have estimated that Building Information Modelling (BIM) implemented by Arup and the supply chain removed at least 1,000 design co-ordination issues and saved up to £500,000 in site change, as compared to similar projects. Visual illustration of critical aspects As the design was finalised, Arup’s structural 4D-BIM model was used for construction sequencing. This enabled visual illustration of residual risks and critical construction aspects of the project.
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Co-ordinating information in 3D Early engagement with the supply chain, and the use of BIM to bring together and co-ordinate information in 3D between all parties, were key to the smooth running of the project. Minimising problems and waste Fortnightly online BIM sessions saved many hours of travel time and significantly reduced paper-based communications. By using state-of-the-art modelling and collaboration, an integrated solution was delivered that minimised problems and waste.
Awarded IStructE Structural Awards, 2013 Sports or Leisure Structure Award
Awarded New Venue of the Year Award, 2014 Stadium Business Awards
Awarded Design Through Innovation, 2014 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
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Safer, cleaner, more resource efficient Arup’s Venturing Initiative Arup’s Venturing Initiative seeks to commercialise products, software, apps and business ideas that contribute to designing a world that is safer, cleaner and more resource efficient.
Green façade from seed Wild Screen is a new concept for internal and external green walls that’s cheaper, lighter, and easier to specify and install than traditional products. The concept is currently under prototype, with small-scale trials in four locations globally. Improving UK flood defences A response to the limitations of current UK flood defences, Aqua Wall is a versatile, water-filled, rapidly deployable flood defence barrier. The prototype is being discussed with the Environment Agency.
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Low-energy air conditioning Arup has developed a new air conditioning system that delivers the same cooling as a traditional fan coil unit, with markedly reduced energy consumption, delivered in the lowest-depth unit on the market. Composite modular footbridge This lightweight composite bridge has less than half the embodied carbon of an equivalent steel bridge, and requires less energy to transport and install. The modular design further reduces the embodied energy by reusing moulds and reducing waste.
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© Rob House (concept – Arup)
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The future of urban space Cities Alive ‘Urban green’ is more than just an aesthetic consideration for cities; it is a fundamental part of an urban ‘ecosystem’ that improves social interaction and physical and mental health.
Healthier, safer and more prosperous Cities Alive shows how the creation of a linked ‘city ecosystem’ can help create healthier, safer and more prosperous cities. But, to realise this vision green infrastructure must take a more influential role in the planning and design of cities and their surrounds. Proven benefits With advances in technology, the value that nature delivers through ecosystems services can be measured to demonstrate how integrated landscape design can help optimise urban space to meet future demands and improve climate change resilience.
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Futuristic design The report looks at 21 aspects of a green city ecosystem, making landscapes work harder through a multi-functional design approach. From smart weather covering to vertical farming and glowing pavements, the project explores new and exciting ways to create the cities of the future. A collaborative initiative Cities Alive: rethinking green infrastructure is a collaborative initiative supported by the Landscape Institute and Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.
“Arup has clearly articulated the problems and indicated the solutions; the challenge is for us all to deliver.” Sue Illman, President of the Landscape Institute
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Global health programme environmental safeguarding United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
© UNDP
The health sector globally is under pressure to manage its greenhouse gas emissions and Arup’s work with the UNDP has set a standard for climate change impact assessment and carbon mitigation.
A robust methodology Arup assisted the UNDP by developing a methodology and tools to study health programme impacts. Outcomes provided a detailed evidence base to formulate sound policy and take action. Environmental safeguarding Arup worked with UNDP delivery teams and procurement specialists to identify the carbon impact from HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria programmes including issues such as pharmaceutical and medical equipment production, waste management and transportation.
A toolkit for practitioners The work has been augmented with additional studies using life cycle assessment and supplier engagement to provide a toolkit for practitioners.
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Awarded Consultancy of the Year 2014 Guardian Sustainable Business Awards UNDP was part of Arup’s submission for this award
A basis for action The toolkit allows donors and practitioners to understand the climate change impact of different strategies and where priorities should lie, whilst maintaining national-scale health outcomes. The work paves the way to include environmental safeguarding in funding decisions of global health providers.
