In celebration of STEM Day, we’re excited to dive into the world of structural engineering with Fairhurst engineer, Ben Drury, in this latest interview. Ben provides an insight into how his daily responsibilities, from structural calculations to site inspections, contribute to reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices, such as re-using existing structures. Through projects like the refurbishment of older properties and assessing the environmental impact of new designs, Fairhurst engineers play a vital role in building responsibly. In this interview, Ben also discusses the challenges and opportunities in integrating sustainability into engineering and offers advice for STEM students eager to make a meaningful impact.

Q: Can you tell us more about your day-to-day responsibilities and how these tasks contribute to the sustainability goals at Fairhurst?

A: At Fairhurst, the day-to-day responsibilities of structural engineers encompasses a mix of technical calculations, design work, and site inspections. These tasks not only ensure that the structures we design are safe and functional spaces but they can also play a crucial role in advancing sustainability goals. Examples of this include; optimising the material usage within the structures we design to ensure we are getting the most value out of the materials we use, whilst minimising the embodied carbon. I have also participated in several surveys to assess the potential for reusing existing structures. This is another key task that supports our sustainability goals, as repurposing structures plays a vital role in achieving our success in this area.

Q: How has your understanding of sustainability evolved since joining Fairhurst, particularly in relation to achieving Net Zero?

A: Since joining Fairhurst, my understanding of sustainability has deepened significantly, especially in relation to the aim of achieving Net Zero. Initially, I understood sustainability in more general terms—focusing on energy-efficient designs and material conservation. However, working on real projects with a strong focus on sustainability has expanded my perspective to include the larger lifecycle of a building and the broader environmental impacts of my designs.

 

Q: Can you share any specific sustainable projects you’ve worked on at Fairhurst, and how these have positively impacted the environment or the communities they serve?

A: An example of a specific project in this regard, was for remediation work regarding the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in numerous council properties in Balnagask, Scotland. During the initial design assessment stage, four options were reviewed, with their carbon footprints being carefully analysed. The findings were presented to the client and the two designs which had the smallest environmental impact also offered the best options in terms of buildability. By selecting these options, the displaced residents were able to return to their homes more quickly, thus benefiting the local community. This approach not only prioritised sustainability but also supported the well-being of the residents and the overall project success.

Q: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities when it comes to integrating sustainability into structural engineering?

A: Integrating sustainability into structural engineering presents both challenges and opportunities. Key challenges include the cost and availability of sustainable materials, reducing embodied carbon throughout a building’s lifecycle, and balancing sustainable materials with structural performance.

However, there are significant opportunities as well. Advances in low-carbon materials and circular economy principles offer ways to reduce waste and reliance on new resources. Digital tools like BIM and energy simulations help optimise designs before construction begins. With this, a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach can ensure that sustainability is embedded into the overall key design principles from the outset.

While the challenges are significant, the opportunities to build a more sustainable environment are considerable, with engineers playing a key role in driving this transformation.

Q: What excites you the most about the role engineers can play in helping to meet Net Zero targets, and how do you see this shaping the future of the industry?

A: What excites me most about the Engineers’ role in meeting Net Zero targets is the chance to directly impact the environment by designing sustainable solutions. As engineers, we can shape everything from low-carbon materials to energy-efficient buildings, contributing to the transition to a more sustainable and resilient built environment.

 

Q: What advice do you have for students who are considering a future in STEM/ Engineering? What difference can they make by pursuing STEM subjects?

A: For students considering STEM or engineering, from my experiences, I would recommend focusing on building a strong foundation in the core subjects required for your particular course, embracing collaboration and hands-on experience, and staying passionate about applying this to solve real-world problems. STEM/ Engineering related courses offer the chance to make a significant impact, whether through innovations in sustainability or addressing global issues like climate change. By staying proactive with this, students can drive meaningful change and contribute to shaping a better future.

Learn more about starting your career in the built environment as a structural engineer. 

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