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What is Embodied Carbon? Understanding its Impact on the Built Environment.
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What is Embodied Carbon?
Embodied carbon emissions form an integral component of buildings and infrastructure lifecycles, incorporating carbon generated during material production, transportation, and disposal. With buildings contributing to nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, it's crucial to prioritize addressing embodied carbon emissions within our climate action plan. The urgency arises from the fact that these emissions are both irreversible and enduring, persisting throughout infrastructure lifespans. Thus, immediate action is imperative to mitigate embodied carbon and prevent the dire consequences of climate change while striving to meet climate targets.
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Difference Between Embodied Carbon & Operational Carbon
Embodied carbon and operational carbon represent distinct types of carbon emissions within the built environment. Embodied carbon emissions, as previously stated, stem from the materials utilized in constructing buildings and infrastructure and are generated during their manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal processes.
In contrast, operational carbon emissions result from the day-to-day energy consumption of buildings, including heating, cooling, and lighting. Typically, operational carbon is quantified in metric tons of CO2e per year, while embodied carbon is measured in metric tons or kilograms of CO2e per unit of material.
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Sources and Process of Embodied Carbon
Embodied carbon in building materials and construction processes arises from a multitude of intricate sources. Key contributors encompass the extraction, processing, and transportation of raw materials (A1-A2) like cement, steel, aluminum, and timber. Manufacturing processes (A3) involved in producing these materials also yield substantial embodied carbon emissions. Moreover, transportation (A4) of materials to construction sites, the construction process itself (A5), and the installation (B1) and maintenance (B2) of building systems all add to these emissions. Lastly, end-of-life disposal (C4) of building materials, including demolition and landfilling, further contributes to embodied carbon emissions.
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Impact on the Environment
Embodied carbon exerts a substantial environmental impact and serves as a primary driver of climate change. Throughout the cradle-to-site (A1-A5) stages, significant greenhouse gas emissions are generated.
These emissions contribute to planetary warming, ocean acidification, and ecosystem degradation. Sustainable construction practices aim to diminish the environmental footprint of embodied carbon by employing low-carbon or recycled materials, optimizing building design and construction processes to reduce waste, and minimizing transportation and energy consumption.
Through the reduction of embodied carbon, sustainable construction practices can effectively combat the adverse effects of climate change, preserve natural resources, and foster a healthier and more resilient built environment.
Low Impact Development
Stormwater Management Tools
What are Low Impact Developments, and in what ways can they benefit your projects?
Low Impact Developments (LID) encompass innovative techniques tailored to manage rainwater runoff while preserving the natural hydrology of a site. By minimizing disruptions to the landscape or integrating natural-looking infiltration features, these strategies epitomize sustainable design principles. LID methods prioritize:
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Direct management of runoff at its source.
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Reduction of impervious surfaces, such as driveways, roads, and rooftops.
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Preservation of open spaces and vegetated areas.
These approaches extend beyond initial design phases, proving valuable for both new constructions and existing buildings aiming for sustainability and cost efficiency. From stormwater planters to bioretention zones, LIDs offer versatile solutions applicable at any development stage, potentially replacing traditional cisterns and pumps.
Examples of LID practices include:
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Rain gardens: Sunken landscape features that collect rainwater, fostering absorption into the ground through lush vegetation.
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Vegetated buffers: Natural zones maintained to safeguard neighboring water quality, mitigating runoff impacts and enhancing soil filtration.
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Permeable pavement: Porous surfaces facilitating precipitation capture and gradual soil infiltration.
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Rainwater harvesting: Collection and utilization of rainwater for various purposes, reducing reliance on conventional water sources.
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Soil amendments: Enhancements to soil properties to optimize water retention, permeability, and drainage.
These strategies yield both environmental and economic advantages:
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Improved water quality, leading to enhanced property values, public health, and reduced water treatment costs.
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Mitigated flooding risks, safeguarding properties and infrastructure.
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Preservation of natural habitats and aquatic ecosystems by minimizing stormwater erosion.
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Enhanced groundwater recharge and aquifer replenishment.
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Aesthetic enhancements contributing to community well-being and property appreciation.
In essence, LID practices represent a harmonious blend of ecological stewardship and economic vitality, ensuring sustainable development for generations to come.