Driving embodied carbon reduction in infrastructure projects and supply chains

Vital Energi: Reducing embodied carbon in sustainable heating

The construction industry stands at a crucial juncture in its journey toward sustainability, with embodied carbon reduction becoming an increasingly pivotal focus. Embodied carbon — encompassing all the greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacture, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials — is a significant portion of a building's overall carbon footprint. Traditionally overshadowed by a focus on operational emissions, the focus is now shifting toward embodied carbon due to its long-term environmental impact.

The critical importance of reducing embodied carbon

Embodied carbon in the construction sector presents a unique challenge and opportunity for sustainability. This shift highlights the necessity for comprehensive strategies that look at embodied carbon holistically, encompassing entire supply chains and life-cycle stages of construction materials.

 "Infrastructure projects have only recently begun to address embodied carbon, but its long-term impact on our carbon footprint is undeniable." — Chris Saunders, One Click LCA

Effective carbon management across supply chains

Addressing embodied carbon across the entire supply chain is crucial for making the significant impacts on sustainability that are needed in order to achieve ambitious net-zero goals. As the construction industry aims to reduce its overall carbon footprint, focusing on the interconnected elements of the supply chain — from raw material sourcing through to end-of-life disposal — becomes essential. This comprehensive approach ensures that every component of the building process is optimised for minimal environmental impact. By considering the carbon outputs of suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors, companies can implement strategies that significantly reduce embodied carbon. This focus not only aligns with environmental targets but also enhances sustainability outcomes throughout the entire life-cycle of construction projects.

Overcoming supply chain challenges

For construction and infrastructure project decarbonisation, managing embodied carbon down the supply chain involves effective communication with construction product and material manufacturers. Encouraging the measurement and reduction of embodied carbon in the materials that are selected for projects is of increasing importance, but does present challenges. The adoption of environmental product declarations (EPDs) is having a significant positive impact on the accuracy of embodied carbon analysis within infrastructure and construction, and although voluntary for now, is likely to become a regulated requirement in the near future.

"The increasing importance of scope 3 emissions reflects a broader shift towards full supply chain accountability in achieving net-zero targets. Supporting our suppliers in understanding and integrating EPDs into their processes is crucial for our collective success in sustainability." — Anne Johnstone, Vital Energi

Regulatory influences and future directions

The evolving regulatory landscape means that existing and incoming standards and requirements are reshaping the industry and placing an even greater focus on decarbonisation across projects. These regulations, such as PAS2080 Carbon Management in Infrastructure, the Greater London Authority (GLA) Low Carbon Construction, RICS whole-life carbon assessment V2, and the proposed Building Regulations Part Z, are crucial for promoting embodied carbon reduction and encouraging the adoption of low-carbon solutions in infrastructure and other construction projects. 

"New regulations are compelling the industry to adopt stricter carbon reduction targets, which we expect to drive further innovation and widespread adoption of sustainable practices," — Chris Saunders, One Click LCA

The cultural shift towards sustainable practices

Achieving significant reductions in embodied carbon requires more than technological innovation and regulatory compliance; it necessitates a cultural shift within the industry. 

"To truly reduce embodied carbon, we need to transform the traditional construction practices and mindsets, involving every player in the industry."  — Anne Johnstone, Vital Energi 

This cultural shift towards sustainability must be embraced by all — from policymakers to suppliers — to ensure a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon footprints.

Leveraging One Click LCA to drive decarbonisation

One Click LCA enables decarbonisation across the entire supply chain with its market-leading environmental product declaration (EPD) and life-cycle assessment (LCA) software. The platform's advanced analytical capabilities and comprehensive database of over 300,000 materials supports companies to track, manage, and reduce embodied carbon effectively. By providing detailed insights into material choices and construction processes, One Click LCA empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions that align with global sustainability standards.