Embodied Carbon
What Is Embodied Carbon in Buildings?
Embodied carbon is the carbon impact connected to the materials, construction processes and lifecycle stages of a building.
When people think about building emissions, they often think first about energy use. Heating, cooling, lighting, hot water, appliances and building services are all important parts of building performance.
But a large part of a building’s carbon impact can be created before the building is even occupied. This is where embodied carbon becomes important.
Embodied carbon looks at the emissions associated with the physical building itself, including the materials used to construct it, the way those materials are made, transported and installed and what happens when parts of the building are repaired, replaced or removed in the future.
In Brief
Embodied carbon is the carbon impact of the building itself.
Materials
Concrete, steel, timber, aluminium, glass, insulation, finishes and façade systems can all contribute to embodied carbon.
Construction
Manufacturing, transport, installation and construction activity can form part of the assessment scope.
Lifecycle
Replacement, maintenance, demolition, disposal, recycling and reuse may also be considered depending on the method.
Building Lifecycle
What Does Embodied Carbon Include?
Embodied carbon can include emissions from several stages of a building’s lifecycle. The exact scope depends on the assessment method, reporting requirement and project brief, but it commonly considers the carbon associated with materials and construction.
Materials
Concrete, steel, timber, masonry, insulation, glazing, plasterboard, finishes, façade systems and other building products.
Manufacturing
The emissions associated with turning raw materials into construction products and building components.
Transport
The movement of products and materials from extraction, manufacturing or supply locations to the construction site.
Construction
Site activity, construction processes, temporary works, installation methods and construction related energy use where included in scope.
Replacement
Future replacement of materials or systems during the life of the building, especially finishes, services and façade components.
End of life
Demolition, disposal, recycling, recovery or reuse of materials when the building or its components reach the end of their service life.
Why It Matters
Why Is Embodied Carbon Becoming More Important?
As buildings become more energy efficient in operation, the carbon associated with materials and construction becomes more visible. A building may perform well once occupied but still carry a significant carbon impact because of the materials and systems used to create it.
This is especially important because many embodied carbon decisions happen early. Structural systems, retention or demolition, concrete volumes, steel design, façade strategy, glazing ratios, insulation choices and material specifications can all influence the carbon profile of a project.
For architects, developers, builders and consultants, embodied carbon is becoming part of responsible project planning, material selection and long term building performance thinking.
Important Distinction
Embodied Carbon Is Different From Operational Carbon
Operational carbon relates to the emissions created by running a building. This can include heating, cooling, lighting, hot water, appliances, equipment and building services.
Embodied carbon relates to the emissions associated with materials, construction and lifecycle impacts. These impacts can occur before the building is occupied and may be difficult to change once the design, procurement and construction decisions have been made.
Both matter. A low carbon building needs to consider how it is built as well as how it performs over time. For a deeper comparison, read Embodied Carbon vs Operational Carbon.
Material Awareness
Which Building Elements Affect Embodied Carbon?
Embodied carbon is not caused by one material alone. It is shaped by the total design, quantity, specification and lifecycle of the building system.
A good embodied carbon review looks at material quantities and the carbon intensity of those materials. It should also consider where realistic design decisions can reduce carbon without compromising compliance, durability, comfort or buildability.
Reporting
What Is an Embodied Carbon Report?
An embodied carbon report is a project specific assessment that estimates the carbon impact associated with the materials and construction scope of a building. It can help project teams understand where carbon is concentrated and which design or specification decisions may have the greatest influence.
Depending on the project, a report may consider drawings, structural information, material schedules, specifications, quantities, Environmental Product Declarations, assumptions and lifecycle stages.
For more detail, read What Is Included in an Embodied Carbon Report? and What Information Is Needed for an Embodied Carbon Report?.
Related Pathways
How Does Embodied Carbon Relate to LCA and NABERS?
Embodied carbon reporting is closely related to lifecycle thinking, but it is not always the same as a full Life Cycle Assessment. A full Life Cycle Assessment may consider a broader range of environmental indicators beyond carbon, depending on the method and project requirements.
Embodied carbon reporting can also be different from a formal NABERS Embodied Carbon pathway. NABERS Embodied Carbon is a specific framework, while a general embodied carbon report may be used for project understanding, material review, design decisions or non NABERS reporting contexts.
For more detail, read Embodied Carbon Report vs Life Cycle Assessment and Embodied Carbon Report vs NABERS Embodied Carbon.
Project Timing
When Should Embodied Carbon Be Considered?
Embodied carbon is most useful when it is reviewed early enough to inform decisions. Once the structural system, façade strategy and key material specifications are fixed, there may be fewer opportunities to meaningfully reduce impact.
Concept design, design development and documentation stages can all provide useful entry points. The right timing depends on the project, the available information and whether the report is being prepared for internal review, planning, rating tools, procurement or broader sustainability objectives.
For a more design focused discussion, read Why Embodied Carbon Matters in Modern Architecture.
Summary
Embodied Carbon Is Becoming Part of Responsible Building Design
Understanding embodied carbon helps project teams see the carbon impact of a building before it is occupied. It brings attention to structure, materials, façade systems, specifications, replacement cycles and end of life assumptions.
As building performance expectations continue to evolve, embodied carbon is becoming an increasingly important part of how buildings are designed, documented and assessed.
FAQ
Common Questions About Embodied Carbon in Buildings
What is embodied carbon in buildings?
Embodied carbon is the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the materials, construction processes and lifecycle stages of a building. It can include extraction, manufacturing, transport, construction, replacement and end of life impacts depending on the assessment scope.
How is embodied carbon different from operational carbon?
Operational carbon relates to emissions from running a building, such as heating, cooling, lighting and equipment. Embodied carbon relates to the building’s materials, construction and lifecycle impacts.
Which building elements affect embodied carbon?
Common contributors include concrete, steel, timber, masonry, aluminium framing, glazing, façade systems, insulation, finishes, services equipment and replacement cycles. The result depends on both material quantity and carbon intensity.
When should embodied carbon be considered?
Embodied carbon should be considered as early as practical, ideally before structural systems, façade strategies and major material specifications are fixed. Early review gives project teams more opportunity to compare options.
Related Guidance
Continue Reading About Embodied Carbon
Embodied vs Operational Carbon
How material carbon and energy use differ across a building’s life.
Embodied Carbon in Materials
Why material decisions matter from the earliest design stages.
What Is Included in a Report?
What an embodied carbon report usually contains.
How Embodied Carbon Is Calculated
A practical guide to scope, quantities, emissions factors and assumptions.
Project Review
Need to understand the embodied carbon impact of a building project?
Certified Energy can review your project documentation and advise whether an embodied carbon report, Life Cycle Assessment, NABERS Embodied Carbon pathway or another reporting approach may be relevant.
Visit the Embodied Carbon Report Knowledge Hub
