What is Embodied Carbon, and Why Should the Construction Industry Care?
When we think about sustainability, the focus is often on reducing emissions from energy consumption—things like heating, cooling, or transportation. But there’s another important factor that plays a huge role in our carbon footprint: embodied carbon. This refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by the extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of construction materials. In other words, it’s all the carbon involved in bringing a building into existence before a single light switch is flipped.
In the construction industry, the push to reduce embodied carbon is gaining momentum. Why? Because it turns out that embodied carbon can account for as much as 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is a huge portion that often goes unnoticed compared to the operational emissions of buildings. As industries increasingly face regulatory pressures to be more sustainable, addressing embodied carbon has become a crucial part of the conversation.
In states like California, where climate action is a top priority, new regulations such as the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) are making it mandatory to reduce embodied carbon in construction materials. This push is encouraging architects, developers, and builders to rethink their traditional methods and adopt more eco-friendly practices. But what does this mean for the industry at large, and how can businesses adapt?
How Does CALGreen Address Embodied Carbon in Construction?
The introduction of CALGreen has been a game-changer for the construction sector in California. Enacted to promote sustainable building practices, CALGreen focuses on reducing the environmental impact of both new construction and renovations. One of its key objectives is to lower the embodied carbon of materials used in construction, including concrete, steel, and wood, which are all major carbon emitters during their production.
CALGreen sets clear guidelines that aim to reuse materials whenever possible. For instance, instead of demolishing an old structure and using brand-new materials for a project, developers are encouraged to assess the existing structure and materials to see how they can be reused. Not only does this minimize waste, but it also significantly reduces the embodied carbon that would have been produced in manufacturing new materials.
Additionally, the regulation pushes for the use of low-carbon alternatives. Builders are increasingly turning to materials like recycled steel, low-carbon concrete, and sustainably sourced wood to meet the requirements of CALGreen. These alternatives not only help meet regulatory standards but also cater to the growing demand from environmentally conscious clients and investors.
One interesting development under CALGreen is the rise of modular construction, which often uses prefabricated materials with a much lower embodied carbon footprint. By producing materials off-site in a controlled environment, waste is minimized, and carbon emissions from transportation and on-site construction are reduced. This method is becoming particularly popular in California, where reducing both waste and emissions is paramount.
What Can Companies Do to Adapt to These Stricter Regulations?
For companies in the construction industry, the shift toward reducing embodied carbon can seem like a daunting challenge. However, by embracing sustainable practices, businesses can not only comply with CALGreen but also position themselves as leaders in the green building movement. So, what are the first steps?
One of the most effective strategies is to prioritize material reuse. Instead of immediately resorting to new materials, companies can assess existing structures and explore how to repurpose materials. Many firms are now investing in deconstruction, where buildings are carefully dismantled to salvage reusable components like bricks, timber, and steel. This reduces the demand for new materials and cuts down on the embodied carbon associated with them.
Another key step is to incorporate lifecycle assessments (LCAs) into projects. An LCA helps businesses evaluate the environmental impact of materials throughout their entire life cycle—from production to disposal. By conducting LCAs, companies can make more informed choices about the materials they use and find opportunities to lower embodied carbon at every stage of the construction process.
Lastly, adopting new building technologies and materials is crucial. Innovations like carbon-sequestering concrete and bio-based materials offer exciting new ways to reduce embodied carbon. Carbon-sequestering concrete, for example, actually absorbs carbon dioxide over time, making it a viable solution for lowering the overall carbon footprint of buildings. Staying ahead of the curve in terms of technological advancements will not only help businesses comply with CALGreen but also attract clients who are looking for sustainable, future-focused construction solutions.
Reducing embodied carbon is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. Regulations like CALGreen are leading the charge in pushing industries to reduce their environmental impact, and the construction sector is at the forefront of this shift. As builders, developers, and architects adapt to these new standards, the focus on reusing materials, adopting low-carbon alternatives, and utilizing new technologies will only grow stronger.
For businesses willing to embrace change, the future holds significant opportunities. Not only does complying with CALGreen open the door to a more sustainable construction industry, but it also positions companies to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly buildings. As awareness of climate change grows, reducing embodied carbon will be key to building a more sustainable world.
