A study of the structural engineers sustainability work with it's accompanying challenges at the project design phase

Introduction – The construction sector stands for a significant part of Sweden's climate impact and has great opportunities to influence the country´s climate emissions. In order to achieve Sweden's climate policy framework by the year of 2045, it is required that the industry takes its responsibility. Since a buildings structure stands for 60 percent of the building's total emissions, the structural engineer can have a crucial role for the building's climate impact. This study examines how the structural engineer's sustainability work is affected by the fact that the work is usually initiated after important decisions and frameworks are set. The goal of this study is to get structural engineers more involved in the sustainability work. Method – In order to investigate the structural engineer's sustainability work, a qualitative study has been applied. The study's data collection method consisted of semi-structured interviews that were held with both structural engineers and developers. The data collection was analyzed with a thematic analysis to identify patterns and connections in the interview responses. The study's credibility was ensured through careful method choices. The collaboration with PE Teknik & Arkitektur has contributed to the study with both supervision and contacts to the data collection. Results and analysis – The structural engineer can influence the sustainability of construction projects through material choices and to construct an effective material usage in the structural frame but currently has limited possibilities to do so. The structural engineer consider that they should get involved earlier in the building process, compared to when they normally get involved. Additional factors that affect the structural engineer's sustainability work are the type of contract, economy and the developer's demand. In the developer's point of view, it is considered that it would be good with an earlier involvement of the structural engineer. At the same time divided opinions appears from the developers side regarding whether the structural engineer's earlier involvement can lead to a more sustainable construction. The developers rely on the architect in the early project stages and assume that the architect has sufficient knowledge about sustainability. The structural engineers on the other hand consider that an earlier involvement leads to better cooperation between the actors, greater opportunities to influence the materials of the structure and better conditions for the sustainability work. In order for the structural engineer to get involved earlier, it requires a more clear demand setting from the developer. Discussion – The study results align with previous research as well as the theoretical framework, and all research questions are considered answered. It is clearly shown that the structural engineers' sustainability work is limited in the project design phase and that an earlier involvement would have reduced the limitations. To enable such involvement, financial incentives, clearer requirements from the developer, and a working methodology that promotes collaboration between stakeholders already in the early stages are required.