Embodied carbon calculation
Gleeds’ embodied carbon calculation and analysis service enables clients to uncover and optimise the level of embodied carbon within their built environment assets cost effectively. Using our Decarbonisation service, they can integrate carbon impact with cost impact to ensure a balance between efficiency and sustainability.
Over time, embodied carbon will become the world’s dominant source of carbon emissions.
Emissions from buildings could increase by 84% by 2050 if no action is taken to reduce them, according to the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction.
Calculating and tackling embodied carbon in construction is a major priority for Gleeds, and for some of our clients.
Tackling embodied carbon
Cutting embodied carbon at the design stage is crucial, as it impacts the environment immediately, unlike operational carbon which is only managed over a building's life. With our carbon calculation and analysis service, we empower clients to not only cost-effectively reduce their embodied carbon, but to make sustainability a fundamental principle that guides every decision.
The focus of our carbon calculation and analysis service is to identify the key contributors across an asset and quantify the carbon and cost impact of different elements and materials. Tracking, monitoring, and assisting the reduction of embodied carbon with our Decarbonisation service provides an opportunity to target less carbon-intensive materials in buildings.
Powering the service is our comprehensive Decarbonise application that provides comparative, consistent data on embodied carbon to enable informed material choices to be made during the design phases of a project. It then supports continuous monitoring through every subsequent stage.
Users of our Decarbonise service report on average around a 20% instant reduction in embodied carbon on their projects. They are also able to produce carbon reports twice as quickly, which accelerates decision making.
Analysing cost and carbon in tandem
Carbon-friendly materials can be expensive, so understanding how to optimise the selection of materials to meet both environmental and budget requirements is key.
Our Decarbonise tool combines the expertise of cost managers and the knowledge of sustainability experts to compare a project’s embodied carbon emissions with potential capital cost.
We analyse material specifications for carbon content and assign embodied carbon values. This is then compared to material costs – enabling clients to reduce their carbon footprint while remaining within budget.
The data is backed by the technical expertise of our dedicated team of experts – including quantity surveyors – who make actionable, project-specific recommendations on how to optimise embodied carbon along with its potential cost impact.
Our carbon calculation service takes full advantage of our vast global database of up to date EPDs (environmental product declarations), meticulously curated by in-house sustainability experts.
Decarbonise and its data sources complies with ISO 14025, EN 15804, BS 15978:2011 and TM 65. It is guided by RICS Professional statement, Carbon Leadership Forum, and LETI.
