diff --git a/src/Geometry.cc b/src/Geometry.cc
index b7245bcd9..ba11a6382 100644
--- a/src/Geometry.cc
+++ b/src/Geometry.cc
@@ -14,6 +14,9 @@
  * limitations under the License.
  *
 */
+
+#include <optional>
+
 #include "sdf/Geometry.hh"
 #include "sdf/Box.hh"
 #include "sdf/Capsule.hh"
@@ -24,6 +27,8 @@
 #include "sdf/Plane.hh"
 #include "sdf/Sphere.hh"
 
+#include "Utils.hh"
+
 using namespace sdf;
 
 // Private data class
@@ -32,29 +37,29 @@ class sdf::GeometryPrivate
   // \brief The geometry type.
   public: GeometryType type = GeometryType::EMPTY;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a box.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Box> box;
+  /// \brief Optional box.
+  public: std::optional<Box> box;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a capsule.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Capsule> capsule;
+  /// \brief Optional capsule.
+  public: std::optional<Capsule> capsule;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a cylinder.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Cylinder> cylinder;
+  /// \brief Optional cylinder.
+  public: std::optional<Cylinder> cylinder;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to an ellipsoid
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Ellipsoid> ellipsoid;
+  /// \brief Optional ellipsoid
+  public: std::optional<Ellipsoid> ellipsoid;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a plane.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Plane> plane;
+  /// \brief Optional plane.
+  public: std::optional<Plane> plane;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a sphere.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Sphere> sphere;
+  /// \brief Optional sphere.
+  public: std::optional<Sphere> sphere;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a mesh.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Mesh> mesh;
+  /// \brief Optional mesh.
+  public: std::optional<Mesh> mesh;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a heightmap.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Heightmap> heightmap;
+  /// \brief Optional heightmap.
+  public: std::optional<Heightmap> heightmap;
 
