INTEGRA 4.0 Cultural Transformation Through Digitalization

The INTEGRA 4.0 project by Sabesp, one of the largest water and waste management companies in the world, is a tale of transformation and innovation in São Paulo, Brazil. Faced with the daunting challenge of managing water and waste amidst growing demands and environmental concerns, Sabesp embarked on a digital transformation journey. They harnessed the power of advanced technologies like digital twins, AI, IoT, and big data to create a seamless, efficient, and sustainable water management system. Imagine a city where water flows effortlessly, losses are minimized, and every drop is accounted for. This vision became a reality through real-time monitoring and precise decision-making enabled by tools like Bentley's WaterSight and SewerSight. With significant reductions in water losses and operational CO2 emissions, the project optimized maintenance practices, leading to cost savings and increased operational efficiency, and brought stability and satisfaction to the community, ensuring a reliable water supply and effective sewage treatment.

Brooklyn Bridge - Montgomery Coastal Resilience

The Brooklyn Bridge - Montgomery Coastal Resilience project is a beacon of hope for the Two Bridges neighborhood in New York City, addressing the looming threat of a 100-year storm surge anticipated in the 2050s. The challenge was immense: safeguarding thousands of residents while preserving accessibility and waterfront visibility. The solution? A blend of flood walls and deployable flip-up barriers designed to remain hidden until needed. Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI) was called by NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) to the project, bringing in digital solutions that were pivotal in its successful implementation. GPI leveraged Building Information Modeling (BIM), 4D5D scheduling, and Bentley’s Synchro 4D simulation videos to navigate the intricate landscape of New York City. These tools enabled real-time visualization of potential clashes, optimizing construction sequences, and ensuring precise decision-making. The project significantly reduced the carbon footprint by streamlining construction processes, ensuring community safety, optimizing resource use, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency.

Cambridge South Infrastructure Enhancements

The Cambridge South Infrastructure Enhancements Project addresses Cambridge’s critical need for sustainable, accessible transport to support the rapidly expanding Biomedical Campus. Arcadis, leveraging Bentley’s digital solutions, is leading the design of a Net Zero Carbon station and enhancing railway systems while preserving service continuity for surrounding communities. Key digital tools, including Bentley’s 3D modeling, iTwin Services, and SYNCHRO, have streamlined collaboration and accelerated issue resolution, reducing clashes between disciplines by over 26,500, cutting site visits by 90%, and enabling efficient spatial planning for assets. These technologies significantly minimized construction time, lowered costs, and reduced carbon emissions, contributing to a projected 84% reduction in whole-life carbon. The station will feature photovoltaic panels, a green-blue roof for rainwater management, and habitats for wildlife, aligning with the city’s biodiversity and net zero goals. The station’s accessible design will reduce local vehicular traffic by over 1,100 daily and promote sustainable commuting options, improving regional air quality and quality of life.

Kaunas University of Technology Campus Digital Twin for Buildings Operational Carbon and Climate Monitoring and Improvement

The Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) Campus Digital Twin project tackles the challenge of operational carbon emissions in buildings, which contribute 80% of a structure's lifetime carbon footprint. Using Bentley Systems’ digital twin technology, IoT sensors, BIM, and AI, the project creates a dynamic model of KTU’s buildings that integrates over 2,000 real-time environmental and operational data points. These insights reveal the energy consumption, waste, and CO2 impacts across campus, empowering decision-makers with actionable intelligence. The initiative promotes energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction by implementing solar energy, EV charging, and targeted resource management. This pioneering approach not only enhances energy use and infrastructure planning but also reinforces KTU’s commitment to environmental responsibility, financial savings, and fostering a green-conscious community. Over time, the project is set to drive impactful climate action, improve operational sustainability, and serve as a model for academic institutions globally.

Midland Mainline Electrification Project

The Midland Mainline Electrification Project (MMLE) by SPL Powerlines tackles the challenge of increasing rail capacity and sustainability across the UK’s Midland corridor. Faced with complex multi-discipline coordination, SPL adopted cutting-edge digital solutions, including Bentley's digital twin. This unified digital approach provided all project teams with real-time access to synchronized data via a secure, common platform, enhancing safety and reducing costs. Automated quality assurance, UAV surveys, and efficient workflows yielded a 94% reduction in site visits and significant environmental savings, including a carbon reduction equivalent to 500 New York-Paris return flights. By streamlining design and preventing on-site errors, these digital tools accelerated the project timeline, minimized waste, and ensured sustainability in line with UK decarbonization goals. The MMLE is now a model for sustainable, digital-first infrastructure development.

