The construction industry is at the forefront of the global sustainability challenge. With buildings responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, addressing the environmental impact of construction is no longer optional, it is imperative. While operational carbon has been the focus for years, embodied carbon is now gaining the attention it deserves. Understanding and reducing embodied carbon is essential for achieving net-zero goals and fostering sustainable building practices.

What is embodied carbon?

Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials. Unlike operational carbon, which comes from energy consumption during a building's lifetime, embodied carbon is locked in from the start. It accounts for a significant portion of a building's total carbon footprint and can exceed operational emissions.

Why does embodied carbon matter?

1. Immediate impact on climate change: Unlike operational carbon, which can be reduced over time with energy efficiency improvements, embodied carbon is already emitted before a building is even occupied. This makes addressing it crucial for achieving near-term climate targets.

2. Regulatory and market trends: Governments and industry bodies are tightening regulations on embodied carbon. The EU and its Member States are introducing legislation that requires its measurement and reduction, such as the EPBD or the RE2020 in France

3. Competitive advantage: Developers and construction firms that prioritise low-carbon materials and design strategies are positioning themselves as leaders in the sustainable transition, gaining favour with investors, clients, and policymakers. In this opinion piece, our Co-CEO Guillaume Lafont comes back on the reasons why construction companies should lead the charge for the carbon transition 

Key strategies for reducing embodied carbon

1. Material selection
    - Use low-carbon and bio-based materials such as timber, recycled steel,              and low-carbon concrete.
    - Source materials locally to reduce transportation emissions.
2. Optimised design
    - Implement circular economy principles, designing for reuse and                          adaptability.
    - Minimise material use through efficient structural design and modular construction.
3. Lifecycle Assessment (LCA)
    - Perform LCAs early in the design process to understand and mitigate                  carbon impacts.
    - Utilise digital tools to model and compare different material and design            choices.
4. Collaboration across the supply chain
    - Engage with manufacturers to source Environmental Product                              Declarations (EPDs) for transparency.
    - Work closely with contractors and suppliers to ensure sustainable                        procurement practices.

The future of embodied carbon in construction

As the industry transitions towards net-zero goals, embodied carbon will become a standard consideration in project planning and execution. New innovations, such as carbon-storing materials, AI-driven design optimisation, and enhanced regulatory frameworks, will further drive progress. Companies that integrate embodied carbon reduction strategies today will be best positioned for the future.

At Vizcab, we empower construction professionals with data-driven solutions to measure, track, and reduce embodied carbon efficiently. Understanding and acting on embodied carbon is not just about compliance—it’s about leading the way to a more sustainable built environment.

Looking to learn more ? Discover our bootcamp “Mastering Embodied Carbon”