   /// \brief The SDF element pointer used during load.
   public: sdf::ElementPtr sdf;
@@ -75,57 +80,8 @@ Geometry::~Geometry()
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 Geometry::Geometry(const Geometry &_geometry)
-  : dataPtr(new GeometryPrivate)
+  : dataPtr(new GeometryPrivate(*_geometry.dataPtr))
 {
-  this->dataPtr->type = _geometry.dataPtr->type;
-
-  if (_geometry.dataPtr->box)
-  {
-    this->dataPtr->box = std::make_unique<sdf::Box>(*_geometry.dataPtr->box);
-  }
-
-  if (_geometry.dataPtr->capsule)
-  {
-    this->dataPtr->capsule = std::make_unique<sdf::Capsule>(
-        *_geometry.dataPtr->capsule);
-  }
-
-  if (_geometry.dataPtr->cylinder)
-  {
-    this->dataPtr->cylinder = std::make_unique<sdf::Cylinder>(
-        *_geometry.dataPtr->cylinder);
-  }
-
-  if (_geometry.dataPtr->ellipsoid)
-  {
-    this->dataPtr->ellipsoid = std::make_unique<sdf::Ellipsoid>(
-        *_geometry.dataPtr->ellipsoid);
-  }
-
-  if (_geometry.dataPtr->plane)
-  {
-    this->dataPtr->plane = std::make_unique<sdf::Plane>(
-        *_geometry.dataPtr->plane);
-  }
-
-  if (_geometry.dataPtr->sphere)
-  {
-    this->dataPtr->sphere = std::make_unique<sdf::Sphere>(
-        *_geometry.dataPtr->sphere);
-  }
-
-  if (_geometry.dataPtr->mesh)
-  {
-    this->dataPtr->mesh = std::make_unique<sdf::Mesh>(*_geometry.dataPtr->mesh);
-  }
-
-  if (_geometry.dataPtr->heightmap)
-  {
-    this->dataPtr->heightmap =
-        std::make_unique<sdf::Heightmap>(*_geometry.dataPtr->heightmap);
-  }
-
-  this->dataPtr->sdf = _geometry.dataPtr->sdf;
 }
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -176,56 +132,56 @@ Errors Geometry::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
   if (_sdf->HasElement("box"))
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = GeometryType::BOX;
-    this->dataPtr->box.reset(new Box());
+    this->dataPtr->box.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->box->Load(_sdf->GetElement("box"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (_sdf->HasElement("capsule"))
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = GeometryType::CAPSULE;
-    this->dataPtr->capsule.reset(new Capsule());
+    this->dataPtr->capsule.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->capsule->Load(_sdf->GetElement("capsule"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (_sdf->HasElement("cylinder"))
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = GeometryType::CYLINDER;
-    this->dataPtr->cylinder.reset(new Cylinder());
+    this->dataPtr->cylinder.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->cylinder->Load(_sdf->GetElement("cylinder"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (_sdf->HasElement("ellipsoid"))
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = GeometryType::ELLIPSOID;
-    this->dataPtr->ellipsoid.reset(new Ellipsoid());
+    this->dataPtr->ellipsoid.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->ellipsoid->Load(_sdf->GetElement("ellipsoid"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (_sdf->HasElement("plane"))
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = GeometryType::PLANE;
-    this->dataPtr->plane.reset(new Plane());
+    this->dataPtr->plane.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->plane->Load(_sdf->GetElement("plane"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (_sdf->HasElement("sphere"))
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = GeometryType::SPHERE;
-    this->dataPtr->sphere.reset(new Sphere());
+    this->dataPtr->sphere.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->sphere->Load(_sdf->GetElement("sphere"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (_sdf->HasElement("mesh"))
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = GeometryType::MESH;
-    this->dataPtr->mesh.reset(new Mesh());
+    this->dataPtr->mesh.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->mesh->Load(_sdf->GetElement("mesh"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (_sdf->HasElement("heightmap"))
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = GeometryType::HEIGHTMAP;
-    this->dataPtr->heightmap.reset(new Heightmap());
+    this->dataPtr->heightmap.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->heightmap->Load(_sdf->GetElement("heightmap"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
@@ -248,97 +204,97 @@ void Geometry::SetType(const GeometryType _type)
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Box *Geometry::BoxShape() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->box.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->box);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Geometry::SetBoxShape(const Box &_box)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->box = std::make_unique<Box>(_box);
+  this->dataPtr->box = _box;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Sphere *Geometry::SphereShape() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->sphere.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->sphere);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Geometry::SetSphereShape(const Sphere &_sphere)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->sphere = std::make_unique<Sphere>(_sphere);
+  this->dataPtr->sphere = _sphere;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Capsule *Geometry::CapsuleShape() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->capsule.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->capsule);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Geometry::SetCapsuleShape(const Capsule &_capsule)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->capsule = std::make_unique<Capsule>(_capsule);
+  this->dataPtr->capsule = _capsule;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Cylinder *Geometry::CylinderShape() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->cylinder.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->cylinder);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Geometry::SetCylinderShape(const Cylinder &_cylinder)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->cylinder = std::make_unique<Cylinder>(_cylinder);
+  this->dataPtr->cylinder = _cylinder;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Ellipsoid *Geometry::EllipsoidShape() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->ellipsoid.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->ellipsoid);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Geometry::SetEllipsoidShape(const Ellipsoid &_ellipsoid)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->ellipsoid = std::make_unique<Ellipsoid>(_ellipsoid);
+  this->dataPtr->ellipsoid = _ellipsoid;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Plane *Geometry::PlaneShape() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->plane.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->plane);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Geometry::SetPlaneShape(const Plane &_plane)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->plane = std::make_unique<Plane>(_plane);
+  this->dataPtr->plane = _plane;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Mesh *Geometry::MeshShape() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->mesh.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->mesh);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Geometry::SetMeshShape(const Mesh &_mesh)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->mesh = std::make_unique<Mesh>(_mesh);
+  this->dataPtr->mesh = _mesh;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Heightmap *Geometry::HeightmapShape() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->heightmap.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->heightmap);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Geometry::SetHeightmapShape(const Heightmap &_heightmap)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->heightmap = std::make_unique<Heightmap>(_heightmap);
+  this->dataPtr->heightmap = _heightmap;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/src/Joint.cc b/src/Joint.cc
index 711dffb9d..5e67aeade 100644
--- a/src/Joint.cc
+++ b/src/Joint.cc
@@ -32,21 +32,6 @@ using namespace sdf;
 
 class sdf::JointPrivate
 {
-  public: JointPrivate()
-  {
-    // Initialize here because windows does not support list initialization
-    // at member initialization (ie ... axis = {{nullptr, nullpter}};).
-    this->axis[0] = nullptr;
-    this->axis[1] = nullptr;
-  }
-
-  /// \brief Copy constructor
-  /// \param[in] _jointPrivate JointPrivate to copy.
-  public: explicit JointPrivate(const JointPrivate &_jointPrivate);
-
-  // Delete copy assignment so it is not accidentally used
-  public: JointPrivate &operator=(const JointPrivate &_) = delete;
-
   /// \brief Name of the joint.
   public: std::string name = "";
 
