Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment

In 2022 CBE launched a new research program focused on embodied carbon. This work will build on the center’s record of successfully launching and growing new research areas, often based on information gaps identified by CBE Industry Partners, often with modest initial funding but leading to external grants that support multi-year, multi-project efforts. Through a combination of scientific research methods including simulation, field measurement and demonstration, and laboratory experiments, past programs have resulted in new knowledge and insights that changed both industry practice and relevant codes or standards at state and national levels. The new program was created with support from the ClimateWorks Foundation, and in collaboration with the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF).

This work is expected to be a multi-year, multi project effort, and the work phases are currently under development. We are developing and conducting projects aimed at investigating multiple facets of embodied carbon in buildings including low carbon material selection for building components (facades, structural framing systems) and innovative construction methods (prefabricated, modular) for multi-family residential development. A broad overview and evaluation of Whole Building LCA software tools and industry practices has further informed our research planning with future projects aimed at assessing embodied carbon from mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in buildings, and investigating supply chain decisions on the life-cycle impacts of a building.

One important scope of work will be to contribute to new initiatives being led by CLF. As part of CLF’s efforts to conduct a Whole Building LCA Benchmark Study for buildings in North America, CBE will assist in conducting analysis on case study buildings for the “California Total Carbon Report.” This page will be updated as the details of the scope of work are advanced.