A group of UK architects, developers, and contractors are advocating for mandatory whole-life carbon assessment of buildings.
Their goal is to reduce embedded carbon emissions created by construction supply chains. A proposal by the group called for limits on upfront emissions to be imposed by 2027.
The proposal would pertain to buildings larger than 1,000 square meters. Impacted projects would have to disclose their embodied carbon emissions including all emissions caused by extraction and processing of building materials.
Embodied carbon emissions can account for half of a project’s total emissions. The production of cement alone causes an estimated 8% of global carbon emissions.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2016
International Construction Measurement Standards draft released
The goal is to improve consistency for calculating costs and reducing risk.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2016
D.C. Council passes bill to reduce number of blighted properties
The new legislation reduces the amount of time a vacant property can qualify for a lower tax rate.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2016
Passive House standard gaining influence in commercial sector
Some industry watchers predict it will become the base building code.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2016
Researchers finding solutions to bird/building collisions
Glass facades pose a serious risk to birds and cause millions of avian deaths each year.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
New OSHA rules to reduce fall and trip hazards
Employers can choose from a variety of fall protection systems.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
Seattle imposes new construction regulation to address rat problem
The city ranks first in U.S. in rat population.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Construction groups sue New York City over crane safety regulation
The rule bans cranes from operating when wind exceeds 30 mph.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Marines plan first net zero energy military base
The Albany, Ga., site will have ground source heat pumps and a biomass generator.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2016
Mahesh Ramanujam takes reins as U.S. Green Building Council President and CEO
Ramanujam brings his tech and business consulting background to the post.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2016
Canada GBC launching Zero Carbon Buildings Initiative
First step toward Zero Carbon Building Standard.