Embodied carbon: everything you need to know
As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, one often overlooked aspect of sustainability is embodied carbon. Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the entire lifecycle of a product or building, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to transportation, construction, and waste disposal.
Reducing embodied carbon is a crucial step toward achieving a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. In this blog, we'll explore what embodied carbon is, why it matters, and how we can take concrete steps to minimise it.
What is embodied carbon?
Embodied carbon emissions are the greenhouse gasses (GHG), emissions, and removals associated with materials selection and construction processes throughout the whole life cycle of a project. In other words, the carbon footprint.
Embodied carbon encompasses two main categories:
Direct carbon:
Emissions generated directly from the production of materials such as steel, cement, and glass. These materials often require high-temperature processes that release significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.
Indirect carbon:
Emissions associated with the transportation of materials to the construction site, the energy used during construction, and the disposal of materials at the end of their life cycle.
Why does embodied carbon matter?
Embodied carbon matters because it contributes significantly to a building or product's overall carbon footprint, which many companies are now looking to drastically reduce. Traditional approaches to sustainability often focus on operational carbon (emissions generated during a building or product's use), but embodied carbon can account for a substantial portion of a project's emissions, sometimes even more than operational carbon. By addressing embodied carbon, we can make a substantial impact on reducing our overall carbon emissions.
5 tips for reducing embodied carbon in the building lifecycle
Choose low-carbon materials
Opt for materials with lower carbon intensity. For example, choose timber over steel or concrete for construction, when possible, as timber sequesters carbon and has a lower carbon footprint. Consider recycled or reclaimed materials as using materials with a previous life can significantly reduce embodied carbon, as they require less energy for production. Explore alternative materials such as bamboo or engineered wood products that are both sustainable and have lower embodied carbon.
Design for efficiency
Implement sustainable design practices that prioritise energy efficiency and minimise the use of high-carbon materials. Consider modern methods of construction (MMC) and off-site prefabrication techniques to reduce waste and energy consumption during construction.
Optimise transportation
Source materials locally to reduce transportation emissions. This reduces the distance materials need to travel to reach the construction site. Utilise rail and water transport for heavy materials over long distances, as they often have lower emissions than trucks. Also ensure that, wherever possible, the supply chain is local – this not only reduces labour travel time but boosts the economy around a project.
Reduce waste
Minimise waste during construction by accurately estimating material requirements and reusing or recycling materials when possible. Implement construction waste management plans to ensure that materials are disposed of responsibly.
Extend lifespan
Design buildings and products with longevity in mind to reduce the need for replacement or renovation, which can result in higher embodied carbon. Use durable materials that require fewer replacements over time.
Reducing embodied carbon is a critical aspect of addressing climate change and building a sustainable future. By selecting low-carbon materials, adopting efficient design practices, optimising transportation, minimising waste, and extending the lifespan of buildings and products, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of our built environment.
It's time for individuals, businesses, and governments to prioritise embodied carbon reduction as a key component of our collective efforts to combat climate change and create a more sustainable world for future generations.
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