2024 Structural Awards: Pioneering Sustainable Engineering

The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) has unveiled the shortlist for the 2024 Structural Awards, spotlighting 30 of the most innovative and sustainable structural engineering projects worldwide.

This year's selection continues to emphasise the construction industry's growing commitment to environmental responsibility and social impact.

The awards maintain their focus on four key attributes: planet, people, process and profession, reflecting the engineering community's increasing emphasis on sustainability and ethical standards.

All shortlisted projects were required to provide detailed embodied carbon footprint calculations using the IStructE carbon calculator tool, underscoring the industry's efforts to reduce environmental impact.

IStructE shortlist highlights

Standout projects include:

The Charlton WorkStack
Arup, a global professional services firm, has constructed the UK's first multi-storey light industrial building using mass timber in London.

This five-storey structure employs cross-laminated timber and a unique cantilevered design, requiring meticulous planning for load distribution and fire safety.

The Space House
Pell Frischmann, an engineering and consultancy firm, has transformed the Space House in central London, showcasing adaptive reuse's potential.

As the city's first Grade-II listed building to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, it preserves heritage while addressing climate issues, blending old and new elements to add value.

Olympic Aquatics Centre
Schlaich Bergermann Partner, a structural engineering and design consultancy, created this venue featuring an 89 metre timber catenary roof.

Its curved design minimises energy use and material consumption, with visible timber structures handling loads up to 800 tonnes.

The venue will also transform for the Paralympics.

Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)
Designed by MASS Design Group, RICA integrates regenerative practices and low-impact materials, reducing embodied carbon by 60%.

The solar and water-powered campus aims to become climate-positive within 15 years through reforestation and sustainable construction.

Tibetan Art Museum
​​​​​​​Tongji Architectural Design, a leading Chinese architectural firm, repurposed the Lhasa Cement Factory site for this museum, minimising material use and environmental impact.

Located in a high-seismic zone, it incorporates advanced anti-seismic measures for durability in the fragile Tibetan Plateau.

IStructE champions environmental and social responsibility

The shortlist showcases a diverse range of projects from around the world, demonstrating the global reach of sustainable engineering practices.

Sustainability is significantly affecting the construction industry, with challenges including the need to reduce carbon emissions, adapt to climate change and manage resource scarcity.

However, these challenges are driving innovation, leading to successes such as the development of low-carbon materials, energy-efficient designs and adaptive reuse strategies.

The awards reflect the industry's response to these challenges, showcasing projects that not only demonstrate engineering excellence but also contribute to environmental and social sustainability.

Professor John Orr, chair of the judging panel, commented: "The structural engineering profession stands at the forefront of addressing global challenges, whether through innovative designs that minimise environmental impact or through projects that enhance the quality of life for communities.

“The awards celebrate the incredible talent and vision within the structural engineering community, setting a benchmark for future projects worldwide", he continues.

******

Make sure you check out the latest news at Construction Digital, a BizClik brand.​​​​​​​