An Introduction to Embodied Carbon

“Between now and 2060, the buildings industry is poised to add a whopping 230 billion m2 of new construction worldwide. That means we will double the amount of buildings we currently have on the planet over the next four decades. To put this into perspective, we are constructing the equivalent of an entire New York City every month for the next 40 years. Let that sink in.”

 

Thus opens a fantastic article by Anthony Pak explaining the concept of Embodied Carbon and what that means for the built environment, in particular, what that means for those who design the built environment. Pak continues, “Given the sheer volume and speed of new construction, it is critical that we design all of these buildings as sustainably as possible. But what do we mean when we say sustainable? When you hear the term ‘green buildings’, what comes to mind?”

 

Check out the link to his article (above) and learn all about Embodied Carbon. The best technical article written for a broad audience that I’ve come across. And if you get hooked and want to dive deeper, check out the Embodied Carbon Network hosted out of the University of Washington. Great stuff!

 

We may not yet have all of the answers regarding stabilizing atmospheric CO2 levels, but the questions are certainly valid. It’s heartening and inspiring to see how architecture, construction, and yes even policy are evolving and slowly but surely embracing a low(er)-carbon future.