EMPOWERING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Low-Emission, Climate-Resilient Pathways Require No Less Than An Unprecedented Transformation Of Our Infrastructure.
At Bentley, we empower the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through infrastructure digital twin solutions, helping our users – infrastructure professionals – realize outcomes that are more sustainable, predictable, and resilient.
Explore the 2022 stories below to learn how Bentley users are helping to address the United Nations SDGs through the infrastructure projects on which they work. These stories are organized by sustainability trends to help you navigate the many projects that showcase how our users are sustaining both our economies and the environment.
- Climate Action
-
Climate Action
Adapting to Climate Change
Monitoring / Reducing Carbon in New Construction
Considered by UN experts as the “largest, most pervasive threat the world has ever experienced,” human-induced climate change in 2022 amped up extreme weather around the globe, leading to exacerbated droughts, floods, wildfires, heat waves, and food insecurity.
In a scenario where 1.5° Celsius of warming occurs by 2030, almost half the world’s population could be exposed to a climate hazard related to heat, drought, flood, or water stress in the next decade – up from 43% today.
Infrastructure assets require extraordinary adaptation and modification to decarbonize while making our communities more resilient.
Unlike operational carbon emissions, which can be reduced over time, embodied carbon emissions, which are generated from materials and construction, are locked in place as soon as an infrastructure asset is built. Embodied carbon represents 57% of all emissions. Just three materials – concrete, steel, and aluminum – are responsible for 23% of global emissions. There is an incredible opportunity for embodied carbon reduction through better design and material selection.
Semantok Dam Project
PT Hutama Karya (Persero) | Indonesia
Located amid the lowland and mountain terrain of Nganjuk in East Java, the Semantok Dam aims to reduce flood discharge, ensure water availability, and nearly triple the district’s agricultural productivity. When designing the project, PT Hutama Karya soon discovered that the sandy soil layer presented a significant obstacle to building a dam in the region. Using reality modeling and construction simulation, they determined how to alter the design to prevent leaks and eliminate the need for carbon-intensive excavation of fill material off site. The finished dam now guards against flooding, supports agriculture, and bolsters economic development.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 2
Zero Hunger
Goal 6
Ensure access to water and sanitation for all Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Unity Place Delivered with Optimized Design by WSP
WSP | United Kingdom
Unity Place is not just the new headquarters for Santander Bank. It is also a green, efficient space, achieving excellence in environmental sustainability and delivering a positive impact on community well-being. To make the construction process sustainable as well, WSP turned to structural and geotechnical analysis. They discovered how to replace 50% of the cement in the construction material, eliminating 16,000 tons of concrete from the design, greatly reducing carbon emissions and exceeding 2030 carbon reduction targets set by the London Energy Transformation Initiative. The project sets a benchmark for sustainable design of commercial new builds, and incorporates aggressive green certifications, rooftop solar panels, and bioclimatic architecture strategies.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Digital Data & Carbon Platform
Network Rail | United Kingdom
As HS2 continues its journey northward, Network Rail is heavily involved in the development of the Northern Powerhouse Rail and the construction of the Transpennine Route Upgrade program. Both projects are vital to the Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands. Alongside these endeavors, Network Rail also confronts the Department for Transport’s directive to quantify, report, and significantly reduce whole-life carbon emissions.
The crucial strategy for achieving this directive is to amalgamate data from all three major programs into a single digital platform, providing an environment for reviewing both current and future assets in a digital context. This capability supports more informed decision-making and enables stakeholders to efficiently assess potential synergies and alternatives across these projects.
Working together with Jacobs, Network Rail is refining a method for calculating carbon emissions with greater accuracy. This method places emphasis on the early stages of design, where the most impactful carbon reduction can be achieved, and sustains this focus throughout the project’s lifespan. This long-term, sustainable approach to carbon reduction, facilitated by Bentley Systems’ technology, anticipates an efficient reduction of carbon emissions for years into the future.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 9
Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 11
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts - Circularity
-
Circularity
Reducing Waste, Water And Material Consumption
Tackling Global Challenges
Earth’s resources are not infinite. Reducing waste, water, and material consumption is one of the most significant societal challenges we must overcome.
