SNC-Lavalin is pro net zero

In 2021, the company announced its ‘vision for engineering a sustainable society’, containing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets and commitments to achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2030 across corporate activities.

GCC countries are developing a mix of utility-scale solar, wind, waste-to-energy, and nuclear power as part of their planned low-carbon energy mix. The size and pace of clean energy targets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia leave no room for slow decision-making. Given the complexity of government plans combined with the changing grid-connected energy mixes that will include firm and intermittent power along with storage, countries will need an energy system architect (ESA) to enable decision-making.

David Haboubi, Head of Nuclear & Net Zero Energy, Middle East, SNC-Lavalin commented,“An Energy System Architect (ESA) can play a key role in meeting GCC countries’ clean energy targets, recognizing that one solution will not fit all. With an overall picture of population growth, city and transport expansion, and future demand – all aligned with government-endorsed targets – an ESA can ensure well-engineered plans can meet the net-zero energy challenge which involves optimizing the use of natural resources while overseeing decarbonization strategies at the same time.”

Sustainable urban master planning is a key aspect of future net-zero strategies. Sustainable cities need to consider liveability, work, and access to essential services by a range of non-car and road-based modes as well as deliver high-performance-built environment solutions for new and existing urban environments. This means integrating land use and urban transport planning and ensuring that high-performance buildings and environmental solutions reduce energy needs.  SNC-Lavalin has developed Decarbonomics, a data-driven solution to decarbonize the built environment in a cost-effective way to enable asset owners to contribute to demand reductions and net-zero goals.

“The building blocks for creating sustainable cities need to be in place, driven by planning legislation and strategic land use planning. This should include stricter rules around regeneration and retrofitting existing buildings to bring them up to the required standards in terms of energy efficiency and wellbeing. A well-communicated, clear strategy on the benefits of owning and running low carbon, highly efficient buildings will result in positive changes that benefit the GCC net-zero targets,” commented Matthew Tribe, Managing Director, Planning, Design, and Engineering, Middle East, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group.

GCC countries, in particular UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have invested heavily in their transport networks in the past decade, but the fact is that for internal travel all countries are still heavily reliant on petrol-based car ownership and use, as well as road-based freight. Behavioural change on land-based mobility will require awareness and strict policy-making that incentivise Electric Vehicle (EV) purchase, reallocation of road space to other uses, increased parking fees, or higher VAT on private vehicles with larger engines.

Existing metro and tram networks are not yet extensive, however, and new lines are needed that go to more locations if mass transit is to contribute significantly to a decarbonised transport network. Other technology options such as Hyperloop and maglev can induce much less friction than conventional rail systems and require less power to cover the same distance.

“Transport planning can enhance mass transit by providing new lines or extending daily operational times, particularly where it connects to major embarkation points or airports, giving people options beyond their cars. The rising use of working from home, e-learning, and online shopping will help reduce car journeys and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. A broader perspective is required that ensures the long-term planning of a widespread, functional, integrated transport strategy, including balancing supply-based approaches with the management of demand, and user behavior,” concluded Roger Cruickshank, Senior Director, Transport, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group.