Total Carbon Analysis

Design decisions shape carbon outcomes from the very first massing move. Run a Total Carbon analysis in Forma Building Design to understand the embodied and operational carbon impact.

Workflow

  • Select the building to be analyzed.
    • If no building is selected, all of the buildings in Forma Building Design will be included.
  • Choose the Total Carbon tool.
  • Choose which building surfaces to include in the analysis:
    • All surfaces
    • Facades
    • Windows
    • Roofs
  • Specify the Analysis Date.
    • Try several dates at different times of the year for a better understanding of the availability of sunlight.
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  • Sreview and adjust the analysis settings:
    • Building type
    • Exterior walls
    • Window-to-wall ratio (WWR)
    • Other configurable parameters
  • Then, click Run analysis.
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  • You can close the analysis window.
  • The status appears in the History section of the Analysis palette as In progress and updates automatically when complete.

Viewing the Total Carbon Results

Once the analysis is completed, the results panel displays the following:

  • Total Carbon
  • Embodied Carbon
  • Operational Carbon
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Use these results to compare how changes to massing, envelope assumptions, or other settings affect carbon outcomes.

To test alternatives:

  1. Adjust one or more analysis settings.
  2. Click Run analysis again.
  3. Compare the updated results.

Viewing Forma Carbon Insights

For more detailed configuration and transparency, click Open in Forma Carbon Insights.

  • The analysis in Forma Building Design provides embedded, high-level guidance.
  • Forma Carbon Insights gives you configurability and depth. You can:
    • Configure custom factors, benchmarks, and dashboards.
    • Run additional simulations with more detailed inputs.
    • Review the data and calculations behind the results.
    • Collaborate with sustainability consultants or engineers.
  • Together, they support a connected workflow from early massing to more detailed analysis.
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Iterating and Refining Your Design

Here’s a recommended workflow:

  • Shape your building.
  • Enter Total Carbon.
  • Adjust assumptions.
  • Click Run analysis.
  • Compare, iterate, and refine.
  • Open in Forma Carbon Insights for more detail.

Additional Resources