ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION & OPERATIONS

Sustainable construction software

Learn how sustainable construction uses technology to minimize the environmental impact of construction on the environment. Improve the efficiency of design, planning, and building with sustainable construction software.

Construction workers walk toward an under-construction building with a wind turbine behind it.

Sustainable construction focuses on long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

What is sustainable construction?

Sustainable construction is an approach to design and construction that prioritizes long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability through efficiency and moderation in using materials and energy.

Why going green is good for your construction business

In addition to helping to conserve the planet’s natural resources, sustainable construction has many benefits for businesses.

Reduced cost

Using fewer resources means lower costs for your building project. During its lifespan, the building will also be cheaper to run, due to reduced heating and cooling costs.

Better health

Using more sustainable building materials is linked to improved health in workers and residents. Optimal natural lighting and heating also play a role in boosting health.

Improved resilience

Sustainable construction means planning with an eye to the future, helping buildings withstand the impacts of climate change on the environment in years to come.

Sustainable construction principles

Energy efficiency

Energy-efficient design includes everything from proper insulation to integrating renewable energy sources and energy-efficient appliances to reduce energy waste.

Water conservation

Water conservation encompasses a range of practices, technologies, and strategies to reduce water use and preserve the quality of water resources.

Waste reduction

Waste reduction involves minimizing waste generated during construction and over the lifespan of the building while maximizing materials that can be reused or recycled. Find out more in this video from Autodesk University.

The challenges of sustainable construction

With any new paradigm, there are challenges to be faced. In sustainable construction, these include:

Cost

Although using sustainable construction can keep costs lower in the long term, employing advanced sustainable methods and materials doesn’t always come cheap at the outset. Autodesk’s Build project management software can help to keep project finances on track.

Awareness

With Autodesk’s sustainable construction software, you can highlight the "why" of sustainable construction for clients with facts and numbers that back up your designs.

 

 

Resistance

People are often averse to change, which can lead them to resist new ways of doing things. With Autodesk’s sustainable construction software, you can advance more forward-thinking methods, backed by data.

A composite image shows an overlay of design schematics on pre-fabricated building components under construction in a large warehouse.

Sustainable construction software helps meet LEED, BREEAM, and other regulatory standards.

Green building standards and certifications

Sustainable construction software can aid in compliance with various regulations and certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), and other government incentive programs.

Autodesk sustainable construction software

Comprehensive field and project management software that delivers a broad, deep, and connected set of tools for builders.


Cloud-based design co-authoring, collaboration, and coordination software for architecture, engineering, and construction teams. “Pro” enables anytime, anywhere collaboration in Revit, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD Plant 3D.


Perform accurate 2D takeoffs and generate automated quantities from 3D models in a single online solution.


Benefits of sustainable construction software

Learn about the benefits of sustainable construction software from Autodesk.

Collaboration and communication

Project management tools help streamline planning and execution to manage timelines, coordinate teams, and keep sustainable construction projects on track.

Resource optimization

Sustainable construction software helps to reduce waste by ensuring the efficient utilization of energy and materials to reduce overall project costs.

Performance analysis and simulation

Gather valuable data on the environmental impact of a project, including carbon emissions, energy usage, and waste generation, for reporting and analysis.

Regulatory compliance

Sustainable construction software can help companies ensure they are in compliance with local regulations, avoiding fines and legal complications.

How is sustainable construction software used?

A woman in an orange sweater sits at a computer displaying a building model rendering.

Collaborate in the cloud with BIM Collaborate Pro.

Sustainable construction software for every step of the way

The first stage of sustainable construction is sustainable design, and Autodesk’s sustainable construction software can help you get this step right. Software such as Build for project management, BIM Collaborate Pro for cloud-based collaboration, and Takeoff for more accurate estimates help in every phase of a project.

Trees fill every balcony in a high-rise apartment building.

The AECO industry aims to reach net zero by 2050.