In our current economy, we take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – this is a linear process. However, in a circular economy, also known as circularity, we avoid producing waste and consuming resources in the first place, maximize efficiency, circulate resources, and regenerate nature.
Circularity is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. The application of the concept extends the lifespan of products, materials, resources, and infrastructure.
Circularity is the most sought-after concept for a sustainable future. Many organizations already incorporate innovative circular principles in their infrastructure projects.
Al Hammam “New Delta” Agricultural Drainage Water Treatment Plant Â
PGESCO | Egypt
Developing sustainable agriculture is a significant challenge – especially in a desert environment. PGESCO wanted to build an agricultural drainage water treatment plant with a capacity of 7.5 million cubic meters of water per day, making it one of the world’s largest. To create the massive project, the company established a connected data environment, helping team members to collaborate and improve material reuse. The finished plant now irrigates 2,200 acres west of the Nile Delta area, helping to expand agriculture and provide positive social and economic impacts throughout the Western Desert region.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 2
Zero Hunger
Goal 6
Ensure access to water and sanitation for all Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Central Water Treatment Project of Hebei Taihang Steel
MCC Capital Engineering & Research Incorporation Limited | China
Steel plants rely on huge amounts of water, and lowering consumption can be difficult. During the renovation of the Taihang Steel plant, the owners wanted to overhaul their system to recycle all industrial wastewater, resulting in zero water discharge. MMC Capital Engineering & Research Incorporation created a digital version of the plant, which helped them quickly realize a green, intelligent water treatment facility. The design reduces the amount of wastewater discharge by 9.85 million cubic meters annually and the annual production of 27 million cubic meters of new water, all while reducing energy consumption.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 6
Ensure access to water and sanitation for all Goal 9
Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Driving Efficiency and Sustainability in Material Reuse through geoBIMÂ
Mott MacDonald | United Kingdom
High Speed 2 Phase 1 is a huge mass transit project requiring massive amounts of earthworks – approximately 25 million cubic meters of material was earmarked for excavation. Determining how to reuse material and minimize waste could greatly reduce the carbon emissions produced by mass haul vehicles, but traditional geotechnical assessment methods were not up to the task. By combining digital data management and advanced geotechnical applications, Mott MacDonald developed a collaborative geoBIM assessment technique based on a 3D representation of the construction site. This analysis provided critical insight into material reuse across the project, greatly reducing waste and carbon emissions, supporting HS2’s 50% carbon reduction commitment.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Goal 15
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
MARUI – Plant Design
Polymetrix AG | Japan
MARUI is a circular recycling design-build facility that converts postconsumer plastic bottles into food-grade recycled products. Polymetrix used Bentley applications to establish a connected digital environment where all parties could clearly understand the project as it progressed. Compared to similar projects, MARUI was completed 5% to 10% faster with an increase in resource productivity of 10% to 20%. The digital solutions are also used during operations, ensuring steady, efficient plastic recycling. Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 9
Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
Noida International Airport - Infrastructure Design
Ramboll India Pvt. Ltd. | India
In addition to being designed as India’s first net-zero airport, Noida International Airport features a water, wastewater, and stormwater network that can collect water for reuse while protecting against major flooding events through efficient drainage. To overcome the challenge of designing for the complex facility, Ramboll India created 3D digital models that helped them develop an effective, sustainable water system that seamlessly connects to all elements of the airport while lowering lifecycle carbon emissions. The water network will prevent flooding for at least 100 years while lowering the need for outside sources of water by 90,000 cubic meters per year.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 9
Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts - Energy Transition
-
Energy Transition
Renewables and efficiency
The global energy crisis and government subsidies turbocharged the energy transition. Some experts say these factors may have knocked as much as ten years off the timeline.
Transitioning to low-carbon energy sources is critical to ensuring universal access to sustainable and affordable electricity. More than 50% of the carbon that needs to be cut over the next decade will come from decarbonizing industrial and energy systems.
