As the Construction industry shifts toward sustainable practices, one of its most pressing challenges lies in accurately calculating embodied carbon in materials—the greenhouse gas emissions linked to the entire lifecycle of building materials, from production to disposal and recycling.
The Construction Industry accounts for approximately 37% of total GHG emissions (Source: UNEP) and 80% of the decisions impacting GHG are taken at early conceptual design stage of a project. While many companies are working to reduce their operational carbon emissions, identifying and managing embodied carbon, particularly Scope 3 emissions, which can amount to over 70% of emissions generated, presents a complex challenge in measuring and reducing carbon emissions.
What is Embodied Carbon?
Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout the lifecycle of a building material, such as Concrete or Steel. This encompasses emissions from the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing processes, transportation, installation, ongoing maintenance, disposal and recycling. Unlike operational carbon—which are emissions tied to a building’s use phase—embodied carbon emissions are determined during the design phase of a project, usually via Life Cycle Assessments, however the timing of LCA assessments, duration and accuracy of traditional LCA is an issue having accurate data to make informed environmental impact decisions.
Understanding Scope 3 Emissions
Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions that occur in a company’s entire value chain, including both upstream (supply chain) and downstream activities (use of products). For the Construction industry, this includes emissions from:
- Material extraction and production: The carbon footprint of raw materials like concrete, steel, and timber.
- Transportation: Emissions generated from transporting materials to the construction site.
- Waste disposal: Emissions from the disposal or recycling of materials at the end of a building’s life.
Scope 3 emissions are notoriously difficult to measure and manage, primarily due to their indirect nature and the complexity of the supply chain and distribution networks.
The Problems with Identifying Scope 3 Emissions
1. Lack of Data and Transparency
One of the most significant hurdles in identifying Scope 3 emissions is the lack of reliable data. Many material suppliers do not disclose their carbon emissions, making it challenging for construction companies to assess the total embedded carbon in their projects. Without standardized reporting, comparing the carbon footprints of different materials becomes nearly impossible.
2. Complexity of Supply Chains
The construction industry often involves multiple layers of suppliers, each contributing to emissions in various ways. The complexity of these supply chains makes it difficult to track emissions accurately. For example, a single piece of steel may pass through several manufacturers and transporters, each adding to its overall carbon footprint.
3. Variability in Material Production
Different production methods and regional practices can lead to significant variations in the carbon intensity of the same material. For instance, the carbon footprint of concrete can vary widely depending on the source of the cement, the energy used in production, and the transportation distance. This variability complicates efforts to standardize emissions data.
4. Limited Tools for Assessment
While Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) tools exist, many construction firms lack the resources or expertise to utilize them effectively. Additionally, existing tools may not be comprehensive enough to capture all Scope 3 emissions accurately. This gap in tools and knowledge can hinder effective decision-making and emissions reduction efforts.
How Sustain360°™ Empowers the Construction Industry in Tackling Scope 3 Emissions
Sustain360°™ provides a range of advanced tools tailored to help construction firms address the embodied carbon challenges that often arise in Scope 3 emissions. By integrating life cycle assessment (LCA) insights and decarbonization strategies, Sustain360°™ enables more informed, data-driven decisions at every stage of a project.
1. Comprehensive Lifecycle Tracking
Sustain360°™’s LCA capabilities allow construction companies to assess the environmental impact of materials from sourcing to disposal. This transparency not only helps track embedded carbon but also ensures compliance with international sustainability standards, making it easier to compare and select lower-carbon materials.
2. Automated Environmental Metrics & Impact Analysis
Through automation, Sustain360°™ calculates an array of environmental metrics—like global warming potential, human toxicity, and ecotoxicity—giving firms a detailed, quantified view of their carbon footprint. This enables teams to pinpoint and mitigate high-impact areas across the supply chain.
3. Digital Traceability and Accountability
Using blockchain and advanced data integration, Sustain360°™ creates a secure, traceable record of each material’s journey through the supply chain. This “digital product passport” fosters accountability, allowing companies to confidently report and manage emissions across multiple suppliers.
4. AI-Powered Recommendations for Net Zero
Sustain360°™ leverages generative AI to recommend low-carbon materials, identify safer alternatives to harmful chemicals, and evaluate sustainable design choices. The platform’s scenario analysis tool even lets users visualize the impacts of decarbonization strategies over time, providing a clear roadmap for achieving net-zero goals.
Conclusion
Addressing embodied carbon in the construction industry is essential to achieving global climate objectives, yet the journey is complex, especially when it comes to managing Scope 3 emissions. From the challenges of fragmented supply chains and inconsistent data to the need for standardized reporting, construction firms face numerous obstacles. However, by embracing collaboration, setting industry-wide standards, adopting innovative technologies, and fostering a culture of sustainability, the sector can make significant strides in reducing its environmental impact.
Sustain360°™ plays a pivotal role in this transformation by offering advanced tools that simplify life cycle assessments, automate environmental metrics, and provide traceability across supply chains. By equipping companies with actionable insights and clear pathways to achieve net-zero goals, Sustain360°™ helps lay the groundwork for a more sustainable built environment.
As the industry moves forward, these tools not only enable construction companies to meet their carbon reduction targets but also position them as leaders in the fight against climate change. The journey toward a low-carbon future may be challenging, but the rewards—a healthier planet, resilient communities, and a sustainable legacy—are well worth the effort.
