RJC Ascend
Ascend is a structural embodied carbon tool that turns data into decisions and helps project
teams lower material impacts with confidence.
Turn Insight into Action
Every structural choice is a chance to build better. Ascend makes those choices visible, measurable and actionable. It converts structural data from the design model into a clear embodied carbon estimate, showing how concrete, steel and other primary materials contribute to the overall impact.
With fast, clear, concise feedback, Ascend gives project teams the insight they need to lower embodied carbon without sacrificing performance, constructability or cost. It helps identify key drivers early, compare options side by side and understand the impact of design refinements, so what used to be a specialist study can now sit at the heart of everyday design conversations.
Ascend helps teams ask questions, explore alternatives and see the implications of decisions.
See the Structure Clearly
RJC Ascend focuses on the structure of a building, which represents approximately 2/3 of the total embodied carbon (see RJC Study 1, Study 2). This information, combined with our expertise in efficient structural design, best positions us to reduce carbon by adjusting structural systems and making smart material choices. Ascend also links a curated set of structural materials and carbon factors directly to quantities in the design model so that results are grounded in how the building is actually put together.
The outcome is a clear picture of how much carbon is associated with different elements of the structure. Ascend highlights which components and materials are driving totals and where thoughtful adjustments can unlock meaningful reductions. Simple, visual summaries can be used on drawings and in reports, bringing carbon information into the same space as loads, rebar and detailing, and making the structural story easier to share with project partners.
Design with carbon in mind
As designs evolve, Ascend keeps pace. Working from the live model, it allows teams to compare schemes with confidence and discuss options with carbon clearly on the table. Different building forms, layouts, structural materials, transfer systems or strength grades can be explored in context rather than as a separate exercise.
At key milestones, Ascend helps benchmark progress and track how changes to concrete, reinforcing steel, structural steel and mass timber affect the trajectory of the project. For clients, that means clearer choices, fewer surprises as the design develops, and provides documented insight that can support sustainability frameworks, carbon reporting and future decision making.
Ascend keeps carbon on the table throughout design, turning evolving structural ideas into clearer, low carbon choices.
Supporting your (and our) Low Carbon Goals
Ascend is one of the ways RJC helps you reduce the embodied carbon of your projects. It can be added alongside our structural engineering services where it brings the most value, giving you clear, project-specific insight into structural embodied carbon without your team needing separate tools or studies. As clients, design partners and stakeholders increasingly expect carbon to be part of the conversation from the start, Ascend helps you meet that expectation with confidence.
Developed and used internally at RJC, Ascend reflects our technical depth and our commitment to SE 2050, the Responsible Buildings Pact and low carbon design. Its analysis can support sustainability frameworks, climate commitments and local requirements, and can connect to broader services such as whole building embodied carbon studies. For you, that means fast, visual insight into structural embodied carbon and a partner who can help turn those insights into practical decisions on your projects. For us, it means walking our talk and helping us with our goal of net zero embodied carbon in our structural designs by 2050.
Talk to us about how Ascend can support your embodied carbon goals.
