What is embodied carbon and why do you need to think about it?
Climate change is probably the biggest threat to humanity over the next 100 years. A recent study released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) makes for stark reading, nudging government reform on transport, industry, and energy systems so low carbon choices become easier for people. The scientific body that advises the UN on rising temperatures has released the report and recommends consideration of materials used in the design and build process, in a bid to reduce carbon.
Simon McWhirter, Deputy Chief Executive of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), said: “This report is the final call for governments across the world, reinforcing again that the pace and scale of what has been done so far, and current plans, are totally insufficient to tackle the climate crisis. Quite simply, we are walking when we should be sprinting.
“The report clearly identifies the solution lies in climate-resilient development in which the built environment has a critical role to play. Our industry can deliver countless viable opportunities to not only slash emissions but to build a more climate resilient, nature positive and equitable economy.”
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) reports that the construction sector is responsible for 25% of the total UK greenhouse gas emissions.
There is some good news. The government has expressed its desire to explore a maximum embodied carbon level for new buildings in the future. Change is already on its way, with new energy efficiency requirements in the Future Homes Standard. From 2025, new buildings will need to generate 75 to 80 per cent less carbon after they are built.
The case for embodied carbon
Protecting the earth’s existing and future resources have become compelling reasons for the construction industry to commit to a circular economy sooner rather than later.
When it comes to building your own sustainable self-build considering embodied carbon and its impact is crucial.
What is embodied carbon?
Embodied carbon refers to the carbon emissions of a building over its lifetime. It includes the energy consumed in raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and construction processes. Once the building is completed, further embodied emissions are linked with materials and products involved in maintaining the construction during its lifetime.
How can self-builders minimise embodied carbon?
The aim of any self-builder starting out is to consider how to minimise energy consumption in their self-build. Designing and constructing a home that uses low energy and maximises energy efficiency can be achieved through Passivhaus. This means using high levels of insulation, creating efficient windows and doors with airtight envelopes, natural ventilation and using effective heat preservation systems. All of this results in a comfortable, low energy building helping to reduce heating costs and emissions to a fraction of current standards.
Low energy buildings also feature renewable energy systems such as solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal heat pumps to generate their own renewable energy on-site.
Modern methods of construction (MMC) which focus on offsite manufacturing and choosing low carbon materials such as timber frames or natural insulation materials like sheep’s wool instead of concrete, brick, or steel, will help when it comes to lowering embodied carbon.
Sourcing your materials locally will reduce the impact of using transport and think about how big your house needs to be. The smaller, the better as this reduces your carbon impact.
To achieve this, it’s all about the quality and attention to detail when it comes to the design and construction of the building which ensures it performs to the highest standard.