Embodied carbon and operational carbon are two important concepts in sustainable architecture related to the environmental impact of buildings.
Embodied carbon
When we talk about embodied carbon, this refers to the carbon emissions associated with the materials, manufacturing, transportation, and construction of a building. It is the carbon footprint of a building before it is even occupied. Embodied carbon includes the carbon emissions associated with extracting raw materials, processing them, manufacturing building products, transporting them to the construction site, and constructing the building.
Reducing embodied carbon can be achieved through a number of strategies. One approach is to use low-carbon materials, such as those made from recycled or sustainable sources. Another approach is to reduce the amount of materials used in a building by designing for efficiency and simplicity. Additionally, sourcing materials locally can reduce the emissions associated with transportation.
Operational carbon
Operational carbon refers to the carbon emissions associated with the day-to-day use and maintenance of a building. This includes the carbon emissions from heating, cooling, lighting, and running appliances, as well as the emissions from water use, waste disposal, and transportation to and from the building. Reducing operational carbon can also be achieved through a number of strategies. This includes designing buildings to be more energy-efficient. This could be through passive design strategies that maximise natural lighting and ventilation. Similarly, it could be through the use of renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Additionally, reducing water use and waste can also reduce operational carbon emissions.
Both embodied carbon and operational carbon are important considerations in sustainable architecture. While operational carbon emissions are more visible and measurable, embodied carbon emissions can be larger, especially for buildings with long lifetimes. Therefore, reducing embodied carbon should be a priority in sustainable architecture.
Key Targets For Net Zero Operational Carbon By LETI
By 2030 all new buildings must operate at net-zero to meet our climate change targets. The London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) is a group of built environment professionals working towards a net-zero carbon future for London. One of the key initiatives organized by LETI is the development of operational net-zero buildings.
To achieve this, LETI has identified several key targets that need to be met by operational net-zero buildings. These include:
- Energy efficiency. The first target is to maximise the energy efficiency of the building, which involves reducing the energy demand. This can be achieved through measures such as high levels of insulation, airtightness, and efficient HVAC systems.
- On-site renewable energy. The second target is to generate as much renewable energy on-site as the building consumes. This can be achieved through the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy sources.
- Energy storage. The third target is to store excess energy generated by the building’s renewable energy systems. This stored energy can then be used to power the building when renewable energy generation is low, such as on cloudy days or at night.
- Demand response. The fourth target is to implement demand response systems that allow the building to adjust its energy consumption based on the availability of renewable energy. For example, the building can reduce energy consumption during periods of low renewable energy generation and increase it during periods of high generation.
- Embodied carbon. The fifth target is to reduce the embodied carbon of the building, which is the carbon emitted during the construction and materials production process. This can be achieved through the use of low-carbon materials and sustainable construction practices.
By meeting these key targets in our projects, operational net-zero buildings can significantly reduce their carbon emissions and contribute towards a more sustainable built environment.
PLACE architects
At PLACE architects we are keen to tackle the challenges of sustainability met in the construction industry. We need to keep up to date with developing regulations that encourage change and set new targets as set out in the new Part L publication. Part L of the Approved Documents covers the energy performance of buildings setting out standards that need to be met in both the domestic and non-domestic settings. Failing to meet these standards will mean projects won’t pass building regulations so it is vital to abide by them.
Written by Ben Hardy
Ben joined Place in 2021 after completing his Masters in architecture and is now planning to complete his Part 3 qualification and become an architect.