One in 10 people still lack access to electricity. As demand grows, the most effective way to future-proof infrastructure is to pursue quick wins by leveraging existing, low-cost, mature technologies.
Diversifying energy sources is key. Renewable energy production must accelerate by combining all renewable sources —solar, geothermal, wind, and hydroelectric — to generate enough low-carbon energy to power our world.
Increasing the efficiency of any system that consumes, produces, or distributes energy creates immediate environmental and economic payback. Energy efficiency alone represents more than 40% of the emissions abatement required by 2040.
China's First Gigawatt Offshore Wind Farm Built by Three Gorges Yangjiang  Â
Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. (SIDRI) | China
Offshore wind farms now generate massive amounts of clean wind energy, and organizations keep building them bigger. SIDRI developed Three Gorges Yangjiang Shapa Offshore Wind Farm, the first facility off the coast of China with a total capacity of 1 gigawatt. SIDRI did not just have to contend with the wind farm’s size, they also had to overcome harsh conditions in the area while meeting a tight construction schedule. With digital design and analysis, they automated and streamlined the process of modeling wind turbines and their foundations. The facility now provides wind power to 2 million households while reducing carbon emissions by approximately 4 million tons every year. Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 2
Zero Hunger
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 15
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
Digital Application and R&D in Fuxin PV Grid Parity Base (CTG SIDRI)Â Â
Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. (SIDRI) | China
Transitioning China to green energy means building many new renewable power facilities. One of the largest in the country is the 500-megawatt Fuxin PV Grid Parity Base. SIDRI faced numerous challenges managing the site layout and details of the project when using cumbersome traditional design methods. They moved to 3D design and digital project management, which greatly improved efficiency and helped finish the project – and reduce the region’s dependency on carbon-based fuels – six months ahead of schedule. Now, the facility provides 240.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity to the Fuxin power grid every year.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 9
Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Kaunas Digital Twin
Kaunas University of Technology | Lithuania
To help build, sustain, and develop a community focused on smart cities and infrastructure, Kaunas University of Technology partnered with other organizations to develop a digital twin of the city’s built environment. They used Bentley applications to not only develop a precise, city-scale digital twin, but to also incorporate technology that can analyze indoor climate conditions and optimize building energy consumption. The team plans to use the digital twin to determine how to incorporate renewable energy sources, including solar panels, into the university grid.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 4
Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Oasis Montaj to Find Geothermal Energy for Africa Â
Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) | Botswana
To foster and harness renewable energy sources to power the rapid population growth in Botswana, BIUST is exploring the potential for using Kasane Hot Spring to generate geothermal energy. Fully evaluating the site required capturing, combining, and analyzing numerous types of geophysical data. By creating an intuitive geophysics model within a single platform, the team gained a deeper understanding of the risks and benefits of the area. As a result, they anticipate identifying Kasane Hot Spring as the most suitable location for geothermal energy in Botswana, helping to sustainably alleviate the country’s energy limitations.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Silo AI Flow for Pipeline System Optimization Â
Silo AIÂ | Finland
Most cities in Finland, a country not far from the Arctic circle, rely on district heating systems to keep residents warm during frigid winters. These systems transmit heat from a central source through a network of insulated water pipes to individual buildings. However, leak occurrences grew to one per year for every 10 kilometers of pipe as these systems age, leading to service outages, energy inefficiencies, and water insecurity. Silo AI brought all information on Helsinki’s heating system in a single digital platform, helping owner-operators prioritize maintenance activities where leaks are likely to occur. Helsinki’s system has significantly improved energy efficiency and decreased fuel consumption by lowering pipeline temperatures by three degrees Celsius while supplying the same level of heat to residents.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 11
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
- Digital Cities
-
Digital Cities
Healthy, Sustainable, Resilient
Just 25 mega-cities produce 52% of the world’s urban greenhouse gas emissions. They are simultaneously the biggest driver and the biggest victim of climate change effects, therefore cities have important motivations for addressing it. More than 10,000 cities have already committed to reducing their carbon emissions by 2050.