Aiming for net zero

The need to take action on climate change is clear, and many industries are formulating plans to reach net zero, the point where the levels of greenhouse gases caused by human activity are negated. The Paris Agreement sets a target overall of reaching net zero by 2050. The construction industry, which generates around 25% of all carbon emissions, has a significant challenge ahead. Fortunately, technology, like sustainable construction software, can help. Find out more about the path to construction sustainability in this video presentation from Carol Battle, Autodesk’s APAC Principal Sustainability Consultant.

See how customers are using sustainable construction software

Find out how eco-friendly construction software is helping Autodesk customers.

A colorful modern office space has large windows, green plants, and multiple collaboration spaces.

UPGRADE ESTATE

Preconstruction with BIM 360

Learn how Upgrade Estate enhanced collaboration and sustainability in construction using BIM 360, avoiding 9,000 preconstruction clashes.

 


Image ©Luc Roymans

A container ship is docked in still waters at a port at sunset.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Reinforcing the largest dike in the Netherlands with BIM

Discover how cloud-based collaboration with sustainable construction software helped reduce design time and CO2 emissions for the Netherlands’ largest dike.


A biophilic building design features lush vegetation on the exterior.

OUYOUT

Sustainable construction with scan to BIM

Find out how OuyOut transformed a dilapidated school into a sustainable, energy-efficient workspace with Autodesk's help.

 


Image courtesy of OuyOut Architects

An aerial view shows facilities under construction in Antarctica, with icy waters and snow-covered mountains in the background.

BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY

Sustainable construction in Antarctica

Learn about the British Antarctic Survey using sustainable techniques and Autodesk tools for efficient, low-carbon construction in Antarctica.

 


Sustainable construction software resources

Learn more about sustainable construction software and how it benefits workflows and projects with these resources from Autodesk.

There’s an urgent need for sustainable construction in today's world that presents many opportunities to reduce emissions at every stage of construction.

 

The benefits of sustainable construction extend beyond the environment and natural resource extraction by providing tangible business advantages to construction companies and their clients.

 

Material selection is a crucial aspect of sustainability. Take a look at the top 7 sustainable construction materials changing the industry.

Recent research data explores how sustainable practices and technologies are shaping the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

 

Green practices can lead to lower energy costs, better compliance with environmental regulations, and financial incentives, ultimately positioning your firm to win more jobs.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on sustainable construction software

Why are sustainable construction principles important?

Sustainable construction principles are essential for minimizing the environmental impact of the construction industry by providing long-term cost savings, improving energy efficiency, and reducing material waste. Sustainable construction software helps construction firms comply with regulatory requirements to avoid potential fines or sanctions and enhances the health and safety of occupants through better indoor air quality, natural lighting, etc.

How can I incorporate sustainable practices into my construction project?

Incorporating sustainable practices into your construction project can significantly impact its environmental impact. The best way to achieve this is through early planning, even before design, to emphasize sustainable construction throughout all project stages. You can use sustainable best practices through various means, such as material selection, water conservation, waste management, etc. It's essential to think through the entire building lifecycle to maximize sustainability for your construction project.

How does sustainable design software help in reducing the environmental impact of buildings?

Sustainable design software plays a pivotal role in reducing the environmental impact of buildings through various tools and analyses that can help improve energy and water efficiency, optimize materials and design, and assess the life cycle of any construction project.

How do sustainable design software solutions help in achieving green building certifications?

Sustainable design software solutions can help secure green building certifications by providing tools and resources that help project teams meet the criteria for these certifications. These tools and resources can help project teams to identify and select sustainable materials, design for energy efficiency, reduce waste, and comply with documentation requirements for certification approval.

What are the benefits of using sustainable construction & design software in building projects?

Sustainable construction and design software can provide several benefits for building projects, including reduced environmental impact, improved occupant health and well-being, increased productivity and efficiency, and lowered costs. Sustainable construction software can also speed up workflows and provide valuable tools to help analyze the sustainability of a building design or construction project.

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