Government Grant Boosts Morgan Sindall’s Carbon Tool for Sustainable Education

Morgan Sindall has received a government research grant to enhance and promote its innovative carbon measuring software, CarboniCa. This initiative, in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University, aims to adapt the whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) tool for higher education, integrating it into the curriculum to foster a new generation of environmentally conscious professionals.

_{The Power of CarboniCa}

CarboniCa, Morgan Sindall's flagship WLCA software, is designed to evaluate the carbon footprint of construction projects throughout their entire lifecycle. By measuring the carbon impact from the inception of a project to its demolition, CarboniCa provides a comprehensive understanding of how different materials and construction methods contribute to environmental sustainability.

_{Grant and Collaborative Efforts}

Innovate UK, a public body dedicated to driving productivity and economic growth through innovation, has awarded a £55,000 grant to support the feasibility studies for CarboniCa Education. This initiative follows a previous grant of £947,000 to Morgan Sindall, Nottingham Trent University, and software company ConstructSys to develop algorithms that automate data collection and evaluation in WLCA. These advancements aim to expedite and streamline the carbon assessment process, making it more accessible and efficient.

Morgan Sindall has already invested significantly in the development of CarboniCa, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. The new grant will specifically fund the adaptation of the software for educational purposes, creating a robust framework for teaching and learning about carbon management in construction.

_{Educational Integration: CarboniCa Engage and CarboniCa Immerse}

The CarboniCa Education programme will be structured into two main modules:

1. CarboniCa Engage: This module will focus on the carbon impact of various material types, providing students with knowledge about carbon hotspots in typical buildings. It will enable them to make informed decisions about materials and design choices that minimise carbon emissions.
2. CarboniCa Immerse: This module will offer tutorials on using whole life carbon assessment tools like CarboniCa. It aims to equip students with practical skills in carbon measurement and management, essential for future professionals in the built environment sector.

Once the development of these modules is complete, they will be integrated into Nottingham Trent University's built environment-related courses. The ultimate goal is to extend these teaching modules to other universities and training institutions under license, broadening the impact of CarboniCa Education.

The integration of CarboniCa into higher education represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainability in construction. By educating future professionals about the importance of carbon management and providing them with the tools to assess and reduce carbon footprints, Morgan Sindall and Nottingham Trent University are paving the way for a more sustainable built environment.