Buildings are becoming more energy-efficient. The electricity grid is progressively being decarbonised. As a result, embodied carbon is rapidly becoming a more significant component of a building’s whole life carbon footprint.
It’s estimated that embodied carbon is responsible for between 20-50% of a building’s whole life carbon emissions. The balance will inevitably tip towards embodied carbon as operational carbon levels continue to fall.
The other key difference is that operational carbon performance can be improved through better insulation and renewable energy. Embodied carbon is fixed by design and material choices.
It’s reasonable to expect that procurement teams will look for greater certainty over embodied carbon levels. Many in the industry expect that building regulations will be updated to set minimum standards for embodied carbon.
As and when this happens, having a simple and reliable way to calculate the carbon emissions caused by extracting, processing, transporting and assembling all of the materials used in a construction project will be a significant advantage.
The Carbon Calculator Tool
Together with KLH Sustainability, Innovaré has developed a carbon calculator tool based on the RICS whole life carbon assessment model. The tool brings simplicity and consistency to carbon calculations.
The carbon calculator tool offers a straightforward auditable process based on a database of specification data. It extracts data from the REVIT estimating model to measure the embodied carbon associated with the product and construction process stages.
We’ve further developed the system to measure and reduce operational CO2 emissions and provide a closed loop feedback process with our factory.
The tool also supports our partnership business model. It can be used by architects and developers in a collaborative environment. They can work with Innovaré engineering and design specialists not just to model but to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the project.
The carbon calculator tool and a collaborative approach to design offer a straightforward route to practical carbon reduction. It also offers the clarity and consistency procurement teams will be looking for.
Contact (enquiries@innovaresystems.co.uk) for more information or take a look at our resource centre.