© UNDP
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Practical steps to urban resilience City resilience research project With a significant grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, Arup was tasked with carrying out research to articulate urban resilience in a measurable, evidencebased and accessible way.
Enabling urban communities The intent behind the research is to inform urban planning, practice and investment patterns so that urban communities, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, are better able to survive and thrive sudden shocks or accumulating stresses. Comprehensive bottom-up research Extensive bottom-up research was carried out comprising a review of over 200 documents, case studies of 14 cities, and fieldwork in six cities to understand different perceptions of risk.
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The City Resilience Framework The output is a holistic framework that combines social and physical aspects of cities, and provides a lens through which cities can clearly see where there are opportunities to enhance their resilience. Identifying priorities for action Arup is developing variables and metrics for 12 indicators that collectively describe a city’s ‘immune system’. Each indicator can be observed and measured to provide a city’s baseline, so priorities for action and investment can be identified.
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Modelling to minimise noise High Speed 2, UK To alleviate concerns about the potential impact of ground-borne noise/vibration from high-speed trains, High Speed 2 (HS2) required a robust prediction method for the environmental assessment.
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Addressing community concerns HS2 has attracted a great deal of public attention, with concerns over noise being raised by those living close to the proposed route. Arup’s modelling work will help set the requirements to address these concerns.
An accurate prediction method Arup’s approach was based on proven methods used on HS1, ensuring input parameters, like rail/wheel roughness and track performance, were appropriate for the proposed speed, giving confidence to base project requirements on the model’s predictions.
Pioneering model This is the first project to develop a model to predict ground-borne vibration from passenger trains at speeds of up to 360 kilometres per hour.
A better understanding to influence design Modelling these speeds has led to a better understanding of the parameters that are most significant, and how HS2 can be designed to minimise the impact of ground-borne noise and vibration.
Awarded Transportation Noise Control Award, Acoustics and Noise Consultants Awards, 2014
“A significant step forward in ground-borne sound and vibration modelling.” Judges comment
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Optimised fire protection Nova Victoria, UK
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Nova Victoria consists of two multistorey office buildings and a residential building over a shared basement. Arup applied innovative new fire engineering techniques to optimise fire protection design of structures.
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Structural resilience in fire The new techniques optimise structural fire protection layout allowing the reduction, or removal, of structural fire protection where it is not required, optimising materials, whilst delivering robust measures where they are most effective.
Improving industry standards
The techniques are at the forefront of innovation and problem solving in the field, setting a new standard to drive the industry towards intelligent design and improved safety provisions.
Safe and efficient solutions The travelling fires concept enables the design to account for human variables such as occupancy and space functionality, resulting in a level of fire protection proportionate to the risks.
Knowledge based innovation
The result of collaborative research work carried out through Arup investment and the University of Edinburgh, this work benefited a broader programme to enhance the educational foundation of future fire engineers.
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© Arup/MASP
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Wireless charging technology Electric Bus Programme, UK A five-year trial is underway on the demanding Route 7 bus service in Milton Keynes to assess the technical and commercial feasibility of an all-electric bus fleet.
Fast and efficient Rather than plugging into the mains, the eight electric vehicles have their batteries recharged wirelessly. A ten-minute boost approximately every hour is sufficient to enable them to operate all day. This is done during scheduled driver breaks. Matching existing capability The speed with which the buses can recharge, thanks to the innovative wireless charging system that uses induction power transfer, makes it possible for them to match the capabilities of their diesel counterparts.
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Low-carbon public transport The trial, supported by Milton Keynes Borough Council and the Department for Transport, aims to prove that low-carbon transport can be a cost-effective and efficient alternative to fuel vehicles.
17-hours
A business model to mitigate risk To overcome the inherent financial risk that comes with new technology, MASP (a Mitsui-Arup joint venture) set up an enabling company, eFleet Integrated Service, to purchase the electric fleet and charging equipment and lease them back to the operator.
270 tonnes
continuous service
775,000 passengers each year
of carbon savings p/a
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Defining natural capital Out of the Blue Out of the Blue is a collection of thought pieces and ideas about the meaning of ‘natural capital’. It aims to promote and stimulate discussions on the value of water, one of our most precious resources.