But cities also face many other critical challenges. While only 50% of the world’s urban population have convenient access to public transport, 17 people die from air pollution every minute. The disruptive nature of COVID-19 and the emerging global uncertainties were stark reminders that urban areas need to be prepared for an ever-changing and unpredictable future.
We must keep finding methods and technologies that empower thriving cities to balance quality of life, health, decarbonization, and climate resilience.
Cities are here to stay, and the future of humanity is undoubtedly urban, but not exclusively in large metropolitan areas – small and medium urban areas will continue to develop.
Foth Created Digitally Mapped City
Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC | USA
The City of Perry originally hired Foth to evaluate street and sidewalk conditions in the small town by using mobile LiDAR scanning to improve access for all citizens. City officials soon realized that they could transform the project into a citywide digital twin that could support additional projects, such as establishing more green space and preserving historic architecture. Foth processed a huge amount of reality data to bring the city to virtual life. Now, city officials can use it to provide stronger services to citizens, encourage potential investors, boost energy efficiency, and improve disaster preparedness.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 11
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Goal 15
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
Network Analysis and Rehabilitation of Marawi
Maynilad Water Services Inc. (MWS) | Philippines
The 2017 Marawi Siege, a devastating five-month assault by a pro-ISIS militant group, displaced more than 300,000 people – 98% of the city’s population – and caused substantial ruin to vital parts of the city, including the city’s water distribution center. MWS needed to quickly restore service to residents, but the project site was still damaged and dangerous. Instead of endangering staff with traditional surveys, MWS used hydraulic modeling to identify problem areas causing low pressure and lack of supply, enabling them to develop targeted, optimal solutions. As a result, the team safely developed a repair strategy that helped restore quality of life to the formerly war-torn area.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 3
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 6
Ensure access to water and sanitation for all Goal 11
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
New Test Track for Autonomous and Electrified Vehicles
AFRY | Sweden
Electrified and autonomous vehicles are the future of transportation, but the technology is still developing. AFRY was selected by commercial vehicle manufacturer SCANIA to design a test track for honing these innovations. This project includes 19 kilometers of roads with more than 60 intersections and complex, hilly ground conditions to ensure rigorous trials. AFRY used 3D modeling to efficiently design the project, as changing any single element would impact numerous others. In the process, AFRY reduced the environmental footprint of the test track while providing long-term assistance with the development of vital, emission-free vehicle technology.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 11
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 15
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
Climate Action
Adapting to Climate Change
Monitoring / Reducing Carbon in New Construction
Considered by UN experts as the “largest, most pervasive threat the world has ever experienced,” human-induced climate change in 2022 amped up extreme weather around the globe, leading to exacerbated droughts, floods, wildfires, heat waves, and food insecurity.
In a scenario where 1.5° Celsius of warming occurs by 2030, almost half the world’s population could be exposed to a climate hazard related to heat, drought, flood, or water stress in the next decade – up from 43% today.
Infrastructure assets require extraordinary adaptation and modification to decarbonize while making our communities more resilient.
Unlike operational carbon emissions, which can be reduced over time, embodied carbon emissions, which are generated from materials and construction, are locked in place as soon as an infrastructure asset is built. Embodied carbon represents 57% of all emissions. Just three materials – concrete, steel, and aluminum – are responsible for 23% of global emissions. There is an incredible opportunity for embodied carbon reduction through better design and material selection.
