Prepared by Luke Lombardi and Genevieve Graham for the Towards Zero Carbon 2025 Firm Leadership Round Table on June 27th, 2025 The following is an abbreviated executive summary with resources intended to equip participants of the Leadership Roundtable with important industry context and inform meaningful discussion. # Summary of Resources: - SEI Workshop Report (2024) - [SE 2050 Strategic Plan](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kGF1Qav4W87mc7-D859R8f2UXitwh2H65yxZfx3Qke4/edit?usp=sharing) - SE 2050 Database [Report](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/9780784485927) and [Executive Summary](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/epdf/10.1061/9780784485927.fm) - [Low Carbon Concrete Guide](https://lowercarbonconcrete.org/guide) # SE 2050 Snapshot Year 1 (2024) as [SEI Focus Initiative](https://www.asce.org/communities/institutes-and-technical-groups/structural-engineering-institute/news/sei-reorganization-september-2023-update): - Developed Strategic Plan - Launched Signatory Recognition Program - Initiated Case Study Library - Presented to +10 industry conferences and committees - Published initial data analysis and [annual report](https://se2050.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SE2050-2024-Annual-Report.pdf) Year 2 (2025) (in-progress): - Transition to new database - Update ECOM tool - Further develop outreach, partnerships and policy stances for SE 2050 - Continue presentations, annual report and ongoing initiatives ![[SE 2050 Snapshot.png]] # SEI Towards Zero Carbon 2024 Workshop Report From July 22–24, 2024, over 100 experts from across the architecture, engineering, and construction industries convened at Northeastern University to develop a roadmap guiding the structural engineering profession toward zero embodied carbon by 2050. ### Strategic Roadmap SEI will lead the structural engineering profession toward zero carbon by 2050 through a structured roadmap, performance standards, and integration of sustainability into core design practices. ### Innovation & Risk Reduction The profession must de-risk adoption of low-carbon materials and systems via protocols, demonstration projects, and education, while promoting reuse and circular economy principles. ### Policy & Advocacy SEI will advocate for embodied carbon standards in building codes, collaborate with federal agencies, and launch public awareness campaigns to elevate the role of structural engineers in climate action. A full list list of (30) priority initiatives were brought forward and prioritized by a vote. See the final report for a full list. # SE 2050 Strategic Plan The SE 2050 Strategic Plan is structured around five core focus areas (Operations, Community, Data, Education, and Advocacy) each with clearly defined objectives, current actions, and near-term (1–5 year) deliverables. For example: ## Operations - Objective: Establish operational structure that will allow the program to run to at least 2050. - Planned Near-Term (3-5 years) Actions: Identify a strategy for funding sources to ensure the long-term financial solvency of the program, which may include a combination of grants, donations, and direct revenue streams from sales of products or events. ## Data - Objective: Chart a path towards net zero carbon structural systems by 2050. - Key Current Action (1/9): Develop framework to include structural material quantity reporting requirements in new database to address material efficiency. ## Advocacy - Objective: Promote the important role of structural engineers in achieving wider buildings industry net zero goals. - Key Current Action (1/5): Engage with local structural engineering organizations (e.g., local SEI chapters, local NCSEA chapters). # SE 2050 Database Report SE 2050 Database [Report](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/9780784485927) and [Executive Summary](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/epdf/10.1061/9780784485927.fm) - Key Findings: Gross floor area showed the strongest correlation with total embodied carbon (GWP), while other influential factors included structural system type, building use, and typical floor live load. - Preliminary “Upper-Bound” Benchmark: A preliminary upper limit of 350 kg CO₂e/m² for upfront structural embodied carbon (A1–A5 stages) is proposed, based on the 80th percentile of current data. - Data Limitations: The analysis dataset (522 projects) lacks sufficient quality and consistency to establish precise benchmarks, highlighting the need for improved data collection and standardization. Commentary: as of 2025, the Program now has +1,500 projects and updates to this study are already in progress. - Actionable Recommendations: Prioritize early collaboration with the project architect and consider embodied carbon in structural system selection. SE 2050 will continue to enhance data granularity and guidance for future submissions. ![[SE 2050 Database Report.png]] # Low Carbon Concrete Guide [Low Carbon Concrete Guide](https://lowercarbonconcrete.org/guide) The guide provides practical strategies for reducing the embodied carbon of concrete (8% of global GHG emissions and majority of building embodied carbon) through performance-based specifications, GWP benchmarks, and informed procurement practices. - GWP Benchmarks & Thresholds should be set based on realistic, location-specific GWP benchmarks and project-level thresholds using EPDs and tools like [EC3](https://www.buildingtransparency.org/) and [NRMCA](https://www.nrmca.org/association-resources/sustainability/) calculators. Benchmark data should move towards benchmarks based on strength and material placement. - Specification & Testing: Performance-based specifications and robust testing protocols to validate lower-carbon concrete mixtures without compromising structural performance. Key testing flow chart provided in Figure 1. - Material Readiness: The guide differentiates between novel, pilot-ready, market-ready, and project-ready concretes. - Implementation Tools: Includes sample specification language ([NCSEA](https://www.ncsea.com/app/uploads/2024/09/NCSEA-Sustainable-Design-Committee-Performance-Based-Concrete_V1.0.pdf)), testing standards, and bid leveling templates to support adoption, collaboration, and accountability throughout the project.