Water: a critical resource As water becomes an ever more critical resource, there is a need to adopt rounded, forward-looking water management that fully takes into account economic, social and environmental worth. This publication looks at the future of water and how these factors can be better understood and valued. Flexibility to adapt In view of increasingly extreme weather patterns, water infrastructure will need inbuilt resilience and flexibility to adapt.
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A new view of water infrastructure Going forward, there will need to be far greater levels of community engagement and benefit to water infrastructure projects, and catchment-based approaches that work with nature. Businesses to set the example Businesses must be at the heart of a new approach: demonstrating corporate responsibility, reducing their risk exposure and delivering bottom-line benefits through sustainable water management.
“I hope this book will be read by every policymaker” Lord Chris Smith, Former Chairman of the Environment Agency
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Knowledge is at the heart of progress. Sharing knowledge can save time and resources, and empower communities. It can spawn innovation and in doing so help to create a better future. Large-scale solutions are only achievable through collaboration, which is why we welcome working in partnership and sharing ideas through open dialogue. Within Arup, we look to engender a culture of inclusivity and diversity, which facilitates open communication and sharing ideas across the firm.
Green infrastructure audits Victoria BID, UK
Enabling resource efficiency Embodied carbon database, UK
Reducing emissions: a global view Climate Action in Megacities
Encouraging diversity and inclusion Arup Connect Network
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Engineers’ response to natural disasters IMechE, UK
Changing perceptions through dialogue Water Forum, Qatar
Safe infrastructure to reduce poverty Arup’s BridgeTOOL
What it means to be an engineer Insight Programme
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Opportunities for young people Arup Apprenticeship Programme
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Opportunities for young people Arup Apprenticeship Programme The Arup apprenticeship scheme has been designed to encourage more young people into the world of engineering and increase the diversity of the workforce at Arup.
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Accredited apprenticeship frameworks The Technician Apprenticeship Consortium, of which Arup is a founding member, has been working to develop two institution-accredited apprenticeship frameworks in civil engineering and building services.
Informing the next generation Visiting schools across the country and attending Careers Fairs in London and beyond, Arup is helping to inform the next generation of engineers what the sector is all about, and what an engineering career entails.
The foundation for a career With a college curriculum influenced by Arup’s discipline leaders, apprentices are able to study a business-relevant qualification whilst working. This provides a real alternative to University through a relevant and focused vocational qualification.
A widely promoted scheme The apprenticeship scheme has been widely promoted and encouraged within Arup. Good news stories are shared across the business and Arup apprentices are given opportunities to showcase their work internally and externally.
39 new apprentices in 2014, up from 7 in 2012
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Green infrastructure audits Victoria BID, UK The Victoria Business Improvement District (BID) Green Infrastructure Audit Best Practice Guide written by Arup sets out a step-by-step approach to enable organisations to undertake their own successful Green Infrastructure (GI) Audits.
Free-to-download The Guide outlines best practice for this new approach that is methodical, evidence-based, can be adopted by the profession, and can be understood by local authorities, businesses and communities. An informed review Working in partnership with Victoria BID, Natural England, Cross River Partnership and the Greater London Authority, as well as the willingness of those interviewed to share their feedback, helped to create an informed and authoritative Guide.
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Learning from the past The Arup team carried out 50 telephone interviews and a literature review to capture the lessons learned from previous GI Audits. Helping to focus investment The philosophy that the Guide promotes will help organisations identify space in dense urban areas for new and improved green infrastructure, targeting investment in GI that has the greatest benefit to them and helps achieve their wider aspirations.
“… a superb innovation to the BID toolbox…” Dr Julie Grail, Chief Executive, British BIDs
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Enabling resource efficiency Embodied carbon database, UK
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The database provides a free web-based resource for building professionals to benchmark the carbon footprint of their designs to a far greater extent and to more detailed comparative data than was previously possible.
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Supporting industry ambitions Set up by Waste & Resources Action Programme in collaboration with the UK Green Building Council, this work supports the joint government and industry ambition to reduce emissions associated with the construction industry by 50% by 2025.
Life cycle assessment Utilising life cycle assessment expertise, Arup was responsible for scoping the project, together with detailing the key features and design specification for the database. Arup also co-ordinated data input from across the construction industry.