The Elizabeth Line

The Elizabeth Line, a £19 billion expansion to London’s transport network, has created a 10% increase in rail capacity, reaching 200 million annual riders within its first year of operation. Addressing severe congestion in this 100-km line, Transport for London used advanced digital solutions such as Bentley’s OpenPaths and LEGION to optimize demand modeling, station design, and scheduling, making data-driven adaptations to keep up with evolving urban needs. These tools enabled the line’s phased opening, contributing to rapid reconfigurations that increased capacity and accessibility while saving costs. Shifting commuters from cars to rail has reduced CO₂ emissions by 24.6 million grams daily. The line has expanded the reach to central London, improved public safety, and boosted local economies. As a result, the Elizabeth Line demonstrates a blueprint for digitally-enabled sustainable transit solutions, benefiting communities and contributing significantly to London's GDP.

Transformative Innovations in Southeast Sulawesi Nickel-Cobalt Exploration

The Transformative Innovations in Southeast Sulawesi Nickel-Cobalt Exploration project by PT SMG Consultants (SMGC) in Indonesia exemplifies the power of digital integration to achieve responsible mining. As demand rises for critical minerals essential for clean energy, SMGC partnered with Seequent to optimize nickel extraction using digital twins, advanced 3D geological modeling, and integrated data management solutions. Tools like Leapfrog Geo and MX Deposit transformed data from complex nickel laterite deposits into accurate geological models, reducing drilling needs by 80% and saving substantial energy, water, and CO₂ emissions. With precise resource estimates, SMGC minimized waste and met rigorous environmental standards. The project also prioritized stakeholder engagement, fostering partnerships with local communities, and addressing social risks to minimize disruption. SMGC's sustainable practices contributed to Indonesia's economic growth and aligned with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Through this pioneering approach, SMGC not only advanced critical mineral production but also set a benchmark for sustainable practices, directly supporting a cleaner global energy transition.

Full Life Cycle Digital Applications of Butuo ±800kV Converter Station

The Butuo Converter Station, part of the Baihetan Hydropower project, addresses China’s need for clean energy by efficiently transferring renewable electricity over 2,000 km to eastern cities. As the largest ultra-high voltage converter station globally, this innovative project led by Southwest Electric Power Design Institute, employs a range of Bentley products, such as LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenBuildings, OpenSite, OpenUtilities, ProjectWise, and STAAD. They explored digital twin technology, AI, and 3D/4D modeling to enhance planning, design, and construction efficiency. Digital tools such as MicroStation and ProjectWise enabled multi-disciplinary collaboration, optimized site selection, and visualized project stages, reducing project time and cutting material waste. The “3 stations in one” design saves in total 10 hectares of land and annually 27 million tonnes of coal, preventing 49.48 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. This groundbreaking project not only supports China’s economic development by meeting 75 million people's energy needs but also aligns with sustainability goals by conserving resources, reducing emissions, and fostering local job creation.

Evergy Power Transmission Structure Stabilization

The Evergy Power Transmission Tower Stabilization project in Missouri faced an urgent challenge: a critical 161kV transmission tower was damaged by flooding during the pandemic, endangering power for local hospitals filled with COVID-19 patients. Evergy, the project owner, responded with innovative digital solutions from Bentley, including iTwin Capture and PLS-CADD, to create a digital twin of the damaged tower. High-resolution drone imagery and 3D modeling enabled the team to assess structural deflection and design emergency stabilization—all while keeping the power line energized. Traditional ground-based surveys would have taken weeks, but by adopting drone-based photogrammetry and digital twin technology, Evergy stabilized the structure within two months, averting a prolonged outage. This approach not only accelerated response time, but also minimized resource use and ensured uninterrupted power to critical facilities, showcasing the transformative impact of digital engineering for community resilience and infrastructure reliability.

Optimizing water distribution in the face of the climate crisis: Loss reduction and energy efficiency in Colombia

Amid Colombia’s climate crisis, Acueducto Metropolitano de Bucaramanga S.A. E.S.P. launched a project to optimize water distribution in the city of Bucaramanga. Facing severe drought and escalating demand, the utility used Bentley’s WaterGEMS software to create a real-time, digital model of the water system. This model integrates field data and advanced genetic algorithms to adjust valve configurations, minimizing pressure and reducing water loss. With WaterGEMS’ capabilities, the project decreased modeling time by 25% and reduced water loss by 5%, recovering an estimated 7,000 m³ monthly. Bentley’s integration with ArcGIS also streamlined data updates, minimizing on-site visits by 100 trips. This project not only enhances water conservation and energy efficiency but also strengthens local ecosystems by reducing strain on natural water sources. It showcases how digital solutions can transform infrastructure resilience, supporting both environmental sustainability and community well-being in a time of climate urgency.

