Innovation in carbon reduction

This award seeks to recognise excellence in initiatives, design tools, maintenance techniques or solutions that have helped reduce the embodied carbon in new build or refurbishment projects and/or delivered lower whole life carbon costs in the UK or internationally.

Align JV & Littlewood group
Mitigating noise and carbon by innovative design and testing

Breaking the mould in high-speed noise barrier design, Littlewoods Group took on the challenge to meet exceptionally high demanding durability and performance requirements, whilst creating an aesthetically pleasing, low maintenance and sustainable solution, through collaboration, UK and industry-first innovative testing, research and model verification. The client brief requirements were surpassed, all key target dates were achieved and the project delivered a 40% whole-life carbon saving within budget. The lessons learnt and unique approach to problem-solving through rigorous full-scale testing will leave a lasting legacy on the businesses involved and the wider industry.

CEDD of HKSARG of PRC, Aecom Asia, & DCK JV
Fanling North New Development Area, Phase 1: Fanling Bypass Eastern Section (Shek Wu San Tsuen North to Lung Yeuk Tau)

Fanling Bypass Eastern Section project marked a significant milestone in green construction by the innovative application of ultra-high strength S960 steel in public works. The project team navigated complex engineering challenges across various stages, including design development, structural optimization, and advanced welding technology for ultra-high strength joints - showcasing the collaborative efforts and technical advancements in the world first successful implementation of S960 steel in a challenging footbridge project which brings 4 months programme benefit and cost saving.

Format Engineers & WSP
Tan House Footbridge

Tan House Footbridge is the first built structure of its type from repurposed steel. It is a great example of how the goal of low carbon can inform an imaginative typology of structure and not just its material or member profiles. It has highlighted many of the technical and procurement challenges in using what was considered a surplus material and the tenacity of the project team has delivered an elegant and unique very low carbon footbridge for a low capital investment. The data we have gathered will hopefully lead a new generation of sustainable designs.

Hewson Consulting Engineers
River Lea Crossing Refurbishment

"The River Lea Crossing refurbishment project in East London demonstrates innovation in sustainable bridge engineering through an evidence-based approach to carbon reduction. By challenging conventional wisdom on bridge replacement and developing new methodologies for assessment and intervention, Hewson Consulting delivers significant environmental benefits while maintaining critical transportation infrastructure through data-driven engineering. This project not only advances the UK's Net Zero goals but also establishes new benchmarks for bridge maintenance and refurbishment. "

minimass
Footbridge at Constructionarium using 3D printed concrete beams

minimass is a new design & engineering approach for large-scale construction - a family of 3D printed concrete structural elements. Through design optimisation, minimass vastly reduces both carbon and cost - now - giving contractors an edge in their bids. minimass can also work alongside higher cost low carbon materials going forwards to accelerate the transition to net zero by reducing the quantities required. Commercialisation of an innovative way of building in a risk-averse industry is challenging, but we have made it a reality through our world-first footbridge project, proving minimass is a viable alternative to traditional concrete or steel.

R&C Williams & Lifespan Structures
Cressbrook Footbridge

 A £190,000 fundraising effort - along with tireless work from the community - has seen Cressbrook Mill Bridge returned to its former glory, four years since it was condemned as unsafe. Representatives of all the fundraising groups were among the first to cross the bridge during an official opening event. Delivery and installation of the bridge presented us with some significant challenges, there was a tight turn at the top of the valley, so a rear steer lorry had to be utilised with a separate driver operating the rear axles.

Whitfield Consulting Services
Hackney Overbridge

The Downs Park Road Overbridge project is a prime example of sustainable infrastructure innovation, achieving an estimated 25% reduction in carbon footprint through design optimisation, material efficiency, and lifecycle-based engineering. Utilising the Rail Carbon Tool, the team refined steel girder sizes, selected weathering steel for long-term durability, and maximised precast concrete use to enhance quality while minimising waste. Lifecycle planning ensured minimal maintenance needs, while environmental commitments such as tree replanting reinforced the project's sustainable impact. This forward-thinking approach makes the project a model for sustainable bridge design, showcasing engineering excellence and long-term environmental responsibility.