Semantok Dam Project
PT Hutama Karya (Persero) | Indonesia
Located amid the lowland and mountain terrain of Nganjuk in East Java, the Semantok Dam aims to reduce flood discharge, ensure water availability, and nearly triple the district’s agricultural productivity. When designing the project, PT Hutama Karya soon discovered that the sandy soil layer presented a significant obstacle to building a dam in the region. Using reality modeling and construction simulation, they determined how to alter the design to prevent leaks and eliminate the need for carbon-intensive excavation of fill material off site. The finished dam now guards against flooding, supports agriculture, and bolsters economic development.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 2
Zero Hunger
Goal 6
Ensure access to water and sanitation for all
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Unity Place Delivered with Optimized Design by WSP
WSP | United Kingdom
Unity Place is not just the new headquarters for Santander Bank. It is also a green, efficient space, achieving excellence in environmental sustainability and delivering a positive impact on community well-being. To make the construction process sustainable as well, WSP turned to structural and geotechnical analysis. They discovered how to replace 50% of the cement in the construction material, eliminating 16,000 tons of concrete from the design, greatly reducing carbon emissions and exceeding 2030 carbon reduction targets set by the London Energy Transformation Initiative. The project sets a benchmark for sustainable design of commercial new builds, and incorporates aggressive green certifications, rooftop solar panels, and bioclimatic architecture strategies.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Digital Data & Carbon Platform
Network Rail | United Kingdom
As HS2 continues its journey northward, Network Rail is heavily involved in the development of the Northern Powerhouse Rail and the construction of the Transpennine Route Upgrade program. Both projects are vital to the Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands. Alongside these endeavors, Network Rail also confronts the Department for Transport’s directive to quantify, report, and significantly reduce whole-life carbon emissions.
The crucial strategy for achieving this directive is to amalgamate data from all three major programs into a single digital platform, providing an environment for reviewing both current and future assets in a digital context. This capability supports more informed decision-making and enables stakeholders to efficiently assess potential synergies and alternatives across these projects.
Working together with Jacobs, Network Rail is refining a method for calculating carbon emissions with greater accuracy. This method places emphasis on the early stages of design, where the most impactful carbon reduction can be achieved, and sustains this focus throughout the project’s lifespan. This long-term, sustainable approach to carbon reduction, facilitated by Bentley Systems’ technology, anticipates an efficient reduction of carbon emissions for years into the future.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 9
Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 11
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Circularity
Reducing Waste, Water And Material Consumption
Tackling Global Challenges
Earth’s resources are not infinite. Reducing waste, water, and material consumption is one of the most significant societal challenges we must overcome.
In our current economy, we take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – this is a linear process. However, in a circular economy, also known as circularity, we avoid producing waste and consuming resources in the first place, maximize efficiency, circulate resources, and regenerate nature.
Circularity is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. The application of the concept extends the lifespan of products, materials, resources, and infrastructure.
Circularity is the most sought-after concept for a sustainable future. Many organizations already incorporate innovative circular principles in their infrastructure projects.
Al Hammam “New Delta” Agricultural Drainage Water Treatment Plant Â
PGESCO | Egypt
Developing sustainable agriculture is a significant challenge – especially in a desert environment. PGESCO wanted to build an agricultural drainage water treatment plant with a capacity of 7.5 million cubic meters of water per day, making it one of the world’s largest. To create the massive project, the company established a connected data environment, helping team members to collaborate and improve material reuse. The finished plant now irrigates 2,200 acres west of the Nile Delta area, helping to expand agriculture and provide positive social and economic impacts throughout the Western Desert region.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 2
Zero Hunger
Goal 6
Ensure access to water and sanitation for all Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Central Water Treatment Project of Hebei Taihang Steel
MCC Capital Engineering & Research Incorporation Limited | China
Steel plants rely on huge amounts of water, and lowering consumption can be difficult. During the renovation of the Taihang Steel plant, the owners wanted to overhaul their system to recycle all industrial wastewater, resulting in zero water discharge. MMC Capital Engineering & Research Incorporation created a digital version of the plant, which helped them quickly realize a green, intelligent water treatment facility. The design reduces the amount of wastewater discharge by 9.85 million cubic meters annually and the annual production of 27 million cubic meters of new water, all while reducing energy consumption.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 6
Ensure access to water and sanitation for all Goal 9
Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Driving Efficiency and Sustainability in Material Reuse through geoBIMÂ
