Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production, transportation, construction, and end-of-life processes of building materials and products. As the UK and the EU strive to meet its net-zero carbon targets by 2050, understanding and reducing embodied carbon has become a crucial aspect of sustainable construction.
At Enviropass, we're here to guide you through every step of the embodied carbon assessment process, ensuring compliance with regulations, maximizing carbon reductions, and enhancing the sustainability credentials of your projects.
Scope 1: direct GHG emissions arising from energy use (combustion) on site.
Scope 2: indirect GHG emissions arising from the use of purchased electricity, heat or steam.
Scope 3: other indirect (embodied) GHG emissions, according to the GHG Protocol.
Expertise: Our team comprises seasoned sustainability professionals, engineers, and carbon specialists with in-depth knowledge of embodied carbon assessment methodologies and best practices.
Comprehensive Service: We offer end-to-end embodied carbon solutions, from initial assessments to detailed reporting and optimization strategies.
Innovative Approach: We leverage cutting-edge software and data analysis to provide accurate, actionable insights into your project's carbon footprint.
Proven Track Record: Our portfolio includes successful embodied carbon assessments across diverse project types and scales.
Cost-Effective Solutions: We help you identify carbon reduction strategies that also offer cost savings, maximizing the value of your investment.
Whole Life Carbon Assessments' are now a London plan requirement for certain types of development.
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Challenge: A large office development in central London needed to comply with the Greater London Authority's Whole Life-Cycle Carbon Assessment requirements.
Enviropass Solution: We conducted a comprehensive whole life carbon assessment, identifying opportunities to reduce embodied carbon through material substitution and design optimization. Our team worked closely with the architects and structural engineers to implement these changes without compromising the design intent.
Outcome: The project achieved a 25% reduction in embodied carbon compared to the initial design, exceeding the GLA's requirements and setting a new benchmark for low-carbon office buildings in London.
Challenge: A medium-sized housing development sought to minimize its carbon footprint while maintaining affordability.
Enviropass Solution: Our early-stage carbon optioneering process identified significant opportunities for carbon reduction through the use of timber frame construction and low-carbon concrete alternatives. We provided detailed guidance on material selection and worked with local suppliers to source low-carbon products.
Outcome: The development achieved a 40% reduction in embodied carbon compared to traditional construction methods, while staying within budget constraints. The project has been recognized with a regional sustainability award.
Challenge: A major school refurbishment project needed to balance carbon reduction with stringent budget and performance requirements.
Enviropass Solution: We conducted a detailed embodied carbon assessment of the existing building and proposed refurbishment plans. Our analysis identified opportunities to retain and refurbish existing elements rather than replace them, significantly reducing the project's carbon footprint.
Outcome: The refurbishment achieved a 50% reduction in embodied carbon compared to a new-build alternative, while also reducing costs and minimizing disruption to the school's operations.
Embodied carbon can account for up to 50% of a building's total carbon footprint over its lifetime. As operational energy becomes more efficient and decarbonized, the relative importance of embodied carbon increases.
Embodied carbon should be considered as early as possible in the design process, ideally at the concept stage, to maximize opportunities for carbon reduction.
While distinct, embodied and operational carbon are interrelated. Some measures to reduce operational carbon (e.g., additional insulation) may increase embodied carbon. A whole life carbon approach considers both to find the optimal balance.
Key strategies include material efficiency, use of low-carbon materials, design for longevity and adaptability, and consideration of end-of-life scenarios such as reuse and recycling.
While there are currently no national regulations mandating embodied carbon assessment, it is required for certain developments in London under the London Plan. Many local authorities are also introducing embodied carbon requirements in their planning policies. In Europe there are several European standards including EN 15978: 2011, EN 15804: 2012 + A1: 2013, EN 16449: 2014, EN 16485: 2014, EN 16757: 2017 and other EU and ISO standards.
The accuracy of assessments improves as the project progresses and more detailed information becomes available. Early-stage assessments are useful for comparative purposes, while detailed assessments later in the process can provide more accurate absolute values.
Many green building certification schemes, including BREEAM and LEED, now include credits for embodied carbon assessment and reduction.
