SE2050 – Resources – Embodied Carbon Reduction Case Studies

Most embodied carbon measurements are based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA is defined in ISO-14040 (2006) as: “Compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle.” Most LCAs use a cradle-to-gate or cradle-to-grave analysis approach, where cradle-to-gate includes impacts through material production and cradle-to-grave includes impacts through project end-of-life. For more information on life cycle stages see this reference or this reference (page 9). LCA provides detailed information about the environmental impacts of a building’s operation as well as upstream environmental burdens associated with its materials and products, and sometimes includes their transportation and construction phase impacts. Whole Building LCA (WBLCA) covers all stages in the life of a building, from raw material extraction (cradle) and transportation; product manufacturing, transportation, building construction and operation; and eventual recycling or disposal of these materials (grave). LCAs generally measure several environmental impacts, which almost always include Global Warming Potential, or “carbon footprint.” LCAs provide the project team clear metrics to manage the reduction of embodied carbon. See How is Embodied Carbon Measured? – SE2050 for more information. See the LCA and Embodied Carbon Calculation Tools section for more information on LCA tools. 

The following case studies include examples of built projects and studies related to embodied carbon reduction in structures. These studies were produced by other organizations, some of which have connections to SE2050, but have not been specifically authored by or for SE2050. The authors of each case study are noted as the ‘Contributor’ below. The ‘Keywords’ and ‘Building Descriptions’ were written by SE2050 to assist in navigating the list of studies. Readers will find embodied carbon reduction strategies that can be applied to their own projects. Users are cautioned not to compare results between different LCA tools. The Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database and methodology are often different between tools and continue to evolve as new research becomes available.

See this helpful 11-minute video to understand LCAs and how they can help us reduce embodied carbon in buildings: HDR’s Carbon Balance Presentation.

Are you an engineer who has completed an embodied carbon reduction case study? Submit it to be published here! Email your case study to contact@se2050.org