Operational Carbon (B6): The Bridge Between Performance and Climate Responsibility
In a world racing toward net zero, every watt counts. While embodied carbon has been in the spotlight for its "front-loaded" emissions, it’s operational carbon , especially what we measure in LCA Module B6 , that defines a building’s long-term relationship with the planet. And with decarbonizing grids, building electrification, and performance benchmarking evolving fast, understanding Operational Carbon isn’t just important it’s mission critical . What is Operational Carbon? Operational Carbon represents the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the energy a building uses throughout its use phase : heating, cooling, lighting, and powering systems. In Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) terms, this falls under Module B6 (energy use), and is typically reported in metric tons CO₂e per year . It's not just a number, it’s a mirror reflecting how the building performs day-to-day in the real world. Why B6 Matters More Than...