Authors
Panu Pasanen, A Sipari, Erica Terranova, Rodrigo Castro, T Bruce-Hyrkas
Publication date
2018
Journal
Bionova Ltd.: Hertfordshire, UK
Description
The Embodied Carbon Review–Embodied carbon reduction in 100+ regulations and rating systems globally The Embodied Carbon Review reports the results of how embodied carbon, that is, the carbon emissions from construction materials, is addressed in certifications and regulations globally. This unique research was conducted by Bionova Ltd (One Click LCA) and sponsored by Saint-Gobain, Stora Enso, Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the Finnish Transport Agency. The growth of global urban population drives unprecedented construction, resulting in embodied carbon emissions from new buildings alone to excess of 100 gigatons by 2060. If all construction activity, including infrastructure and renovations, are included, the global construction activity carbon until 2060 is set to exceed 230 gigatons, unless carbon intensity is drastically cut. Embodied carbon has a short-term climate impact. If energy grids decarbonize, the embodied carbon from new buildings may remain the higher long-term emissions driver as well. As buildings become more energy-efficient and use more renewable energy sources, the proportional share of embodied carbon grows. This review analyzed environmental sustainability certifications and regulations applied to construction works used at least regionally. The study identified 156 such systems, of which 105 include measures addressing embodied carbon directly. National systems were identified in 26 countries. Embodied carbon is addressed with methods of different carbon reduction efficiency, including carbon reporting, comparison in design, carbon rating, carbon caps, and mandatory offsetting …
Total citations
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Scholar articles
P Pasanen, A Sipari, E Terranova, R Castro… - Bionova Ltd.: Hertfordshire, UK, 2018