Embodied carbon refers to the emissions arising from the construction, maintenance and demolishing of buildings

Do you know what 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 is?

Most people think of building emissions as what happens once a building is occupied, energy for lighting, cooling, heating. But there’s another layer that often goes unseen: the carbon locked into the very materials and processes that make the building possible.

Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions released during the extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and assembly of construction materials. From the cement poured into foundations to the steel beams, glass panels, and aluminum finishes—each carries a carbon footprint that is “built in” before the first light switch is even turned on. 🏭 ♻️

Why does this matter? Because for new buildings, embodied carbon can account for up to half of their total lifetime emissions. If we only focus on operational efficiency, we miss a huge opportunity to cut emissions upfront.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:
▪️ Choosing low-carbon alternatives such as green cement, recycled steel, and sustainable timber.
▪️Adopting design strategies that minimize material intensity.
▪️Scaling reuse and recycling through circular construction approaches.

For developers, it’s a chance to lead with innovation. For policymakers, it’s about embedding embodied carbon into building codes. For financiers, it’s recognizing embodied carbon reduction as both risk management and value creation.

Embodied carbon is the hidden footprint we can no longer afford to ignore.

Source:

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7368855277082742785