Morgan Sindall Construction is advancing its CarboniCa tool with a £1m Innovate UK grant.
- The tool is already reducing carbon footprints in over 100 projects annually.
- AI technology is set to enhance data processing speed and accuracy.
- Strategic partnerships drive innovation for sustainable construction solutions.
- Morgan Sindall’s initiative reflects a commitment to reduced carbon emissions.
Morgan Sindall Construction is poised to revolutionise its CarboniCa tool with a significant boost from Innovate UK, a £1m grant aiming to refine the whole life carbon measurement process. This sophisticated tool is already operational across more than 100 large-building projects each year, demonstrating its efficacy in reducing carbon footprints by a remarkable 30,000 tonnes to date. The integration of artificial intelligence marks a transformative step, enabling swifter and more precise data analysis.
At Buntingford School in Hertfordshire, CarboniCa has illustrated the tangible benefits of such technologies, highlighting its role in sustainable building practices. The collaboration with Nottingham Trent University and software firm ConstructSys stands as a testament to the utility of academic and industrial partnerships in refining technological tools for broader application.
The funding allocated by Innovate UK will allow the development of algorithms designed to automate the data collection and evaluation required for whole life carbon assessments (WLCAs). Tim Clement, Morgan Sindall’s director of social value & sustainability, articulates the strategic importance of this funding, acknowledging the critical advancements these algorithms will provide, such as automating data processing, which is expected to boost efficiency by up to 85%. This improvement will streamline the creation of early-stage benchmarks essential for various building types.
As stated by Professor Amin Al-Habaibeh from Nottingham Trent University, the integration of deep learning AI technology into CarboniCa constitutes a significant leap forward. This partnership harnesses cutting-edge research to enhance productivity and competitive edge by accelerating carbon footprint assessments of building designs. The project paves the way for informed material choices and optimal structural designs, directly addressing the urgent issue of climate change.
Through these advancements, Morgan Sindall Construction exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable practices, aligning with the broader industry trend towards transparent and informed decision-making. The initiative underscores a pivotal shift towards employing advanced digital tools, including building information modelling (BIM) and AI, which are integral in navigating the complex challenges of modern construction.
Morgan Sindall is setting a new standard in sustainable construction with AI-enhanced carbon measurement.