@@ -70,7 +55,7 @@ class sdf::JointPrivate
 
   /// \brief Joint axis
   // cppcheck-suppress
-  public: std::array<std::unique_ptr<JointAxis>, 2> axis;
+  public: std::array<std::optional<JointAxis>, 2> axis;
 
   /// \brief The SDF element pointer used during load.
   public: sdf::ElementPtr sdf;
@@ -82,28 +67,6 @@ class sdf::JointPrivate
   public: sdf::ScopedGraph<sdf::PoseRelativeToGraph> poseRelativeToGraph;
 };
 
-/////////////////////////////////////////////////
-JointPrivate::JointPrivate(const JointPrivate &_jointPrivate)
-    : name(_jointPrivate.name),
-      parentLinkName(_jointPrivate.parentLinkName),
-      childLinkName(_jointPrivate.childLinkName),
-      type(_jointPrivate.type),
-      pose(_jointPrivate.pose),
-      poseRelativeTo(_jointPrivate.poseRelativeTo),
-      threadPitch(_jointPrivate.threadPitch),
-      sdf(_jointPrivate.sdf),
-      frameAttachedToGraph(_jointPrivate.frameAttachedToGraph),
-      poseRelativeToGraph(_jointPrivate.poseRelativeToGraph)
-{
-  for (std::size_t i = 0; i < _jointPrivate.axis.size(); ++i)
-  {
-    if (_jointPrivate.axis[i])
-    {
-      this->axis[i] = std::make_unique<JointAxis>(*_jointPrivate.axis[i]);
-    }
-  }
-}
-
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 Joint::Joint()
   : dataPtr(new JointPrivate)
@@ -232,14 +195,14 @@ Errors Joint::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
 
   if (_sdf->HasElement("axis"))
   {
-    this->dataPtr->axis[0].reset(new JointAxis());
+    this->dataPtr->axis[0].emplace();
     Errors axisErrors = this->dataPtr->axis[0]->Load(_sdf->GetElement("axis"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), axisErrors.begin(), axisErrors.end());
   }
 
   if (_sdf->HasElement("axis2"))
   {
-    this->dataPtr->axis[1].reset(new JointAxis());
+    this->dataPtr->axis[1].emplace();
     Errors axisErrors = this->dataPtr->axis[1]->Load(_sdf->GetElement("axis2"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), axisErrors.begin(), axisErrors.end());
   }
@@ -338,14 +301,13 @@ void Joint::SetChildLinkName(const std::string &_name)
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const JointAxis *Joint::Axis(const unsigned int _index) const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->axis[std::min(_index, 1u)].get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->axis[std::min(_index, 1u)]);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Joint::SetAxis(const unsigned int _index, const JointAxis &_axis)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->axis[std::min(_index, 1u)] =
-      std::make_unique<JointAxis>(_axis);
+  this->dataPtr->axis[std::min(_index, 1u)] = _axis;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/src/Material.cc b/src/Material.cc
index 41bf0a0f2..ed93a472b 100644
--- a/src/Material.cc
+++ b/src/Material.cc
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
  *
 */
 #include <string>
+#include <optional>
 #include <vector>
 #include <ignition/math/Vector3.hh>
 
@@ -61,7 +62,7 @@ class sdf::MaterialPrivate
   public: float renderOrder = 0;
 
   /// \brief Physically Based Rendering (PBR) properties
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Pbr> pbr;
+  public: std::optional<Pbr> pbr;
 
