Embodied carbon is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and is created from the manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials. Unlike operational carbon that gives off greenhouse gas emissions from a building’s energy consumption, embodied carbon is released upfront during the construction stage and makes up the majority of a building’s emissions.
Because the building sector generates more than 30% of global carbon emissions, one of the most important things a general contractor can do to support the reduction of embodied carbon is to collaborate with developers and project owners early in the process to prioritize sustainable initiatives. By participating in meetings and conversations during the predevelopment phase, contractors can be a resource for project owners by helping them identify low-carbon materials that will fit within the approved design. Examples include choosing wood over steel, using lower-carbon concrete mixes over standard mixes, and installing interior finishings and fixtures made of recycled materials that can later be broken down and recycled again in the future.
Opportunities to reduce embodied carbon are not limited to new construction. Developers that specialize in repurposing existing buildings, and the general contractors they use for the project, also play important roles in helping to reduce emissions. Efforts include finding ways to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, identifying items that can be donated or recycled, and working with vendors that specialize in recycling materials removed during the renovation, such as carpeting. Being mindful of the emissions generated by transportation is also important. Shortening distances and the frequency of travel to and from job sites, reducing the number of material deliveries when possible, and limiting the frequency of waste bin disposals on job sites can also aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Embodied carbon is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and is created from the manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials. Unlike operational carbon that gives off greenhouse gas emissions from a building’s energy consumption, embodied carbon is released upfront during the construction stage and makes up the majority of a building’s emissions.
Because the building sector generates more than 30% of global carbon emissions, one of the most important things a general contractor can do to support the reduction of embodied carbon is to collaborate with developers and project owners early in the process to prioritize sustainable initiatives. By participating in meetings and conversations during the predevelopment phase, contractors can be a resource for project owners by helping them identify low-carbon materials that will fit within the approved design. Examples include choosing wood over steel, using lower-carbon concrete mixes over standard mixes, and installing interior finishings and fixtures made of recycled materials that can later be broken down and recycled again in the future.
Opportunities to reduce embodied carbon are not limited to new construction. Developers that specialize in repurposing existing buildings, and the general contractors they use for the project, also play important roles in helping to reduce emissions. Efforts include finding ways to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, identifying items that can be donated or recycled, and working with vendors that specialize in recycling materials removed during the renovation, such as carpeting. Being mindful of the emissions generated by transportation is also important. Shortening distances and the frequency of travel to and from job sites, reducing the number of material deliveries when possible, and limiting the frequency of waste bin disposals on job sites can also aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
