Understanding Embodied Carbon and How to Address It

 As the built environment continues to evolve toward sustainability, one key factor gaining increasing attention is embodied carbon. This term refers to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the entire life cycle of building materials and construction products. Unlike operational carbon, which relates to the energy used during a building's everyday functioning, embodied carbon encompasses the emissions from the extraction, production, transportation, and disposal of materials used in construction. As buildings become more energy-efficient in their operation, the importance of reducing embodied carbon becomes even more critical.

What is Embodied Carbon?

Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide) associated with the entire life cycle of building materials. This includes emissions from:

  • Raw material extraction: Emissions produced when extracting natural resources (e.g., mining, logging).
  • Manufacturing and processing: Energy and emissions involved in converting raw materials into finished products.
  • Transportation: Emissions from transporting materials to manufacturing facilities and construction sites.
  • Construction and installation: Emissions generated during on-site assembly and construction activities.
  • End of life: Emissions resulting from demolition, disposal, recycling, or reuse of materials at the end of a building’s life.

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Source: Circular Ecology

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In short, embodied carbon captures the environmental impact of the materials and products themselves, rather than the energy consumed during a building’s operation.

Why Embodied Carbon Matters?

Embodied carbon is a significant contributor to a building’s overall carbon footprint. As we make progress in reducing operational emissions through energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources, the relative importance of embodied carbon is rising. In fact, for some buildings, embodied carbon can account for up to 50% or more of the total life cycle carbon emissions, especially when materials like steel and concrete are used in large quantities.

Key Contributors to Embodied Carbon

  1. Building Materials: The production of certain materials such as concrete, steel, and glass requires significant energy, leading to high levels of embodied carbon. These materials are common in construction but are energy-intensive to produce.
  2. Transportation: Emissions from transporting materials to construction sites are often overlooked but can be substantial, especially when materials are sourced from distant locations.‍
  3. Construction Processes: The assembly and installation of materials also contribute to embodied carbon, though to a lesser degree than material production and transportation.

Strategies to Tackle Embodied Carbon

Reducing embodied carbon in construction involves a multi-faceted approach that focuses on material choices, design strategies, and construction practices. Below are some effective strategies to mitigate embodied carbon:

1. Material Selection

Choosing low-carbon or sustainable materials is one of the most impactful ways to reduce embodied carbon. Here are some considerations:

  • Alternative materials: Opt for materials such as timber, bamboo, or other sustainable alternatives that store carbon throughout their life cycle.
  • Recycled content: Use materials made from recycled sources, such as reclaimed wood, recycled steel, or recycled concrete aggregate, to reduce emissions tied to raw material extraction and processing.
  • Low-carbon alternatives: Embrace innovations such as geopolymer concrete, which has a lower carbon footprint than traditional concrete, or materials produced using renewable energy.

2. Efficient Design

A thoughtful design can significantly reduce the amount of material required for a project. By prioritizing efficiency and sustainability, designers can minimize the embodied carbon without sacrificing performance or durability.

  • Optimized structural design: Use computational design tools to reduce material waste while ensuring that the building structure remains safe and functional.
  • Modular and prefabricated construction: Pre-fabricated components allow for greater precision and reduced material wastage, which can contribute to lower embodied carbon.

3. Reuse and Adaptation

Instead of demolishing existing buildings, adaptive reuse is an effective way to preserve embodied carbon. Rather than consuming new materials and generating more emissions, renovating or repurposing existing structures can help retain the carbon stored in older buildings.

  • Design for disassembly: Buildings designed to be easily disassembled at the end of their life can help materials be salvaged, reused, or recycled, thus reducing the need for new resources.

4. Local Sourcing

Sourcing materials locally can have a profound impact on embodied carbon by reducing transportation emissions. By working with local suppliers who prioritize sustainability, developers can cut down on the carbon emissions associated with long-distance shipping.

  • Local material availability: Choose materials that are abundant and produced locally, which not only reduces emissions but also supports regional economies and promotes a circular economy.

5. Lifecycle Assessment (LCA)

Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a building’s design and materials is critical to understanding and managing embodied carbon. An LCA evaluates the environmental impact of materials throughout their entire lifecycle, helping designers make informed decisions and identify areas where improvements can be made.

6. Embrace Innovation

The construction industry continues to innovate with new technologies and materials that help reduce embodied carbon. Emerging technologies, such as carbon capture in concrete or the development of new, low-carbon construction methods, offer promising solutions to tackle this growing concern.

Research and development: Invest in research into new materials, construction techniques, and technologies that can further reduce carbon emissions.

Conclusion

As the push for sustainable buildings intensifies, reducing embodied carbon will play a critical role in minimizing the environmental impact of the built environment. By focusing on smart material choices, efficient design, and sustainable construction practices, we can create structures that not only perform well during their operation but also contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing their embodied carbon footprint. This holistic approach is crucial to meeting climate goals and ensuring that the construction industry contributes positively to a low-carbon world.

At Desapex, we are committed to helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals by addressing the critical challenge of embodied carbon. As a Net Zero consulting service, we provide comprehensive strategies and solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of building projects. From material selection to innovative design and construction techniques, our team guides in making informed decisions that minimize embodied carbon at every stage of the building lifecycle. We leverage advanced tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to identify carbon hotspots and recommend the most effective low-carbon alternatives. With Desapex’s NetZero Consulting service, you can confidently move towards a sustainable future, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the global transition to Net Zero.

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