   /// \brief The SDF element pointer used during load.
   public: sdf::ElementPtr sdf;
@@ -85,23 +86,8 @@ Material::~Material()
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 Material::Material(const Material &_material)
-  : dataPtr(new MaterialPrivate)
+  : dataPtr(new MaterialPrivate(*_material.dataPtr))
 {
-  this->dataPtr->scriptUri = _material.dataPtr->scriptUri;
-  this->dataPtr->scriptName = _material.dataPtr->scriptName;
-  this->dataPtr->shader = _material.dataPtr->shader;
-  this->dataPtr->normalMap = _material.dataPtr->normalMap;
-  this->dataPtr->lighting = _material.dataPtr->lighting;
-  this->dataPtr->renderOrder = _material.dataPtr->renderOrder;
-  this->dataPtr->doubleSided = _material.dataPtr->doubleSided;
-  this->dataPtr->ambient = _material.dataPtr->ambient;
-  this->dataPtr->diffuse = _material.dataPtr->diffuse;
-  this->dataPtr->specular = _material.dataPtr->specular;
-  this->dataPtr->emissive = _material.dataPtr->emissive;
-  this->dataPtr->sdf = _material.dataPtr->sdf;
-  this->dataPtr->filePath = _material.dataPtr->filePath;
-  if (_material.dataPtr->pbr)
-    this->dataPtr->pbr = std::make_unique<Pbr>(*_material.dataPtr->pbr);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -235,7 +221,7 @@ Errors Material::Load(sdf::ElementPtr _sdf)
   // load pbr param
   if (_sdf->HasElement("pbr"))
   {
-    this->dataPtr->pbr.reset(new sdf::Pbr());
+    this->dataPtr->pbr.emplace();
     Errors pbrErrors = this->dataPtr->pbr->Load(_sdf->GetElement("pbr"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), pbrErrors.begin(), pbrErrors.end());
   }
@@ -384,13 +370,13 @@ void Material::SetNormalMap(const std::string &_map)
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Material::SetPbrMaterial(const Pbr &_pbr)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->pbr.reset(new Pbr(_pbr));
+  this->dataPtr->pbr = _pbr;
 }
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 Pbr *Material::PbrMaterial() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->pbr.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->pbr);
 }
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/src/Scene.cc b/src/Scene.cc
index a042a1b07..b7ffd6bd3 100644
--- a/src/Scene.cc
+++ b/src/Scene.cc
@@ -22,16 +22,6 @@ using namespace sdf;
 /// \brief Scene private data.
 class sdf::ScenePrivate
 {
-  /// \brief Default constructor
-  public: ScenePrivate() = default;
-
-  /// \brief Copy constructor
-  /// \param[in] _scenePrivate private data to copy
-  public: explicit ScenePrivate(const ScenePrivate &_scenePrivate);
-
-  // Delete copy assignment so it is not accidentally used
-  public: ScenePrivate &operator=(const ScenePrivate &) = delete;
-
   /// \brief True if grid should be enabled
   public: bool grid = true;
 
@@ -50,28 +40,12 @@ class sdf::ScenePrivate
       ignition::math::Color(0.7f, 0.7f, .7f);
 
   /// \brief Pointer to the sky properties.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Sky> sky;
+  public: std::optional<Sky> sky;
 
   /// \brief The SDF element pointer used during load.
   public: sdf::ElementPtr sdf;
 };
 
-/////////////////////////////////////////////////
-ScenePrivate::ScenePrivate(const ScenePrivate &_scenePrivate)
-    : grid(_scenePrivate.grid),
-      shadows(_scenePrivate.shadows),
-      originVisual(_scenePrivate.originVisual),
-      ambient(_scenePrivate.ambient),
-      background(_scenePrivate.background),
-      sdf(_scenePrivate.sdf)
-{
-  if (_scenePrivate.sky)
-  {
-    this->sky =
-        std::make_unique<Sky>(*(_scenePrivate.sky));
-  }
-}
-
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 Scene::Scene()
   : dataPtr(new ScenePrivate)
@@ -150,7 +124,7 @@ Errors Scene::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
   // load sky
   if (_sdf->HasElement("sky"))
   {
-    this->dataPtr->sky = std::make_unique<sdf::Sky>();
+    this->dataPtr->sky.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->sky->Load(_sdf->GetElement("sky"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
@@ -220,13 +194,13 @@ void Scene::SetOriginVisual(const bool _enabled)
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Scene::SetSky(const sdf::Sky &_sky)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->sky = std::make_unique<sdf::Sky>(_sky);
+  this->dataPtr->sky = _sky;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const sdf::Sky *Scene::Sky() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->sky.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->sky);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/src/Sensor.cc b/src/Sensor.cc
index 842ceae32..92f9bb1c6 100644
--- a/src/Sensor.cc
+++ b/src/Sensor.cc
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
 */
 #include <memory>
 #include <string>
+#include <optional>
 #include <vector>
 #include <ignition/math/Pose3.hh>
 #include "sdf/AirPressure.hh"
@@ -63,58 +64,6 @@ const std::vector<std::string> sensorTypeStrs =
 
