Embodied carbon in sustainable architecture refers to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced during the construction, manufacturing, transportation, and dismantling of a building or building materials. The energy used in these processes, including the extraction and processing of raw materials, can contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of a building, even before it is occupied.
Embodied carbon is becoming an increasingly important consideration in sustainable architecture as the emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero emissions goals grows. Architects and developers are looking at ways to reduce the embodied carbon of buildings by minimizing the amount of energy needed to produce building materials, reducing waste during the construction phase, and reusing existing materials where possible. This can include choosing locally sourced materials, using renewable energy sources during production, and using low-carbon materials such as timber, straw bale, or rammed earth.
Measuring and managing embodied carbon in sustainable architecture is essential to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the built environment. Sustainable architecture practices like these can contribute to a lower carbon footprint for buildings, which is essential for mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future.
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