The choice of engineering materials used in design have a significant influence on the environmental footprint of a project. Design automation allows designers to optimise their design, meaning structures are not over-designed, minimal materials are used which allows us to reduce the carbon content of a structure. Computational design and design automation can reduce the quantity of materials consumed by a project and improve the environmental performance of a design.
As well as reducing materials, the choice of material used in design, whether it be concrete, steel, timber or a composite material will play a key role in the equivalent carbon content of a design. Traditionally, designers have will use what they have in the past without pushing for more environmentally friendly materials due to increased time required in design and inexperience in construction. Digital engineering can assist in reducing the time required to engineer and consider these more environmentally sustainable designs.