Arcadis Achieves 30% Carbon Reduction in Infrastructure Project Using One Click LCA

Arcadis selected One Click LCA as a key tool for its motorway junction improvement project in the UK’s southwest region to enhance sustainability, improve efficiency, and optimize carbon reduction strategies. The main reason for choosing One Click LCA was its ability to integrate whole-life carbon assessment early in the design process, even though it was not a client requirement. Arcadis recognized the importance of carbon assessments from the outset to ensure long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits. Another significant factor in selecting One Click LCA was its robust and continuously updated Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) database, which provided reliable, region-specific data to support accurate design assessments. The platform’s flexibility and intuitive interface allowed Arcadis to modify key parameters, such as transportation modes, and explore low-carbon material alternatives, all of which contributed to reducing environmental impact. Moreover, seamless integration with Autodesk Revit enabled real-time sustainability assessments and data-driven decision-making. By leveraging the platform’s scenario analysis function, Arcadis could compare different material and design options, ensuring that the most sustainable solutions were selected. The flexibility, accuracy, and ease of use of One Click LCA made it the preferred tool to meet regulatory requirements, achieve sustainability goals, and demonstrate leadership in carbon reduction efforts across different project phases.

One Click LCA was integrated into the early design stage of the project as part of an internal pilot study. Arcadis leveraged the tool before it was mandated, ensuring that carbon assessments were embedded into the project workflow from the beginning. This proactive approach allowed the design team to evaluate and optimize material choices, carbon emissions, and sustainability metrics before construction began, ensuring a more efficient and low-carbon design strategy.

Before adopting One Click LCA, Arcadis relied on traditional manual carbon assessments and generalized carbon estimation methods, which lacked the detailed, real-time, and scenario-based analysis that the new tool provided. Previous methods often involved static life-cycle assessments (LCAs) with less flexibility, limited integration with design software like Autodesk Revit, and a lack of a dynamic database for materials and emissions data. The absence of real-time insights meant that design teams had to wait longer for sustainability assessments, which sometimes led to inefficient decision-making and higher project costs.

The implementation of One Click LCA had a profound business and sustainability impact on Arcadis’ motorway junction improvement project. By integrating carbon assessments early in the design phase, Arcadis achieved a 30% reduction in whole-life carbon emissions, which equates to approximately 26,700 metric tons of CO2e avoided compared to conventional design methods. This proactive approach to sustainability not only contributed to environmental goals but also enhanced compliance with regulatory requirements and strengthened Arcadis’ reputation as a leader in sustainable infrastructure design. One of the key financial benefits of using One Click LCA was cost optimization through material selection. By leveraging the tool’s large EPD database, Arcadis could identify and source low-carbon materials more effectively, reducing both material costs and long-term operational expenses. Additionally, the real-time data analysis and reporting functions allowed the team to track carbon reduction progress more efficiently, avoiding costly redesigns or last-minute sustainability adjustments. From an operational efficiency perspective, One Click LCA’s seamless integration with Autodesk Revit provided accurate data transfer and reduced human error, cutting down on the time required for sustainability assessments. The design team was able to automate carbon footprint calculations, significantly streamlining what would have otherwise been a manual and time-intensive process. The scenario analysis function allowed Arcadis to compare different design and material choices side by side, enabling informed decision-making that balanced cost, sustainability, and performance. Moreover, the ability to provide clients with detailed, visual reports showcasing carbon reduction strategies improved stakeholder communication and project transparency. Arcadis was able to differentiate itself in the market by demonstrating measurable sustainability impacts, which enhanced client trust and potentially increased project acquisition opportunities. Beyond this specific project, the use of One Click LCA has laid the groundwork for a company-wide shift towards data-driven sustainability decision-making, helping Arcadis refine its methodologies for future infrastructure projects. By embedding sustainability principles from the outset, Arcadis ensures long-term benefits not only for its business and clients but also for the wider community and environment.

Beyond reducing carbon emissions, Arcadis used One Click LCA to improve regional sustainability efforts by incorporating local environmental considerations and material sourcing strategies. The tool’s intuitive interface and flexibility allowed the team to adapt design parameters dynamically, supporting ongoing sustainability workshops and collaboration with industry experts. This project served as a pilot study for broader implementation across Arcadis' future projects, setting a benchmark for integrating sustainability tools into infrastructure design workflows. By leveraging One Click LCA’s data-driven approach, Arcadis has reinforced its commitment to improving quality of life through innovative, environmentally responsible solutions.