Embodied Carbon
Researchers in a laboratory at Oregon State University study the properties of cross-laminated timber. CLTs are a way to reduce the embodied impacts of a structural system.
“Embodied carbon” typically refers to the upfront greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing building materials.
Structural materials like steel and concrete tend to have the highest embodied carbon within a building, but all the other products, even down to interior finishes like drywall and carpet, come into play as well. To learn about the embodied carbon of a specific product, look to an environmental product declaration. A whole-building life-cycle assessment is necessary to understand the emissions associated with an entire project.
Embodied Carbon
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Apples to Pineapples: Four Reasons You Can’t Compare EPDs
Feature Short
We’d love to use transparency tools to compare products “apples-to-apples.” But we’ve got a long way to go.
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Getting the EPD Credit in LEED v4: Atlanta Stadium
Feature Short
Innovations go far deeper than a stunning, biomimetic roof. The Atlanta Falcons’ new stadium aims to bring green building to the masses.
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LEED v4 and EPDs: How’s That Market Disruption Working Out for You?
Feature Short
More EPDs are appearing as a result of LEED v4, even as problems with data quality get worked out on the fly.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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The Exponential Growth of Embodied Carbon Accounting
News Analysis
Use of whole-building life-cycle assessment tools like Tally is spiking. Why? -
Builders Push “Drawdown Buildings” to Cut Embodied Carbon
News Brief
Touting the benefits of biobased materials and electrification, a recent study shows how low-rise buildings can become a climate solution. -
Marin County First to Adopt Low-Carbon Concrete Code
News Brief
A California county has the first code to address both concrete performance and concrete’s carbon emissions.
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Structural Engineers Study Embodied Carbon of 600 Buildings
News Brief
More than half of a building’s embodied carbon is in its bones, prompting research—and soon, a new Revit tool.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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