During the SE2050 Signatory Summit at the 2026 Structures Congress in Boston, the Policy task group held a workshop to gather feedback on the typical 3-pronged approach to embodied carbon reduction policies for building construction (Building Reuse, WBLCA, and Product GWP limits). This approach was pioneered by CALGreen and has since become a popular approach for jurisdictions enacting green building policies. The full summary of the workshop findings can be read here: Policy Workshop_Boston 2026_Summary

Key Takeaways

  1. Multiple compliance paths are favorable because they accommodate different project types and client sustainability goals.
  2. The building reuse pathway has the greatest carbon reduction potential but is often too costly and difficult to implement; the code also does not provide flexibility or guidance on reusing materials.
  3. WBLCA is the most common pathway chosen for reducing embodied carbon. However, the group thought more research is needed regarding WBLCA consistency and accuracy, and further whether those concerns impact carbon reductions. Questions were raised about whether baselines are even needed if the goal is net zero.
  4. The Product GWP path is easier to use but concerns were raised that it may have less impact because it focuses on materials rather than overall building design. Many GWP limits are also not regionally accurate nor strict enough (for example, in California, the GWP limits were set at 175% of industry average values for some materials.)
  5. Participants recommended adding a fourth pathway based on “project carbon budget” to meet overall carbon targets. They also recommended adding stronger incentives to improve policy effectiveness and adoption (one idea, for example, LEED projects could go to the top of the permitting review list).

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