Identifying carbon reductions The database helps designers identify where carbon reductions can be made. It also provides data that can be used by people across the whole supply chain to benchmark building designs.
Clear and comprehensive The information in the database has been collated and presented in a clear, comprehensive and standardscompliant way to allow project teams to gain an understanding of the typical embodied carbon footprint of different building types.
270 users registered
220 projects in the database
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Reducing emissions: a global view Climate Action in Megacities Arup helped the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) measure and analyse the action taken by mayors to tackle climate change across 59 global cities.
Identifying what works The Arup-designed survey and resulting report has helped quantify what is being done globally to reduce emissions and increase urban resilience, and ultimately, identify what works. This is the most extensive survey of city climate action ever undertaken, with 1.7 million unique data points. A thorough analysis The report looks at data collected from the world’s biggest cities, analysing actions taken to tackle climate change by 11 city sectors, including transport, waste, buildings and ICT.
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Climate actions taking priority World-first conclusions have been developed: almost all cities surveyed see climate change as a significant risk for their city; climate actions have moved up city agendas with twice as many climate actions being taken in 2013 than in 2011. A roadmap for action By highlighting how cities have successfully tackled shared challenges, the C40 report can assist every city worldwide to build a roadmap of meaningful actions. The report demonstrates that cities have the power and resourcefulness to tackle climate change.
8,068 actions since the C40 initiative was launched in 2009
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Encouraging diversity and inclusion Connect Out Connect Out is Arup’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) diversity network, and provides a supportive, professional and region-wide forum to promote networking, mentoring and a sense of community.
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Encouraging better understanding Events have been held to raise awareness and to encourage greater understanding of the issues LGBT colleagues or friends might face, including a talk by BBC presenter, Evan Davis; a screening of Stephen Fry’s documentary Out There; and a panel event cohosted with the London Gay Women’s Network.
Policies to encourage travel Working with Arup’s International Mobility placement team, policies have been put in place to encourage LGBT staff to take up international assignments, although they can choose to opt out of working in a particular region, without any adverse impact to their career.
Improved Equality Index ranking The network’s efforts have helped improve Arup’s ranking in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index to become one of the top 150 gay-friendly companies to work for in the UK.
A supportive environment There has been a jump in staff perception such that 100% of LGBT staff surveyed felt their line manager supported them as an LGBT member of staff, and 95% that senior management are supportive.
Star Performer Network Group Award, Stonewall Awards, 2014
How we shape a better world: 2013/14
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Engineers’ response to natural disasters Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), UK IMechE recently published a report Natural Disasters: Saving Lives Today, Building Resilience for Tomorrow studying the response of engineers to natural disasters. Arup was a major contributor.
The growing impact of natural disasters Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. A disproportionate amount of their impact is felt in lower income countries with limited means and knowledge to increase resilience. Barriers to resilience Using a systems-based approach, Arup provided a detailed understanding of the barriers to resilience and demonstrated how key interdependencies, when affected, can turn a natural event into a natural disaster.
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A shift in emphasis The report highlighted the large disconnect between current pre- and post-disaster funding. £1 spent on building preparedness and resilience can save as much as £4 in relief, recovery and reconstruction later. The vital role of engineers As well as being embedded into early response activities, engineers have a vital role to play to build capacity in engineering disciplines within vulnerable geographic areas and key international organisations.
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Changing perceptions through dialogue Water Forum, Qatar Arup helped facilitate the Qatar Green Building Water Council’s water forum in Doha that gathered professionals from the private and government sectors to discuss sustainable water use and management in Qatar.
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Changing perceptions One of the biggest successes of the event was to create an open dialogue between the government, research institutions, the private sector and the wider public through breakout sessions.
Educating the next generation A representative from the local water and electricity authority, KAHRAMAA, gave a summary of the programmes that are underway to raise awareness among the younger generation.
Raising awareness A series of presentations, including one by Arup, outlined the key water conservation challenges currently faced. The presentations helped raise awareness of the priorities for Qatar, taking into consideration the scale of each challenge.
A role for everyone People representing a wide array of the Qatari community took part in interactive sessions and their contributions highlighted the fact that there is a role for everyone to play in water management and conservation in Qatar.
