Low- and no-cost measures can significantly reduce embodied carbon in mid-rise commercial office, multifamily, and tilt-up-style buildings, according to Rocky Mountain Institute.
Whole-building design, material substitution, and specification strategies can chop embodied carbon by 24% to 46% in those building types at cost premiums of less than 1%, the Institute says. A recent report by the Institute focused on carbon embodied in structural elements, which accounts for about 80% of a structure’s embodied carbon.
Whole-building design can have the biggest impact on embodied carbon, the report says. Material substitution and specification can also result in substantial embodied carbon savings, especially when targeting carbon-intensive materials such as concrete and steel.
A building’s structure and substructure typically make up the largest sources of up-front embodied carbon—as much as 80%. But the relatively rapid renovation cycle of building interiors associated with tenancy and turnover can account for a similar percentage of emissions over the lifetime of a building.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2017
Affordable housing initiative drives surge in residential unit permits in New York City
New permits tripled from year-ago period.
Codes and Standards | May 22, 2017
Amid labor shortage, industry groups urge government action to boost trades
AGC says a shortage of qualified workers is limiting the economy from adding more jobs.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2017
Spate of sinkhole incidents points to neglected infrastructure investment
Suddenly appearing caverns cause deaths, evacuations, interruption of utility services.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2017
AIA releases updated edition of its A201 flagship documents
These core documents are updated once a decade.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2017
Trump’s proposed corporate tax rate changes said to stifle funding for affordable housing
Banks reluctant to commit to specific deals with tax credit status uncertain.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2017
New IoT-Ready Alliance to establish standard for IoT sensors in LED light fixtures
It aims to make installation of technology easier.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2017
OSHA increases penalties on South Dakota contractor after fatal building collapse
Agency issues over $300,000 in fines for ‘willful’ safety violations.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Potential shade on Boston Common from proposed high-rise raises public ire
The Mayor is among those who want to change 1990s anti-shadow law.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2017
Method of estimating amount of CO2 by building occupants may be inaccurate
New research suggests current estimates may be off by as much as 25%.
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2017
National Fenestration Rating Council’s new U-factor standard open for public comment
Member-approved ballot change to NFRC 100 comments to close on May 28.