Mott MacDonald | United Kingdom
High Speed 2 Phase 1 is a huge mass transit project requiring massive amounts of earthworks – approximately 25 million cubic meters of material was earmarked for excavation. Determining how to reuse material and minimize waste could greatly reduce the carbon emissions produced by mass haul vehicles, but traditional geotechnical assessment methods were not up to the task. By combining digital data management and advanced geotechnical applications, Mott MacDonald developed a collaborative geoBIM assessment technique based on a 3D representation of the construction site. This analysis provided critical insight into material reuse across the project, greatly reducing waste and carbon emissions, supporting HS2’s 50% carbon reduction commitment.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Goal 15
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
MARUI – Plant Design
Polymetrix AG | Japan
MARUI is a circular recycling design-build facility that converts postconsumer plastic bottles into food-grade recycled products. Polymetrix used Bentley applications to establish a connected digital environment where all parties could clearly understand the project as it progressed. Compared to similar projects, MARUI was completed 5% to 10% faster with an increase in resource productivity of 10% to 20%. The digital solutions are also used during operations, ensuring steady, efficient plastic recycling. Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 9
Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
Noida International Airport - Infrastructure Design
Ramboll India Pvt. Ltd. | India
In addition to being designed as India’s first net-zero airport, Noida International Airport features a water, wastewater, and stormwater network that can collect water for reuse while protecting against major flooding events through efficient drainage. To overcome the challenge of designing for the complex facility, Ramboll India created 3D digital models that helped them develop an effective, sustainable water system that seamlessly connects to all elements of the airport while lowering lifecycle carbon emissions. The water network will prevent flooding for at least 100 years while lowering the need for outside sources of water by 90,000 cubic meters per year.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 9
Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Energy Transition
Renewables and efficiency
The global energy crisis and government subsidies turbocharged the energy transition. Some experts say these factors may have knocked as much as ten years off the timeline.
Transitioning to low-carbon energy sources is critical to ensuring universal access to sustainable and affordable electricity. More than 50% of the carbon that needs to be cut over the next decade will come from decarbonizing industrial and energy systems.
One in 10 people still lack access to electricity. As demand grows, the most effective way to future-proof infrastructure is to pursue quick wins by leveraging existing, low-cost, mature technologies.
Diversifying energy sources is key. Renewable energy production must accelerate by combining all renewable sources —solar, geothermal, wind, and hydroelectric — to generate enough low-carbon energy to power our world.
Increasing the efficiency of any system that consumes, produces, or distributes energy creates immediate environmental and economic payback. Energy efficiency alone represents more than 40% of the emissions abatement required by 2040.
China's First Gigawatt Offshore Wind Farm Built by Three Gorges Yangjiang  Â
Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. (SIDRI) | China
Offshore wind farms now generate massive amounts of clean wind energy, and organizations keep building them bigger. SIDRI developed Three Gorges Yangjiang Shapa Offshore Wind Farm, the first facility off the coast of China with a total capacity of 1 gigawatt. SIDRI did not just have to contend with the wind farm’s size, they also had to overcome harsh conditions in the area while meeting a tight construction schedule. With digital design and analysis, they automated and streamlined the process of modeling wind turbines and their foundations. The facility now provides wind power to 2 million households while reducing carbon emissions by approximately 4 million tons every year. Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 2
Zero Hunger
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 15
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
Digital Application and R&D in Fuxin PV Grid Parity Base (CTG SIDRI)Â Â
Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. (SIDRI) | China
Transitioning China to green energy means building many new renewable power facilities. One of the largest in the country is the 500-megawatt Fuxin PV Grid Parity Base. SIDRI faced numerous challenges managing the site layout and details of the project when using cumbersome traditional design methods. They moved to 3D design and digital project management, which greatly improved efficiency and helped finish the project – and reduce the region’s dependency on carbon-based fuels – six months ahead of schedule. Now, the facility provides 240.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity to the Fuxin power grid every year.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 9
Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Kaunas Digital Twin
Kaunas University of Technology | Lithuania
To help build, sustain, and develop a community focused on smart cities and infrastructure, Kaunas University of Technology partnered with other organizations to develop a digital twin of the city’s built environment. They used Bentley applications to not only develop a precise, city-scale digital twin, but to also incorporate technology that can analyze indoor climate conditions and optimize building energy consumption. The team plans to use the digital twin to determine how to incorporate renewable energy sources, including solar panels, into the university grid.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 4
Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Oasis Montaj to Find Geothermal Energy for Africa Â
Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) | Botswana
To foster and harness renewable energy sources to power the rapid population growth in Botswana, BIUST is exploring the potential for using Kasane Hot Spring to generate geothermal energy. Fully evaluating the site required capturing, combining, and analyzing numerous types of geophysical data. By creating an intuitive geophysics model within a single platform, the team gained a deeper understanding of the risks and benefits of the area. As a result, they anticipate identifying Kasane Hot Spring as the most suitable location for geothermal energy in Botswana, helping to sustainably alleviate the country’s energy limitations.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Silo AI Flow for Pipeline System Optimization Â
Silo AIÂ | Finland
Most cities in Finland, a country not far from the Arctic circle, rely on district heating systems to keep residents warm during frigid winters. These systems transmit heat from a central source through a network of insulated water pipes to individual buildings. However, leak occurrences grew to one per year for every 10 kilometers of pipe as these systems age, leading to service outages, energy inefficiencies, and water insecurity. Silo AI brought all information on Helsinki’s heating system in a single digital platform, helping owner-operators prioritize maintenance activities where leaks are likely to occur. Helsinki’s system has significantly improved energy efficiency and decreased fuel consumption by lowering pipeline temperatures by three degrees Celsius while supplying the same level of heat to residents.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 7
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
Goal 11
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Digital Cities
Healthy, Sustainable, Resilient
Just 25 mega-cities produce 52% of the world’s urban greenhouse gas emissions. They are simultaneously the biggest driver and the biggest victim of climate change effects, therefore cities have important motivations for addressing it. More than 10,000 cities have already committed to reducing their carbon emissions by 2050.
But cities also face many other critical challenges. While only 50% of the world’s urban population have convenient access to public transport, 17 people die from air pollution every minute. The disruptive nature of COVID-19 and the emerging global uncertainties were stark reminders that urban areas need to be prepared for an ever-changing and unpredictable future.
We must keep finding methods and technologies that empower thriving cities to balance quality of life, health, decarbonization, and climate resilience.
Cities are here to stay, and the future of humanity is undoubtedly urban, but not exclusively in large metropolitan areas – small and medium urban areas will continue to develop.
Foth Created Digitally Mapped City
Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC | USA
The City of Perry originally hired Foth to evaluate street and sidewalk conditions in the small town by using mobile LiDAR scanning to improve access for all citizens. City officials soon realized that they could transform the project into a citywide digital twin that could support additional projects, such as establishing more green space and preserving historic architecture. Foth processed a huge amount of reality data to bring the city to virtual life. Now, city officials can use it to provide stronger services to citizens, encourage potential investors, boost energy efficiency, and improve disaster preparedness.
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 11
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 13
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Goal 15
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
Network Analysis and Rehabilitation of Marawi
Maynilad Water Services Inc. (MWS) | Philippines
The 2017 Marawi Siege, a devastating five-month assault by a pro-ISIS militant group, displaced more than 300,000 people – 98% of the city’s population – and caused substantial ruin to vital parts of the city, including the city’s water distribution center. MWS needed to quickly restore service to residents, but the project site was still damaged and dangerous. Instead of endangering staff with traditional surveys, MWS used hydraulic modeling to identify problem areas causing low pressure and lack of supply, enabling them to develop targeted, optimal solutions. As a result, the team safely developed a repair strategy that helped restore quality of life to the formerly war-torn area.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 3
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 6
Ensure access to water and sanitation for all Goal 11
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
New Test Track for Autonomous and Electrified Vehicles
AFRY | Sweden
Electrified and autonomous vehicles are the future of transportation, but the technology is still developing. AFRY was selected by commercial vehicle manufacturer SCANIA to design a test track for honing these innovations. This project includes 19 kilometers of roads with more than 60 intersections and complex, hilly ground conditions to ensure rigorous trials. AFRY used 3D modeling to efficiently design the project, as changing any single element would impact numerous others. In the process, AFRY reduced the environmental footprint of the test track while providing long-term assistance with the development of vital, emission-free vehicle technology.Â
Relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goal 11
Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 15
Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss
Empowering Sustainable Development Goals