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How we shape a better world: 2013/14
How we shape a better world: 2013/14
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Safe infrastructure to reduce poverty Arup’s BridgeTOOL BridgeTOOL enables the rapid design of suspension footbridges, coupled with documentation to support the construction process and training programmes provided worldwide by US-based charity Bridges to Prosperity, one of Arup’s Strategic Partners.
Eliminating rural isolation
For rural people isolated by seasonal floods and impassable rivers, pedestrian bridges open the door to opportunity and better livelihoods. Improving access through safe infrastructure helps reduce poverty. Pilot project a success A 50-metre suspension bridge in Rwanda was designed solely using BridgeTOOL. This pilot project helped to validate and refine the tool. The bridge itself is a success story for the rural community, benefiting thousands of local inhabitants.
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Skills for the future
During the build, great emphasis was placed on sharing all construction tasks between the different parties to maximise the exchange of knowledge; local people gained the skills to look after the bridge in the future and carry out any repairs. Building confidence
BridgeTOOL serves to facilitate the transfer of knowledge by empowering local engineers to gain the skills and confidence to design and build their own suspension footbridges.
Awarded Lead Structural Engineer, Young Structural Engineering Professional, 2014 Institution of Structural Engineers (iStructE)
Shortlisted for two awards (Sustainability and Pedestrian Bridges), iStructE Structural Awards, 2014
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What it means to be an engineer Insight Programme The Insight Programme run by Salford University gives A-level students the opportunity to take part in a weeklong, residential engineering course. Arup Manchester has been contributing to the scheme for 20 years.
Day-to-day activities During their week, students have the opportunity to visit the Arup Manchester office, speak to graduate engineers and visit construction sites in the area, giving insight into the day-to-day activities involved in being an engineer. A practical angle The site visits give a practical angle to the experience and are an effective way of engaging with the students, helping them to understand more about construction and site considerations.
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Eliminating stereotypes This is the only all-female ‘Headstart’ course in the UK (an Engineering Development Trust initiative) and is part of the University’s efforts to eliminate the stereotypes associated with the industry. Attracting women to engineering Currently 13% of all those working in occupations classed as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, including health occupations) are women. WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) aim to increase this figure to 30% by 2020.
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Our performance in perspective We monitor our performance throughout the year to track progress against our targets. Over the past three years we have continued to improve the efficiency of our office space. We have reduced carbon emissions, office waste and our use of paper, energy and water. This data covers performance from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014 in our 27 buildings* across the UK, Middle East and Africa. Previous data has been updated where new data has become available. *Energy, water, waste, paper and carbon figures exclude our Africa offices where data collection remains challenging.
Our annual performance results: Energy use
Carbon emissions
Community investment
15% reduction
10% reduction
£378,000 invested
8% reduction
2% reduction
10,400 hours
overall per employee
overall
Paper use 5% reduction
copier and printer paper per employee
Waste management
overall per employee
overall
Water use 15% reduction per employee
Management systems
in charities and community organisations
of pro-bono advice and volunteer work
Awards 100+ awards received in 2013/14
Diversity
84% diverted from landfill
100% offices certified
31% female employees
61% recycled and composted
30% of projects over £150k
25% management staff
office waste
office waste
Read more about our performance
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
report specific sustainability objectives (excludes Africa)
Read more about our awards
with 16.4% of management positions occupied by females
completed diversity training
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Looking at trends over the past three years:
Energy use
Carbon emissions*
Community investment*
Reductions achieved through continued estate rationalisation and increased occupancy density. Outsourcing of servers this year has reduced total reported kWh/m2 by 6% and MWh by 8% compared to previous years. There is a 19% reduction in kWh per employee due to increased staff numbers.
There has been a decrease in both CO2e/employee (22%) and total CO2e emissions (11%) mostly due to reduced energy consumption from outsourcing of servers this year. In 2013/14 two-thirds of the tCO2e are attributable to business travel (reported under scope 3).
Charitable investments support education, disaster relief, social welfare, local communities and professional organisations. This year included £378k cash donations, over 1,200 hours pro-bono work equivalent to £67k, plus £37k of expenses and 1,400 hours of unpaid volunteering time.
