The critical role of product carbon data to inform better buildings

Accurate product carbon data is crucial in enhancing decision-making processes for creating low-carbon, sustainable buildings. This article draws on insights from Operations Director Sustainability at Mace, Andrew Mitchell, Sustainable Futures Partner at HTA Design, Rory Bergin, Solutions and Marketing Director at Whitecroft Lighting, Matt Paskin, and One Click LCA Embodied Carbon Expert, Johanna Jarvinen. The expert panel explored the significance of carbon data in improving sustainability outcomes in construction.

Improving decision-making with accurate product carbon data

Accurate product carbon data informs better decision-making at every stage of building design and construction. Rory Bergin of HTA Design highlighted that early access to carbon impact information allows for informed decisions during the initial stages of project design, significantly influencing the project’s overall carbon footprint.

For Andrew Mitchell, the increasing client demand for meeting specific embodied carbon standards must also be thoroughly considered. Carbon data ensures compliance with these standards, aligning with contractual obligations and enhancing client satisfaction. Understanding the carbon implications of various materials and construction methods enables teams to make strategic choices that minimize environmental impact.

Challenges in integrating carbon data into product development

Integrating carbon data into product development processes presents several challenges. As Rory pointed out, the construction sector’s traditional operational methods often clash with the new requirements for carbon evaluation, creating uncertainties around contractual risk and the integration of carbon data into existing design tools.

According to Andrew Mitchell, another challenge is found in engaging the supply chain, particularly in sectors less familiar with carbon reporting, such as MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing). Education and support are crucial to ensure suppliers understand the importance of accurate carbon data and its impact on overall project sustainability.

From a manufacturer’s perspective, Matt Paskin of Whitecroft Lighting highlighted the need for skill development within companies. Understanding where carbon hotspots lie within products and addressing them requires deep knowledge of both the product and carbon accounting. Collaborating closely with the supply chain to ensure data accuracy is another vital step.

Early-stage comparison of carbon data

Early-stage comparison of carbon data is critical in making informed design decisions. For Andrew Mitchell, accurate benchmarking against previous projects helps set realistic and aggressive carbon reduction targets. This comparison allows for identifying significant carbon savings opportunities early in the project lifecycle.

For Johanna Jarvinen from One Click LCA, it’s important to use existing data for preliminary assessments, even if the data is not perfect. Early comparisons can reveal if a project is heading in the right direction or if significant design changes are needed to meet carbon targets.

Efficient building design at the feasibility stage is similarly important. Using embodied carbon data to guide decisions on building form and structure ensures major carbon savings are considered from the outset, rather than being an afterthought.

Successful projects leveraging product carbon data

Several projects illustrate the impact of accurate product carbon data. Andrew Mitchell shared Mace’s experience with structures through the SteelZero initiative. By collaborating with fabricators and using environmental product declarations (EPDs), they met and often exceeded aggressive carbon targets. This partnership has driven significant carbon reductions and encouraged the steel industry to adopt new, lower-carbon technologies.

Rory Bergin discussed HTA Design’s work with prefabrication, noting their projects consistently achieve around 40% less embodied carbon than traditional benchmarks. This success is attributed to the controlled environment of prefabrication, allowing precise carbon data management.

Matt Paskin provided an example from Whitecroft Lighting, where a detailed analysis from One Click LCA on their luminaires led to a 70% reduction in the global warming potential of their products. This achievement was made possible by close collaboration with the supply chain and a deep understanding of the carbon data associated with their materials.

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How to ensure the accuracy and reliability of carbon data

Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of carbon data involves several key steps. Andrew talked about the need for education within the supply chain to enhance understanding and reporting of carbon data. This education helps ensure the data used in calculations is accurate and reliable.

For Matt, the importance of continuously challenging and refining benchmarks to stay ahead of regulatory requirements is crucial. He also noted that integrating CAD data into supply chain information and using tools like One Click LCA can help streamline the process and ensure accuracy.

Johanna pointed out the importance of having the correct tools for calculating carbon and selecting a consistent method for internal calculations. With numerous ways to assess carbon impact, having a standardized internal approach can help maintain sanity and ensure comparability.

Read more about designing net-zero carbon buildings.

Accurate carbon data inform better buildings

Accurate product carbon data is indispensable for making informed decisions in sustainable building design and construction. Despite challenges in integrating this data, early-stage comparisons and successful project examples highlight its importance in achieving significant carbon reductions. By educating the supply chain, continuously refining benchmarks, and using standardized methods, organizations can ensure the accuracy and reliability of their carbon data, meeting both regulatory and environmental standards.

The insights from Andrew Mitchell, Rory Bergin, Matt Paskin, and Johanna Jarvinen underscore the critical role of product carbon data in shaping a more sustainable construction industry. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus on accurate carbon data will only become more essential, driving innovations and improvements in building sustainability.

One Click LCA helps you create low-carbon products 

One Click LCA is the world’s leading end-to-end sustainability software platform for construction and related manufacturing — with easy-to-use, automated life-cycle assessment and environmental product declaration solutions, among others. With One Click LCA’s EPD Generator tools manufacturers can create EPDs for their low-carbon products, calculate their carbon footprint, and win more business.