Estimating embodied carbon: a dual currency approach.

Victoria, M.F.; Perera, S.; Zhou, L.; Davies, A.

Abstract

Embodied carbon (EC) estimating is a growing area of research. EC estimating is evolving since the recent past, thus, undergoing several criticisms. On the other hand, there is a lack of interest among industry practitioners on EC estimating and reporting. However, EC estimating is crucial in a world of swiftly changing climate and visible adverse consequences. Therefore, this paper covers important aspects of EC estimating and explains various sources and methods of estimating, ranging from complex to simple methods of estimating. EC estimating is further explained by case studies of seven office buildings. Further, problems like lack of a standard method of measurement, lack of a robust database/benchmark for EC, lack of EC data for modern products and lack of EC data for sophisticated services are discussed. More importantly, the paper introduces dual currency appraisal of construction projects in which EC estimating plays a crucial role.

Citation

VICTORIA, M.F., PERERA, S., ZHOU, L. and DAVIES, A. 2015. Estimating embodied carbon: a dual currency approach. In Wilkinson, S.P., Xia, J. and Chen, B. (eds.) Proceedings of the 1st International conference on sustainable buildings and structures, 29 October - 1 November 2015, Suzhou, China. Boca Raton: CRC Press [online], pages 223-231. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1201/b19239-40

• Conference Name: 1st International conference on sustainable buildings and structures
• Conference Location: Suzhou, China
• Start Date: Oct 29, 2015
• End Date: Nov 1, 2015
• Acceptance Date: Oct 7, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Oct 7, 2015
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jan 15, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 15, 2018
• Publisher: CRC Press
• Pages: 223-231
• ISBN: 9781138028982
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/b19239-40
• Keywords: Buildings; Zero carbon building; Embodied carbon
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2667
• Publisher URL: https://www.crcpress.com/9781138028982