BENTLEY Systems actively participated in COP28, engaging in multiple activities across the Blue Zone, Green Zone, and Sustainable Innovation Forum 2023.
The company is showcasing its expertise in infrastructure intelligence and sustainable development, with several of its experts scheduled to speak on critical topics.
At the Blue Zone
In the Blue Zone, Bentley’s representatives are focusing on advancing low-carbon, climate-resilient pathways. Rodrigo Fernandes, Bentley’s Director of Empowering Sustainable Development Goals (ES(D)G), will speak on topics like the impact of science-based targets on global supply chains.
A true environmetalist and academician, as well as being an executive of Bentley Systems, Fernandes is actively engaged in discussions around the impact of science-based targets on global supply chains. His focus is on how these targets, particularly within the framework of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), are transforming the way companies approach sustainability.
He is involved in efforts to bridge regional gaps in the adoption of science-based targets, especially in developing regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These regions are crucial since they represent a significant portion of global emissions but have been underrepresented in setting science-based targets. Through initiatives like the SBTi’s Country Activation Project, companies in these areas are increasingly being supported to set and achieve ambitious climate goals.
The impact on global supply chains is significant. As companies in high-emission sectors like construction, materials, and energy start adopting these targets, the entire supply chain is pressured to follow suit. This creates a ripple effect, where smaller suppliers are also encouraged to measure and reduce their emissions, aligning with the overall goals of decarbonization. Additionally, the development of sector-specific guidelines and tools by the SBTi is crucial in enabling companies to tackle scope 3 emissions, which often come from their supply chains and are harder to control.
Fernandes’ work highlights the importance of collaboration across sectors and regions to achieve global climate goals, particularly as companies strive to meet the stringent requirements of the SBTi and move towards a net-zero future.
Another key session was a discussion on bolstering resilience in Pacific Island nations, led by Thomas D. Krom, Industry Director for the Environment at Seequent, a Bentley subsidiary.
Key themes discussed at the Blue Zone sessions
- Climate Adaptation Strategies: Exploring how data-driven insights can inform sustainable development and disaster preparedness, particularly in designing resilient infrastructure that can withstand the effects of climate change.
- Sustainable Resource Management: Discussing ways to manage and protect vital natural resources, such as water and coastal ecosystems, which are crucial for the survival and economic well-being of Pacific Island nations.
- Community Engagement and Empowerment: Highlighting the importance of involving local communities in the planning and implementation of resilience strategies, ensuring that solutions are culturally appropriate and effectively address local needs.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Emphasizing the role of international cooperation and partnerships in providing the necessary resources and expertise to support these vulnerable nations.
Seequent is a leading software company that specializes in geoscience and engineering solutions, particularly for the subsurface environment. The company provides advanced tools for modeling, visualizing, and analyzing geoscientific data, which are used in industries like mining, civil engineering, environmental management, and energy. Seequent’s flagship products include Leapfrog, GeoStudio, and Geoscience Analyst, which help professionals in understanding and managing complex subsurface conditions.
In 2021, Seequent was acquired by Bentley Systems, a global infrastructure engineering software company. Bentley Systems is known for providing comprehensive software solutions for the design, construction, and operation of infrastructure. The acquisition of Seequent allowed Bentley Systems to enhance its portfolio with subsurface modeling capabilities, thus offering a more integrated solution for infrastructure projects that involve complex geological conditions.
The combination of Bentley Systems’ expertise in infrastructure with Seequent’s subsurface modeling tools provides a robust platform for addressing challenges related to infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management, especially in the context of climate change and resilient infrastructure planning.
Move over to the Green Zone
In the Green Zone, Bentley is partnering with Microsoft to explore how data and digital twins can support climate action.
Bentley Systems is a key sustainability partner for Microsoft, focusing on infrastructure innovation through digital solutions. By leveraging Microsoft Azure, Bentley Systems provides “digital twin” technologies that enhance decision-making, optimize operational efficiencies, and reduce costs. These digital twin solutions are especially important in the context of sustainable development, helping companies manage assets and processes more efficiently and with lower environmental impact.
Together with Microsoft, Bentley aims to accelerate the decarbonization of infrastructure projects, a critical goal for industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Their collaboration integrates cloud technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to support data-driven approaches that enable smarter, more resilient infrastructure.
This partnership is a part of Microsoft’s broader sustainability efforts, in which companies like Bentley Systems play a significant role by offering solutions that help businesses meet their sustainability goals while driving digital transformation.
Sessions here include discussions on decarbonizing infrastructure and addressing climate change through water management, with Bentley experts sharing their insights on how to drive the energy transition and enhance sustainability in infrastructure projects.
At the Sustainable Innovation Forum 2023, Bentley will focus on the role of data and collaborative digital twins in empowering sustainable and resilient infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of innovation in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Bentley’s opened discussions on topics such as decarbonizing infrastructure, leveraging digital twins for sustainability, and integrating green finance into infrastructure projects. The event provides a platform for industry leaders to share best practices and explore innovative solutions that can drive sustainable development.
Bentley’s role in SIF23 aligns with its broader mission to empower sustainable development through its products and initiatives, such as the iTwin Platform and other digital twin technologies. These technologies enable more intelligent, data-driven decision-making that can lead to more resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems.
These engagements highlight Bentley Systems’ commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development and climate resilience
