Embodied Carbon

Embodied carbon refers to the amount of carbon generated during a project’s construction, refurbishment and eventual demolition. It is increasingly important to consider this as the carbon emitted during the operation of workspace decreases due to more efficient systems and the use of low carbon energy sources. BW can advise clients on many aspects of measuring and reducing the embodied carbon of their workspaces depending on the scope of works, the nature of the contract and the expected operation of the building. Examples of this include:

For refurbishment projects, we can conduct early-stage audits of the existing building to highlight elements and materials for reuse or high-grade recycling, either on this project or elsewhere. This can then reduce the need for more carbon intensive new materials and lower the carbon levels generated by disposal.

During the design and development process, we can propose alternatives with lower embodied carbon. We can also measure and report on the embodied carbon of materials used during construction, and possible end of life impacts too.

We can measure and report on carbon emissions from construction activities including site energy and water use; transport and waste disposal – predicting and minimising these wherever possible.