Network Design using OpenFlows WaterGEMS for Distribution of Direct Potable Reused Water at Parañaque City, Philippines

In response to mounting water shortages and climate challenges, Maynilad Water Services Inc. launched a pioneering water reuse initiative in Valenzuela, Philippines. Using Bentley’s OpenFlows WaterGEMS, Maynilad designed Asia’s first direct potable reuse treatment plant—the Parañaque New Water Treatment Plant. This innovative facility, which supplies 10 million liters of potable water daily, provides a vital buffer for the region's water supply of 270,000 people. WaterGEMS enabled Maynilad to simulate real-time network conditions, optimize pipeline designs, and swiftly adjust to changing project demands. Through this digital twin of the distribution network, engineers efficiently modeled pressure, flow, and alternative scenarios, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure. The plant reduces strain on freshwater sources, strengthens water security, and offers educational outreach to boost public acceptance. With this success, Maynilad is expanding these facilities across its concession, advancing sustainable water management and resilience.

Integrated Application of BIM Technology in the Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of the World’s First Hydrogen Metallurgy Engineering Demonstration Project

Iron and steel production is a major global source of greenhouse gases. MCC Capital Engineering & Research Incorporation Limited (CERI) has set a global benchmark in sustainable steel production with the world’s first Hydrogen Metallurgy Engineering Demonstration Project. Faced with the immense carbon footprint of traditional steelmaking, CERI designed a breakthrough process that uses hydrogen-rich coke oven gas instead of coal, drastically reducing CO₂ emissions by 70%—an equivalent of 800,000 tonnes annually. Leveraging Bentley’s advanced digital solutions, including iTwin, ProjectWise, and SYNCHRO, CERI created a digital twin that supported real-time design collaboration, automated clash detection, and intelligent safety monitoring, ensuring precision and safety across 29 disciplines. The digital model enabled rapid adaptation, saving three years of construction time and reducing the plant’s structural material needs by 50%. This groundbreaking project not only strengthens China’s low-carbon goals but also sets a transformative path for the global steel industry, merging environmental responsibility with operational efficiency and redefining sustainable manufacturing.

Digital Twin of Shandong Energy Group Bozhong Offshore Wind Farm Site A

Led by PowerChina ZhongNan Engineering Corporation Limited, the Shandong Energy Group Bozhong Oeshore Wind Farm Site A stands as China’s largest digital offshore wind farm. The project was completed and reached full grid-connected power generation in the same year it was planned, delivering 1.7 billion kilowatt-hours of green energy annually. Facing a tight schedule, complex marine conditions, and coordination challenges, PowerChina used a digital twin to simulate real-world scenarios, streamlining the construction, operation, and maintenance processes. Bentley’s suite of digital tools including OpenPlant, PLAXIS and ProjectWise supported this data-driven approach, optimizing the offshore booster station design, submarine cable routing, and onshore control center. This advanced digital integration boosted project efficiently by 30%, reduced construction time by 20%, and cut costs by 10%, ultimately preventing 1.25 million tons of CO₂ emissions yearly. PowerChina’s digital innovation demonstrates a transformative leap in renewable energy, setting a new standard for efficient, sustainable wind power generation.

Advanced Analysis and Design of Flood Protection Structures through Automation

To address rising climate challenges and the critical need for flood protection, Arcadis automated the complex modeling of flood walls and gates, significantly enhancing efficiency and resilience in flood management. By leveraging Bentley’s STAAD software and OpenSTAAD automation, Arcadis transformed a previously manual process, taking 16+ hours per model, into a streamlined one-click solution, reducing model time by 95%. This digital solution, enhanced with iterative analysis and accurate data inputs, guarantees high-quality, consistent models, freeing up valuable time for detailed design and quality assurance. The initiative not only accelerates project delivery, but also enhances safety and community resilience against extreme weather, improving resource efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts.

Going Digital Survey with Bridging Kentucky

The Bridging Kentucky initiative, led by Qk4, Inc. for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, took on a monumental challenge: rehabilitating over a thousand deficient bridges statewide. Conventional survey and design approaches would have demanded years and over $700 million; however, Qk4 adopted Bentley’s advanced software—OpenRoads, ProjectWise, LumenRT and more—to accelerate digital surveys, 3D modeling, and data integration. Using drones, 3D laser scanning, and digital twins, the team created precise, intelligent models that empowered efficient design and swift project delivery, saving nearly 50% of projected costs and 90% in survey processing time. This efficiency proved invaluable during the July 2022 floods, enabling the team to quickly replace over 50 bridges impacted by the disaster. The impact extended far beyond budgets, restoring essential infrastructure for rural communities, facilitating safe access for school buses, emergency vehicles, and commuters, and supporting a resilient future.