Embodied Carbon: Overview
Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a building or infrastructure across its entire lifecycle. It can be categorised into three key stages:
1. Upfront Carbon (Stages A1-A5):
This stage includes emissions from the production and transportation of materials, as well as the construction process itself. Specifically:
- A1: Emissions from raw material extraction and processing.
- A2: Emissions from the manufacturing of construction products.
- A3: Emissions from the transportation of materials to the construction site.
- A4: Emissions from the construction process, including on-site operations.
- A5: Emissions from the transport related to construction activities.
2. Use Stage Embodied Carbon:
This includes emissions generated during the building’s operational phase due to maintenance, repairs, and refurbishments. These emissions are associated with the ongoing need for materials and processes required to keep the building functional and up-to-date.
3. End of Life Carbon (Stages C1-C4):
This phase covers emissions from the end of the building’s operational life, including:
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- C1: Demolition or deconstruction of the building.
- C2: Transportation of demolished materials from the site.
- C3: Processing of waste materials, including recycling and treatment.
- C4: Disposal of materials that cannot be reused or recycled.
Understanding and managing these stages helps in designing more sustainable buildings by reducing their total embodied carbon footprint throughout their entire lifecycle.
Embodied carbon and energy scope
The carbon emissions generated during the initial stages of construction, known as ‘upfront carbon,’ are expected to account for 50% of the total carbon footprint of new buildings from now until 2050 to account for the fast-growing population. Understanding and reducing embodied emissions in buildings is crucial for minimizing their overall environmental impact.
When could an LCA required?
Green Rating Certifications
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an important aspect of sustainable building practices and is required or encouraged by various building certification systems around the world.
Notable Green Rating certifications that can achieve points or credits through completion of an LCA include:
- LEED;
- BREEAM;
- Green Star; &
- Living Building Challenge.
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)
Organisations often wish to decrease or eliminate the embodied emissions associated with a new development as part of a wider organisational sustainability policy.
Investment and Financing Requirements
Investors and financial institutions are increasingly incorporating sustainability criteria into their investment decisions. An LCA may be required to assess the environmental impact and long-term viability of a building project before securing funding or financing.
What is the process adopted to complete an LCA?
Life Cycle Assessments use building design documentation to determine the quantities of various building elements, including substructure, superstructure, internal fitouts and services. The quantification of building elements is typically coordinated by the LCA consultant.
Once the assessment is complete, a workshop will be held to discuss the initial results in addition to cost effective recommendations that can help improve the embodied emissions of a development.
A report is issued summarising the results and recommendations that can be submitted to obtain points for your targeted rating.
Our Capabilities
Aspire Sustainability Consulting specialises in:
- Green Star Buildings Certification LCA reports for:
- Credit 21 Upfront Carbon Emissions;
- Credit 24 Other Carbon Emissions; &
- Credit 26 Life Cycle Impacts.
- BASIX v4.0 Material Index; &
- C.3 Embodied Emissions Reporting, Sustainable Buildings SEPP.
