SMRT Reaffirms Commitment to the SE 2050 Program for Carbon Reduction
SMRT Architects & Engineers is proud to reaffirm our commitment to the SE 2050 Program, a nationwide movement dedicated to eliminating embodied carbon from structural systems by 2050.
At the foundation of SMRT’s holistic approach to delivering sustainable design is the belief that our responsibility, as architects and engineers, is to progress toward a zero-carbon, healthy, just, resilient, and equitable built environment. Since joining SE 2050 in 2021, we have actively worked to address the critical issue of embodied carbon—an often-overlooked contributor to climate change within the built environment. We’ve done this by reviewing and optimizing our practice standards, incorporating low-carbon solutions and targets into our specifications, and performing whole building lifecycle assessments during design. This year, we are updating our Embodied Carbon Action Plan (ECAP) as a testament to our continued progress and our commitment to creating a sustainable, zero-carbon future.
SE 2050 Program Overview
The SE 2050 Program, an initiative of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), is focused on equipping engineers, architects, and other building professionals with the tools and resources needed to achieve net-zero carbon in structures by 2050. This effort aligns with our core mission of making a meaningful impact on our communities by reducing climate-changing greenhouse gases, lowering emissions to improve public health, and providing durable and economically sustainable materials.
SMRT’s Carbon Reduction Tactics
As a multidisciplinary team committed to the SE 2050 goals, we have outlined several initiatives in our ECAP to reduce embodied carbon across all project phases:
- Tracking and Assessing Whole Life Carbon
We monitor and assess whole-life carbon, embodied, and operational emissions throughout the design process. By analyzing the full life cycle of materials and systems, we help our design teams and clients make data-driven decisions that minimize carbon impact from the earliest project phases. - Innovative Materials and Industry Collaboration
To support low-carbon design, we prioritize sustainable materials and work closely with suppliers to source options with minimized environmental impact. This includes exploring cost-effective approaches, such as low-carbon concrete mixes and sustainably sourced steel to integrate economic feasibility with reduced emissions. - Education and Team Development
SMRT fosters a continuous learning environment where our teams gain skills to embed carbon-conscious practices into every project. Through training programs and integrated design collaboration, we cultivate a company-wide culture that champions sustainable design. - Client and Community Engagement
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond SMRT. We actively engage our clients in carbon reduction discussions, helping them make decisions that support long-term, carbon-conscious outcomes. As part of SE 2050, we share our strategies and results within the industry to foster shared knowledge and encourage sustainable practices.
Commitment to Transparency
SMRT submits project data anonymously to the SE 2050 database each year. This helps benchmark efforts and supports industry-wide progress toward a zero-carbon future. We include projects of all scales and varying success levels – not just our most successful carbon reduction projects. Additionally, we annually revisit our Embodied Carbon Action Plan, ensuring it reflects the latest advancements in carbon reduction and remains publicly accessible.
As we reaffirm our commitment to SE 2050, we look forward to setting new targets, advancing our methods, and collaborating with industry leaders to drive forward the decarbonization movement. Our commitment to reducing carbon is steadfast. By working across disciplines, sharing knowledge, and upholding high standards, SMRT is honored to play a role in building a sustainable, resilient future.
To learn more about the SE 2050 Program and how you can join the movement toward decarbonization, please visit SE 2050.
