What is embodied carbon?

Embodied carbon refers to the emissions during the construction of a building rather than when it is in use – or the carbon footprint of a material. With the pressure on to decarbonise the built environment and deliver carbon neutral buildings ahead of the government’s 2050 deadline, it’s becoming increasingly important for contractors and developers to tackle it appropriately. Some local authorities have also started to ask about the embodied carbon footprint of new developments, so understanding what it is and how to reduce it will be vital for projects moving forward.

What is an EPD?

An EPD — also known as a Type III environmental declaration in ISO terminology — is a concise, readable, third-party verified document. It includes the reported outputs of a quantitative technique called life cycle assessment (LCA) in addition to other environmental information.

Environmental product declarations (EPDs) demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility and transparency. They are an environmental assessment and verification of products and services aligned to international standards.

Source: BRANZ