 class sdf::SensorPrivate
 {
-  /// \brief Default constructor
-  public: SensorPrivate() = default;
-
-  /// \brief Copy constructor
-  public: explicit SensorPrivate(const SensorPrivate &_sensor)
-          : type(_sensor.type),
-            name(_sensor.name),
-            topic(_sensor.topic),
-            pose(_sensor.pose),
-            poseRelativeTo(_sensor.poseRelativeTo),
-            sdf(_sensor.sdf),
-            updateRate(_sensor.updateRate)
-
-  {
-    if (_sensor.magnetometer)
-    {
-      this->magnetometer = std::make_unique<sdf::Magnetometer>(
-          *_sensor.magnetometer);
-    }
-    if (_sensor.altimeter)
-    {
-      this->altimeter = std::make_unique<sdf::Altimeter>(*_sensor.altimeter);
-    }
-    if (_sensor.airPressure)
-    {
-      this->airPressure = std::make_unique<sdf::AirPressure>(
-          *_sensor.airPressure);
-    }
-    if (_sensor.camera)
-    {
-      this->camera = std::make_unique<sdf::Camera>(*_sensor.camera);
-    }
-    if (_sensor.forceTorque)
-    {
-      this->forceTorque = std::make_unique<sdf::ForceTorque>(
-          *_sensor.forceTorque);
-    }
-    if (_sensor.imu)
-    {
-      this->imu = std::make_unique<sdf::Imu>(*_sensor.imu);
-    }
-    if (_sensor.lidar)
-    {
-      this->lidar = std::make_unique<sdf::Lidar>(*_sensor.lidar);
-    }
-    // Developer note: If you add a new sensor type, make sure to also
-    // update the Sensor::operator== function. Please bump this text down as
-    // new sensors are added so that the next developer sees the message.
-  }
-  // Delete copy assignment so it is not accidentally used
-  public: SensorPrivate &operator=(const SensorPrivate &) = delete;
-
   // \brief The sensor type.
   public: SensorType type = SensorType::NONE;
 
@@ -139,26 +88,26 @@ class sdf::SensorPrivate
   /// \brief Scoped Pose Relative-To graph at the parent model scope.
   public: sdf::ScopedGraph<sdf::PoseRelativeToGraph> poseRelativeToGraph;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a magnetometer.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Magnetometer> magnetometer;
+  /// \brief Optional magnetometer.
+  public: std::optional<Magnetometer> magnetometer;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to an altimeter.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Altimeter> altimeter;
+  /// \brief Optional altimeter.
+  public: std::optional<Altimeter> altimeter;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to an air pressure sensor.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<AirPressure> airPressure;
+  /// \brief Optional air pressure sensor.
+  public: std::optional<AirPressure> airPressure;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a camera.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Camera> camera;
+  /// \brief Optional camera.
+  public: std::optional<Camera> camera;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a force torque sensor.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<ForceTorque> forceTorque;
+  /// \brief Optional force torque sensor.
+  public: std::optional<ForceTorque> forceTorque;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to an IMU.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Imu> imu;
+  /// \brief Optional IMU.
+  public: std::optional<Imu> imu;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to a lidar.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Lidar> lidar;
+  /// \brief Optional lidar.
+  public: std::optional<Lidar> lidar;
 
