Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, manufacturing, transportation, and construction of building materials and components used in the construction of a structure. It includes carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released throughout the entire lifecycle of these materials, from extraction or raw material acquisition to manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and ultimately disposal or recycling.
Embodied carbon calculations encompass emissions from various sources, such as energy used in manufacturing processes, transportation of materials, and chemical reactions during material production. Understanding and reducing embodied carbon in construction is crucial in addressing the environmental impact of buildings, as it contributes significantly to the overall carbon footprint of structures over their lifespan.
