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SPeAR® (Sustainable Project Appraisal Routine) was developed by Arup’s software and sustainability experts to help the firm support clients’ sustainability goals.
The tool appraises projects based on key themes such as transport, biodiversity, culture, employment and skills.
Results are presented graphically on the unique SPeAR® diagram – a traffic light system indicates performance in each area. The software also generates a tabulated summary of the input data so the process is robust and auditable.
SPeAR® output is available in a range of languages including Chinese, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish.
The software can be used throughout a project where sustainability appraisal is required, from initial design to operation.
SPeAR® downloads
Take a look at SPeAR® software download information and options available on our Sustainability Toolkit website (available on Google Chrome).
To find out more, contact [email protected].
Developing SPeAR
SPeAR® was developed by Arup in 2000 based on the UK Sustainable Development Indicators from ‘Quality of Life Counts’, EU and UN indicator sets and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicators.
A 2018 review made the tool more flexible and internationally-applicable, and updated SPeAR® to take account of emerging sustainable development issues.
The software now takes into account indicators such as those from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and rating tools including LEED®, BREEAM and CEEQUAL.
Guardian Sustainable Business Awards
SPeAR made up part of Arup’s entry for the 2013 Guardian Sustainable Business Awards, which was shortlisted under the Consultancy of the Year category.
When can SPeAR® be used?
The SPeAR® tool is used by Arup’s sustainability consultants and by our sustainable buildings and sustainable infrastructure designers.
The tool covers all kinds of projects including design and delivery of new infrastructure, masterplans and individual buildings. It helps to monitor and evaluate project performance and support informed decision-making throughout a project.
Early on it might be used to carry out a baseline appraisal, gap analysis or identify key performance indicators.
During the design stage it can be used to compare and assess the pros and cons of various design options, identify key risk areas, guide decision-making and stakeholder participation, or assess the implications of design changes.
It can also be used to undertake evaluation upon project completion, and during operation, which can inform organisational learning and approaches to future projects.
SPeAR® represents the best of Arup’s software development and sustainability knowledge.