   // Developer note: If you add a new sensor type, make sure to also
   // update the Sensor::operator== function. Please bump this text down as
@@ -305,7 +254,7 @@ Errors Sensor::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
   if (type == "air_pressure")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::AIR_PRESSURE;
-    this->dataPtr->airPressure.reset(new AirPressure());
+    this->dataPtr->airPressure.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->airPressure->Load(
         _sdf->GetElement("air_pressure"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
@@ -313,14 +262,14 @@ Errors Sensor::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
   else if (type == "altimeter")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::ALTIMETER;
-    this->dataPtr->altimeter.reset(new Altimeter());
+    this->dataPtr->altimeter.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->altimeter->Load(_sdf->GetElement("altimeter"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (type == "camera")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::CAMERA;
-    this->dataPtr->camera.reset(new Camera());
+    this->dataPtr->camera.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->camera->Load(_sdf->GetElement("camera"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
@@ -331,28 +280,28 @@ Errors Sensor::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
   else if (type == "depth" || type == "depth_camera")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::DEPTH_CAMERA;
-    this->dataPtr->camera.reset(new Camera());
+    this->dataPtr->camera.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->camera->Load(_sdf->GetElement("camera"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (type == "rgbd" || type == "rgbd_camera")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::RGBD_CAMERA;
-    this->dataPtr->camera.reset(new Camera());
+    this->dataPtr->camera.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->camera->Load(_sdf->GetElement("camera"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (type == "thermal" || type == "thermal_camera")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::THERMAL_CAMERA;
-    this->dataPtr->camera.reset(new Camera());
+    this->dataPtr->camera.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->camera->Load(_sdf->GetElement("camera"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
   else if (type == "force_torque")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::FORCE_TORQUE;
-    this->dataPtr->forceTorque.reset(new ForceTorque());
+    this->dataPtr->forceTorque.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->forceTorque->Load(
         _sdf->GetElement("force_torque"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
@@ -364,7 +313,7 @@ Errors Sensor::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
   else if (type == "gpu_ray" || type == "gpu_lidar")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::GPU_LIDAR;
-    this->dataPtr->lidar.reset(new Lidar());
+    this->dataPtr->lidar.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->lidar->Load(
         _sdf->GetElement(_sdf->HasElement("lidar") ? "lidar" : "ray"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
@@ -372,7 +321,7 @@ Errors Sensor::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
   else if (type == "imu")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::IMU;
-    this->dataPtr->imu.reset(new Imu());
+    this->dataPtr->imu.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->imu->Load(_sdf->GetElement("imu"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
@@ -383,7 +332,7 @@ Errors Sensor::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
   else if (type == "magnetometer")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::MAGNETOMETER;
-    this->dataPtr->magnetometer.reset(new Magnetometer());
+    this->dataPtr->magnetometer.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->magnetometer->Load(
         _sdf->GetElement("magnetometer"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
@@ -395,7 +344,7 @@ Errors Sensor::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
   else if (type == "ray" || type == "lidar")
   {
     this->dataPtr->type = SensorType::LIDAR;
-    this->dataPtr->lidar.reset(new Lidar());
+    this->dataPtr->lidar.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->lidar->Load(
         _sdf->GetElement(_sdf->HasElement("lidar") ? "lidar" : "ray"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
@@ -540,49 +489,49 @@ bool Sensor::SetType(const std::string &_typeStr)
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Magnetometer *Sensor::MagnetometerSensor() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->magnetometer.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->magnetometer);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Sensor::SetMagnetometerSensor(const Magnetometer &_mag)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->magnetometer = std::make_unique<Magnetometer>(_mag);
+  this->dataPtr->magnetometer = _mag;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Altimeter *Sensor::AltimeterSensor() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->altimeter.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->altimeter);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Sensor::SetAltimeterSensor(const Altimeter &_alt)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->altimeter = std::make_unique<Altimeter>(_alt);
+  this->dataPtr->altimeter = _alt;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const AirPressure *Sensor::AirPressureSensor() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->airPressure.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->airPressure);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Sensor::SetAirPressureSensor(const AirPressure &_air)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->airPressure = std::make_unique<AirPressure>(_air);
+  this->dataPtr->airPressure = _air;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Lidar *Sensor::LidarSensor() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->lidar.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->lidar);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Sensor::SetLidarSensor(const Lidar &_lidar)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->lidar = std::make_unique<Lidar>(_lidar);
+  this->dataPtr->lidar = _lidar;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -609,35 +558,35 @@ std::string Sensor::TypeStr() const
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Sensor::SetCameraSensor(const Camera &_cam)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->camera = std::make_unique<Camera>(_cam);
+  this->dataPtr->camera = _cam;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Camera *Sensor::CameraSensor() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->camera.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->camera);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Sensor::SetForceTorqueSensor(const ForceTorque &_ft)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->forceTorque = std::make_unique<ForceTorque>(_ft);
+  this->dataPtr->forceTorque = _ft;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const ForceTorque *Sensor::ForceTorqueSensor() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->forceTorque.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->forceTorque);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Sensor::SetImuSensor(const Imu &_imu)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->imu = std::make_unique<Imu>(_imu);
+  this->dataPtr->imu = _imu;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const Imu *Sensor::ImuSensor() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->imu.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->imu);
 }
diff --git a/src/Utils.hh b/src/Utils.hh
index c49489b26..ae9d945ee 100644
--- a/src/Utils.hh
+++ b/src/Utils.hh
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@
 
