why should you care about embodied carbon? • Environmental responsibility: Reducing embodied carbon is vital in combating climate change and conserving our planet’s resources. • Regulatory landscape: Emerging regulations and increasing focus on whole life carbon are making embodied carbon a key consideration. • Client demand: More clients are seeking sustainable, low- carbon building solutions. • Achieving net zero: Addressing embodied carbon is essential for reaching ambitious net zero targets for the built environment.
what is embodied carbon?
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Did you know that the carbon footprint of a building extends beyond its energy use? Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the materials and construction processes throughout a building’s lifecycle – from raw material extraction to disposal – excluding the energy used during its operation. As we become more efficient in reducing operational carbon, the impact of embodied carbon is becoming increasingly significant. Understanding and addressing it is crucial for achieving the UK’s net zero targets and creating a truly sustainable built environment. the journey of embodied carbon: Embodied carbon occurs across various lifecycle stages: • Product stage (A1-A3): Extraction of raw materials, their transportation to manufacturing sites, and the manufacturing processes themselves. • Construction process stage (A4-A5): Transportation of products to the construction site and their installation. • Use stage (B1-B5): Emissions from maintenance, repair, replacement of materials, and refrigerant leakage. • End of life stage (C1-C4): Demolition, transportation of waste, waste processing, and disposal. • Beyond the system boundary (D): Potential benefits or burdens from material reuse, recycling, or energy recovery. To quantify this impact, we use carbon conversion factors (kgCO 2 e per unit of material) and compare materials based on their performance using functional units. Ingleton Wood offers expert consultancy services to help you understand and reduce the embodied carbon of your projects.
Embodied carbon assessments We quantify the embodied carbon of your building designs using industry standard methodologies.
Strategic material selection advice We guide you in choosing low-carbon material alternatives that meet performance requirements.
Development of reduction strategies We work with your design team to implement effective strategies for minimising embodied carbon throughout the project lifecycle.
EPD guidance and analysis We help you navigate and utilise Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for informed material choices.
Education workshops and training We provide tailored training to raise awareness and build capacity within your organisation on embodied carbon principles.
To learn how we can help
you understand and reduce the hidden footprint of your building, click here .
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