Embodied Carbon Assessment
Gain insight into the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the materials and construction processes of a building throughout its full life cycle — the carbon footprint before it becomes operational.
Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the materials and construction processes throughout the whole lifecycle of a building — from raw material extraction and manufacturing through to construction, maintenance, and eventual demolition. Unlike operational carbon (the energy used to heat, cool, and power a building), embodied carbon is locked in before the building is ever occupied.
Testing for embodied carbon involves a method called life cycle assessment (LCA) to track the emissions produced over the full life cycle of a product or process. Digging into the embodied carbon metrics helps ensure that materials are used optimally and that the manufacturing, transportation, and construction processes are energy efficient. Reducing embodied carbon not only cuts costs but also marks meaningful carbon savings.
Why Embodied Carbon Matters
Environmental Impact
Embodied carbon can account for as much as half of a building's lifetime environmental impact. It's a significant percentage of global emissions and requires urgent action to address it.
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
The impact of embodied carbon is typically expressed in carbon dioxide equivalent units (CO₂e), which represents the future global warming potential of the emissions over their lifetime.
Increasing Proportion of Emissions
As the operational footprint of buildings decreases due to improved heating and cooling technology, embodied carbon is expected to account for nearly half of the overall carbon footprint of new construction between now and 2050.
Role in Meeting Climate Targets
With the building sector responsible for about 30% of all global carbon emissions, addressing embodied carbon is a priority for any project serious about sustainability.
What We Deliver
- Full life cycle assessment (LCA) of your building project
- Material-level carbon analysis using manufacturer and industry data
- CO₂e metrics reflecting global warming potential
- Recommendations for lower-carbon material substitutions
- Documentation suitable for green building certifications
Want One of the Most Environmentally Responsible Projects Around?
Get in touch to discuss how an embodied carbon assessment can help your project lead the way on sustainability.