 #include <algorithm>
 #include <string>
+#include <optional>
 #include <vector>
 #include "sdf/Error.hh"
 #include "sdf/Element.hh"
@@ -181,6 +182,29 @@ namespace sdf
 
     return errors;
   }
+
+  /// \brief Convenience function that returns a pointer to the value contained
+  /// in a std::optional.
+  /// \tparam T type of object contained in the std::optional
+  /// \param[in] _opt Input optional object.
+  /// \return A pointer to the value contained in the optional. A nullptr is
+  /// returned if the optional does not contain a value.
+  template <typename T>
+  T *optionalToPointer(std::optional<T> &_opt)
+  {
+    if (_opt)
+      return &_opt.value();
+    return nullptr;
+  }
+
+  /// \brief const overload of optionalToPointer(std::optional<T> &_opt)
+  template <typename T>
+  const T *optionalToPointer(const std::optional<T> &_opt)
+  {
+    if (_opt)
+      return &_opt.value();
+    return nullptr;
+  }
   }
 }
 #endif
diff --git a/src/Visual.cc b/src/Visual.cc
index ac7c4ae47..4a830b865 100644
--- a/src/Visual.cc
+++ b/src/Visual.cc
@@ -29,16 +29,6 @@ using namespace sdf;
 
 class sdf::VisualPrivate
 {
-  /// \brief Default constructor
-  public: VisualPrivate() = default;
-
-  /// \brief Copy constructor
-  /// \param[in] _visualPrivate Joint axis to move.
-  public: explicit VisualPrivate(const VisualPrivate &_visualPrivate);
-
-  // Delete copy assignment so it is not accidentally used
-  public: VisualPrivate &operator=(const VisualPrivate &) = delete;
-
   /// \brief Name of the visual.
   public: std::string name = "";
 
@@ -60,8 +50,8 @@ class sdf::VisualPrivate
   /// \brief The SDF element pointer used during load.
   public: sdf::ElementPtr sdf;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to the visual's material properties.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Material> material;
+  /// \brief The visual's material properties.
+  public: std::optional<Material> material;
 
   /// \brief Name of xml parent object.
   public: std::string xmlParentName;
@@ -73,23 +63,6 @@ class sdf::VisualPrivate
   public: uint32_t visibilityFlags = 4294967295u;
 };
 
-/////////////////////////////////////////////////
-VisualPrivate::VisualPrivate(const VisualPrivate &_visualPrivate)
-    : name(_visualPrivate.name),
-      castShadows(_visualPrivate.castShadows),
-      transparency(_visualPrivate.transparency),
-      pose(_visualPrivate.pose),
-      poseRelativeTo(_visualPrivate.poseRelativeTo),
-      geom(_visualPrivate.geom),
-      sdf(_visualPrivate.sdf),
-      visibilityFlags(_visualPrivate.visibilityFlags)
-{
-  if (_visualPrivate.material)
-  {
-    this->material = std::make_unique<Material>(*(_visualPrivate.material));
-  }
-}
-
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 Visual::Visual()
   : dataPtr(new VisualPrivate)
@@ -175,7 +148,7 @@ Errors Visual::Load(ElementPtr _sdf)
 
   if (_sdf->HasElement("material"))
   {
-    this->dataPtr->material.reset(new sdf::Material());
+    this->dataPtr->material.emplace();
     Errors err = this->dataPtr->material->Load(_sdf->GetElement("material"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), err.begin(), err.end());
   }
@@ -302,13 +275,13 @@ sdf::ElementPtr Visual::Element() const
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 sdf::Material *Visual::Material() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->material.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->material);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void Visual::SetMaterial(const sdf::Material &_material)
 {
-  this->dataPtr->material.reset(new sdf::Material(_material));
+  this->dataPtr->material = _material;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/src/World.cc b/src/World.cc
index 704408e13..7223394a7 100644
--- a/src/World.cc
+++ b/src/World.cc
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 #include <string>
 #include <unordered_set>
 #include <vector>
+#include <optional>
 #include <ignition/math/Vector3.hh>
 
 #include "sdf/Actor.hh"
@@ -34,18 +35,8 @@ using namespace sdf;
 
 class sdf::WorldPrivate
 {
-  /// \brief Default constructor
-  public: WorldPrivate() = default;
-
-  /// \brief Copy constructor
-  /// \param[in] _worldPrivate Joint axis to move.
-  public: explicit WorldPrivate(const WorldPrivate &_worldPrivate);
-
-  // Delete copy assignment so it is not accidentally used
-  public: WorldPrivate &operator=(const WorldPrivate &) = delete;
-
-  /// \brief Pointer to an atmosphere model.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Atmosphere> atmosphere;
+  /// \brief Optional atmosphere model.
+  public: std::optional<Atmosphere> atmosphere;
 
