Embodied carbon calculations and Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Embodied carbon calculations and Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) are now required as part of planning applications in all London Boroughs and in an increasing number of Local Planning Authorities. These calculations are a method of demonstrating the carbon impact of materials in new, replacement or buildings being converted for residential and commercial use.
Measuring Embodied Carbon is a critical element in evaluating the impact of a building, whether it is a new build, replacement or conversion.
LCA is a methodology that is used to measure the envirnmental impact of buildings over their full life cycle. This considers every stage and it’s carbon impact of each material’s life cycle. This includes consideratrion of ther raw material extraction, through to it’s disposal at the end of it’s life.
LCA measures impacts through a number of metrics such as, Glowbal Warming Potential (GWP), Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) Acidifcation Potential, Smaog Formation Potential and others.
The GWP is the main metric used to measure and track embodied carbon and it is measured in kilograms of CO2 equivalent (kg CO2e).
There are a number of life cycle stages which are agregated into four main life cycle stages. These are:-
A – Production and Construction Stage
B – Use Stage
C – End- of- Life Stage
D – Beyond the Life Stage
What we can do to help….
The most crital time to calculate the embodied carbon content of a project is at the very earliest stage of the design process where broad principles can be discussed and a strategy mapped out.
At Carbon Green, our Life Cycle Assessment Specialist will can guide the Design Team through the process of developing embodied carbon studies in compliance with Local Authority requirements.
One- Click LCA is a state of the art AI powered tool used to measure and help reduce the embodied carbon in building projects.
Ready to talk?
If you'd like to talk to us about your project, do get in touch.