The built environment is responsible for approximately 40% of the greenhouse gas emissions in the world.
Embodied Carbon vs. Operational Carbon
Everything built has a hidden climate impact from processes before construction, during the building's use, and after decommissioning.
- Embodied Carbon — carbon Emissions that occur 'upfront' or are said to be 'embodied' in the materiality and construction of buildings (~12%).
- Operational Carbon — carbon emissions that occur due to the operation of buildings (~28%).
Using Carbon Analysis During the Design Phase
Because embodied and operational carbon account for such a large share of global carbon emissions, architects and engineers should take every opportunity to reduce a building's carbon footprint during the design phase. The design phase will have a lasting effect on the project's carbon efficiency, so it's critical to optimize early and often as the project evolves.
The Forma Carbon Insights tool provides designers with insights on embodied carbon impacts, starting with early stages of design.