   /// \brief Audio device name
   public: std::string audioDevice = "default";
@@ -54,11 +45,11 @@ class sdf::WorldPrivate
   public: ignition::math::Vector3d gravity =
            ignition::math::Vector3d(0, 0, -9.80665);
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to Gui parameters.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Gui> gui;
+  /// \brief Optional Gui parameters.
+  public: std::optional<Gui> gui;
 
-  /// \brief Pointer to Sene parameters.
-  public: std::unique_ptr<Scene> scene;
+  /// \brief Optional Scene parameters.
+  public: std::optional<Scene> scene;
 
   /// \brief The frames specified in this world.
   public: std::vector<Frame> frames;
@@ -98,36 +89,6 @@ class sdf::WorldPrivate
   public: sdf::ScopedGraph<sdf::PoseRelativeToGraph> poseRelativeToGraph;
 };
 
-/////////////////////////////////////////////////
-WorldPrivate::WorldPrivate(const WorldPrivate &_worldPrivate)
-    : audioDevice(_worldPrivate.audioDevice),
-      gravity(_worldPrivate.gravity),
-      frames(_worldPrivate.frames),
-      lights(_worldPrivate.lights),
-      actors(_worldPrivate.actors),
-      magneticField(_worldPrivate.magneticField),
-      models(_worldPrivate.models),
-      name(_worldPrivate.name),
-      physics(_worldPrivate.physics),
-      sdf(_worldPrivate.sdf),
-      windLinearVelocity(_worldPrivate.windLinearVelocity),
-      frameAttachedToGraph(_worldPrivate.frameAttachedToGraph),
-      poseRelativeToGraph(_worldPrivate.poseRelativeToGraph)
-{
-  if (_worldPrivate.atmosphere)
-  {
-    this->atmosphere =
-        std::make_unique<Atmosphere>(*(_worldPrivate.atmosphere));
-  }
-  if (_worldPrivate.gui)
-  {
-    this->gui = std::make_unique<Gui>(*(_worldPrivate.gui));
-  }
-  if (_worldPrivate.scene)
-  {
-    this->scene = std::make_unique<Scene>(*(_worldPrivate.scene));
-  }
-}
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 World::World()
@@ -220,7 +181,7 @@ Errors World::Load(sdf::ElementPtr _sdf)
   // Read the atmosphere element
   if (_sdf->HasElement("atmosphere"))
   {
-    this->dataPtr->atmosphere.reset(new sdf::Atmosphere());
+    this->dataPtr->atmosphere.emplace();
     Errors atmosphereLoadErrors =
       this->dataPtr->atmosphere->Load(_sdf->GetElement("atmosphere"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), atmosphereLoadErrors.begin(),
@@ -308,7 +269,7 @@ Errors World::Load(sdf::ElementPtr _sdf)
   // Load the Gui
   if (_sdf->HasElement("gui"))
   {
-    this->dataPtr->gui.reset(new sdf::Gui());
+    this->dataPtr->gui.emplace();
     Errors guiLoadErrors = this->dataPtr->gui->Load(_sdf->GetElement("gui"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), guiLoadErrors.begin(), guiLoadErrors.end());
   }
@@ -316,7 +277,7 @@ Errors World::Load(sdf::ElementPtr _sdf)
   // Load the Scene
   if (_sdf->HasElement("scene"))
   {
-    this->dataPtr->scene.reset(new sdf::Scene());
+    this->dataPtr->scene.emplace();
     Errors sceneLoadErrors =
         this->dataPtr->scene->Load(_sdf->GetElement("scene"));
     errors.insert(errors.end(), sceneLoadErrors.begin(), sceneLoadErrors.end());
@@ -428,37 +389,37 @@ const Model *World::ModelByName(const std::string &_name) const
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const sdf::Atmosphere *World::Atmosphere() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->atmosphere.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->atmosphere);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void World::SetAtmosphere(const sdf::Atmosphere &_atmosphere) const
 {
-  this->dataPtr->atmosphere.reset(new sdf::Atmosphere(_atmosphere));
+  this->dataPtr->atmosphere = _atmosphere;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 sdf::Gui *World::Gui() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->gui.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->gui);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void World::SetGui(const sdf::Gui &_gui)
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->gui.reset(new sdf::Gui(_gui));
+  this->dataPtr->gui = _gui;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 const sdf::Scene *World::Scene() const
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->scene.get();
+  return optionalToPointer(this->dataPtr->scene);
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////
 void World::SetScene(const sdf::Scene &_scene)
 {
-  return this->dataPtr->scene.reset(new sdf::Scene(_scene));
+  this->dataPtr->scene = _scene;
 }
 
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////