277
14,013
296
15,327
294
15,493
2013/14
0.2
2012/13
0.2
2011/12
0.2
kWh per m2 of Net Lettable Area MWh total
1.2
2013/14
2.6
1.6
2.7
1.7
£378K
2012/13
3.2
£429K
2011/12 £ invested
Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3
Donations Pro-bono
Target 3tCO2e per employee or less
£76K
£249K
Tonnes of CO2 equivalent [tCO2e ] per employee
2013/14
£104K
2012/13
£317K
2011/12
*These figures have been updated to account for radiative forcing on air travel
* Reporting method improved 2012/13 onwards to align with financial system
Paper use
Waste management
Water use
Our reporting of paper now includes externally printed paper, such as our publications. Even with this increased scope paper use per employee has reduced by 11% with the additional paper being offset by a reduction in paper use from our copiers and printers.
To improve waste management, we have engaged new waste contractors at two of our larger offices. Total tonnes of waste have reduced by just under 6% to 503 tonnes and per employee has reduced by 15% to 128kg/pa.
Water use per employee has fallen by 16% over the last three years. This is due to parts of the estate being more modern with low volume flushes and sensors installed in the facilities. Also, fixed volume usage is now apportioned across a greater number of employees.
29
2013/14
3
34
16%
2012/13
36
2011/12
19%
18%
23%
17%
18%
61%
2013/14
0.59
64%
2012/13
0.62
2011/12
0.61
65%
Kg of office paper used per employee
tonnes
m3
Internal used paper External printed paper
Landfill Waste to energy Recycled/composted
m3 per m2 m3/employee
Target reduce internal paper use by 15% compared with 11/12 level (30.6)
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2013/14
7.5
8.9
9.1
2012/13
2011/12
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Selected Awards 2013/14 Our work has attracted a number of awards throughout the past year, some of which you’ll find mentioned within individual case studies. And while awards are not our driving force, we are nonetheless proud when our work is recognised. Here we showcase just a few of these awards, illustrating our achievements as a leading consultancy, an organisation where people want to work, and one that is regarded for its contribution to the local community.
The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to work for
The Times Top 50 Employers for Women
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
Management Consultancies Association Awards
Guardian Sustainable Business Awards
No. 91
2013 & 2014
Excellence in Contributing to the Community Award - Joint Winner
People Award – Winner
Consultancy of the Year – Winner
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Looking forward Our strategic direction has been set with an emphasis on cities, which will play an ever-increasing role worldwide over the coming years. Our efforts will encompass all aspects of cities, from transport and mobility to use of resources. Our role is to provide cohesion across these critical agendas and help improve resilience and security. Working in partnership we help shape responsible solutions, to maximise value for our clients and enhance quality of life for society as a whole.
How our plans are shaping up 60 years in Africa 2014/15 celebrates 60 years of work in sub-Saharan Africa, work that has spanned many countries. The upcoming year includes work on renewable energy projects in South Africa, pro-bono work on a school construction programme in Ghana, and improving water utilisation for a brewery in Ethiopia. Community engagement initiatives Our work with our six strategic partners on community engagement initiatives continues, including a Resilient Water Systems UK student competition with Engineers Without Borders UK, seeking ideas for flood mitigation or water sanitation networks in developing countries. An inspired workforce Connect Cultures is due to launch this year and will have an active programme to build on the firm’s founding principles and ethos of diversity, and to ensure a spirit of creativity continues to thrive.
Travelling with Vision has inspirational talks planned, including with environmental scientist Tim Jarvis, and Juliet Davenport OBE, founder of Good Energy. Fostering new talent New talent is vital to the future of Arup and to engineering as an industry. Our Apprenticeship programme is up and running and attracted 39 new recruits this year, with similar numbers planned for the year ahead. Arup University, recently relaunched, will offer high quality and relevant learning to staff, and provide research funding. Targets for the year ahead We continue to put emphasis on the need to reach our target of 3tCO2e per employee and to reduce resource use. In addition, diversity training has become a higher priority for us and we are aiming for 40% of managerial staff to have completed diversity training by year-end.
Ian Rogers Sustainability Director UK, Middle East and Africa Region
[email protected]